A/N: I don't own Glee (Ryan Murphy and Fox do) or anything else you might recognize here, but use them here with love.
[Cue the Glee voiceover guy] A fine romance, with no kisses? I thought that only happened in old timey Fred Astaire movies or something! Well, anyway, Kurt and Blaine did have a great time, and who knows if either one of them got much sleep. However, as Scarlett O'Hara reminded us, tomorrow is another day – and now it's here. So, that's what you missed!
Blaine waited impatiently, shifting side to side, fiddling with the metal clasp on his clipboard until another senior Cast Member's withering "really?" look left him looking for something quieter to fidget with. Sue snuck right by him, and met Gina at the coffee bar.
Finally, he caught sight of the shuttle bus from the summer program's dorms, and bounced on the balls of his feet.
"Such a waste," Gerry tut-tutted, sidling alongside him, earning an irritated triangular raised eyebrow. "I mean, look at you, born to bounce. But not tall enough for Tigger. Maybe I can get them to relax the rules?"
"Very funny," Blaine breathed, his eyes fixed now on the college students getting off the bus.
Gerry nodded and chuckled softly, guessing what had gotten the shorter man's attention. "Hey, bro, no harm. Okay?"
"Sure," Blaine answered, making eye contact with him for a split second before rushing to open the door.
"It really is kind of a waste, if you think about it," Gerry muttered to himself with a bemused smile, and headed over to join Gina and Sue.
"Blaine! Good morning!"
It is now, he thought. "Hello! Kurt, Rachel." He smiled hugely at Kurt, temporarily at a loss for words.
"Hello!" Rachel studied the boys, who seemed to have forgotten she was there. "I'll just go get some coffee," she said, slipping away and looking behind her with a grin before getting in line.
Blaine guided Kurt out of the way. They both were dressed for work today, Disney style: natural hair, Blaine in a crisp white polo with red trim at the collar and blue chinos, Kurt in a sleek turquoise fitted button-down with form-fitting dark jeans. They'd both have to change into what were essentially gym clothes if they were furs, or costumes if they were faces. However, unlike some of their co-workers, they didn't take that as an excuse to wear those clothes to and from work.
"You know, I kind of like the curls," Kurt said, tentatively, a shy smile on his face.
Blaine laughed. "Only because I all but sprinted into this place; five minutes in the heat and humidity and well... it's not a pretty sight." He leaned conspiratorially towards Kurt. "I do have a tiny amount of de-frizz product in my hair … don't tell anyone!"
Kurt giggled, brushing his bangs out of the way. "I had no idea you were such a bad boy, Mr. Anderson. Should I be worried?"
"Should I answer that?" Blaine sassed back, waggling his eyebrows. "Or maybe just offer to get you some coffee?"
"A man after my own heart," Kurt said, then blushed faintly, as it occurred to him he'd spoken aloud.
Blaine nodded and rushed off to get coffees for both of them. "If only," he whispered.
Kurt noticed Sue talking to Gina, who made a sad face as she apparently told Sue something his fellow Cast Member didn't want to hear. He wondered what she was up to? Looking at her, though, he knew that whatever it was, he trusted her. True, she liked to scheme, and could tease with the best of them, but she was different than the Cheerios he'd gone to high school with. He suppressed a giggle, imagining how Sam would point out that she was like a weird alternate universe version of Sue Sylvester, but one who used her genius for intel gathering for good. He was anticipating going over this later with Rachel when she popped up at his elbow.
"Hey, dreamy eyes," she murmured, then swooped down to take a swig of her iced coffee.
Kurt watched as Blaine put covers on two coffees. "Um, Rach, love you and all that ..."
"But you've got a coffee date with Prince Charming. Laters," she stage whispered, giving him a comically over the top wink and darting off to go find Sue.
"One grande nonfat mocha," Blaine said, presenting the cup with a flourish.
"You know my coffee order?" Kurt asked, reaching for the cup and pinking up again as he shifted his gaze to peer at him.
"Of course I do," he said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, then seemed to lose his confidence. "Um, I mean, that's what you had last night anyway, and I just assumed that was what you'd want, but maybe that's just something you would only have with dessert? And, well, I got you a hot coffee too, and maybe I should have – "
"Blaine!" Kurt cut him off, close to giggles. "Breathe! For one thing, this is so nice, and thank you. Also, we did both agree when we were talking last night that iced coffee is not a morning thing, no matter what these crazed Floridians may think. And also," he paused, inhaling the scent with obvious pleasure, "while I may drink regular coffee at home – with a good dollop of milk – if I'm somewhere where I can get a good nonfat mocha, I'll choose it every time."
"Good. Um, great," Blaine stuttered, chuckling quietly. "Cheers!" He raised his cup in salute.
"Cheers," Kurt agreed, and they both sipped at the same moment.
"Just look at them," Sue cooed from across the room.
"I know!" Rachel gushed. "He really is a prince."
"I think they both are, honey," Sue agreed, sipping her sweet tea. "I have a good feeling about these two."
"Umhmm."
"I love it that you're so happy for him," Sue said, in her slow Georgia drawl. "The summer's just begun, you know." She looked down at the shorter girl, then paused, lost in thought for a beat. She shot a glance at her clipboard, fresh with today's assignment, with a copy to give to Blaine on top. "Some things don't work out, short term," she frowned, since her recommendation to Gina turned out to be impossible due to a sick call. "But I play a long game."
"Oh! That's today's roster," Rachel peeked at the clipboard eagerly.
"Well, darlin', Kurt's gonna have to be Peter again. We were gonna rotate him, see how he does as a fur, ya know, but Gabe called out, and Gina's group needs a Peter." Seeing the puzzled expression on Rachel's face, she continued. "Peter Pan's one of the most popular faces in the Magic Kingdom; not a day goes by where you can't find him, and that's no accident. Since Kurt's new as Peter, that means I'll be beside him again, but he'll eventually be able to be out there without a Wendy. Blaine's Buzz today, and well, my little plan for Kurt to be Woody can't happen today." She smiled indulgently Blaine's way. "He's a really great Buzz," she confided. "I mean, people think just anyone can do furs any old way, but that's not true at all."
"I get that," Rachel agreed. "I mean, it's like being a mime, or a silent film star!"
"Well, darlin', I'm glad you see it that way," Sue nodded and smiled. "You get to be Minnie Mouse today."
"What!" Rachel shrieked, jumping and almost spilling her iced coffee. "No way!"
"In short bursts, honey," Sue assured her. "You impressed Gina and the faces team, so why not. Besides, it's good to be versatile."
A short while later, the morning meeting was over. Gina surveyed the team as they prepared to suit up for the day and smiled. Just one call-out, fortunately with easy coverage since it wasn't Kurt Hummel's day off (she was already thinking of him as her new Peter). She glanced over to where Rachel was, now suited up in medievalish gear to go with Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey. They'd be close to the castle, of course, and most of her team spent time on Main Street or very close to it. The forecast called for a sunny day, maybe with an afternoon thunder shower they'd have to keep an eye on.
"Lots of guests here today," Sue noted, looking at the electronic tracking boards installed on the walls of the behind the scenes area for Cast Members. "Well, darlin', you're stuck with lil' ol' me for the day," she yawned. "Too bad about Gabe catching that stomach bug," she looked over at him, "or you'd be in furs today."
"You're tired of me already?" Kurt teased.
She chuckled. "No, honey, but Buzz there might have appreciated the company."
"Oh," he raised his eyebrows, catching sight of Blaine in his Buzz Lightyear gear (sans head). "I feel like I have a lot to thank you for – "
"No," she held up her hand, "not necessary." She glanced over at Tanya, who would be Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey today, one of the other team leaders for the day. "Okay, it's about to be show time."
After lunch, which Kurt mostly picked at, having no appetite in the heat, Kurt congratulated himself. He'd only been called out once by Sue for Buzz-watching, and he was getting good at looking for him without losing his focus. Sue had been right, of course; most of the kids didn't hang around long, and few adults lingered with them beyond taking pictures. He found himself grateful for the distraction Goofy and Pluto gave them, drawing the crowd's attention so he and Sue could slip away for a break. Their chief attendant in the area, Ed, practically had a psychic connection with Sue, it seemed, and their comings and goings had been unobtrusive.
Looking down one of the camouflaged walkways after his water break was almost done, he had a view of Buzz's back. Blaine was deep enough in staff territory that he could talk, and would be able to take off his character head at the next bend. But a tall guy was talking to him, wearing what looked like an upscale waiter's uniform, his badge dangling on his mid chest.
"Come on. You know why I'm here," Kurt heard the waiter say.
Kurt strained but couldn't hear what Blaine said, though the voice was clearly his, and it sounded pissed.
"You know you want me. Distance isn't a problem now – we're both here for the summer." Kurt watched as the tall boy grinned confidently, his eyes now smoldering. He watched as Blaine backed his way down the hall and reached the mark indicating it was now permissible to take off character gear.
"You think that solves everything, all of a sudden, now?" Blaine had his head exposed now, and Kurt became aware of how close he was to them both now. He was suddenly glad for the Peter Pan boots, which were quiet on the spongy material of the indoor walkway, and escaped back to the refreshments area.
Blaine glowered at the tall man. "Look, I wish you the best and all that, but I'm not up for a replay of Dalton. I'm not just looking for convenient summer fun – "
"I love it how you see it could be fun." The green eyes danced as he edged in closer.
"Go back to France," Blaine spat out.
"Hilarious," the other man purred.
"Seriously, we didn't want the same things then – you made that very clear – and I don't think anything's changed. Please, just leave me alone," Blaine pleaded.
"Maybe I got this job at Epcot for a reason," he stepped back, putting his arms out, palms facing Blaine. "Other than pretending to be ignorant of English now and then, it gets boring over there," he pouted. Looking straight at Blaine he continued, in a more serious tone, "maybe what I want now is more than back then."
"I know better than to believe that." Blaine's tone was sour now. "Please go," he added, pinching the top of his nose.
"Well, you're clearly not up for fun right now," the other man conceded. "Though, you know, I always thought the sweaty curls thing was kinda hot," he quirked an eyebrow up, the laughter back in his eyes. "Fine, I'll leave you to the Magic Kingdom. For now."
"Thank God," Blaine muttered, more than ready for some water. A pitcher to drink, he thought, and another to dump over that bastard's head. He peered down the passageway and wondered if Kurt was still on break.
"Say yes, say yes!" Rachel urged him as they sat on their couch, relaxed after a long day, just getting around to thinking about dinner.
Kurt rolled his eyes. He appreciated it that she was happy for him, but he hadn't shared anything about what he'd heard today. He thought back to the night before. Had it been an accident that Blaine had them sing the Toy Story duet – come to think of it, the ultimate friend zone anthem? And he hadn't thought it odd at the time, but there had been no kiss when he was dropped off, and Rachel had seemed to expect that there would be.
He'd been glad that the afternoon had been busy. The skies had clouded over and darkened threateningly, but no thunderstorm or major rain had materialized (just a short sprinkle, and he'd been inside when it happened). Sue hadn't commented on anything, but he felt like his belly was made of lead. Blaine was indeed a Prince Charming – gorgeous, kind, talented, funny. They even both obsessed about Vogue! He was great friend material, that was still true. But was that all, at least on Blaine's side?
"Hello? Are you still there?"
Kurt heard Blaine's voice on his cell phone, and swatted Rachel away. She glowered, but did at least move to the other end of the couch.
"Yup. Still here, sorry. A little mouse was kind of in my way there."
"Oh good. So, Cantina Paradiso again tonight? We've got some cheesecake just waiting for us, you know."
Kurt sighed silently. "That does sound tempting."
"Sue and Rob are busy tonight, family thing for Rob, I think."
Kurt found himself nodding. "Okay."
"I hope Rachel doesn't mind sitting this one out?"
Kurt's mood brightened. This did sound more like a date than being friend zoned. Either way, cheesecake. He nodded. May as well face the music, he thought. "I think she'll be okay. Besides, she looks pooped from her first day as a fur."
He listened to Blaine's laughter. "It's harder than people think. Half an hour enough time for you?"
Kurt smiled. He'd already showered, styled his hair, and maybe would just change his outfit again. "Absolutely."
Blaine guided him over to a table, and he recognized it as the same one from the night before. "Do you mind? I just need to touch base with Janet for a second."
He remembered her; the manager responsible for his parting solo … and their free dessert tonight. He scanned the menu idly, then noticed a man taking over at the small platform of the karaoke stage. He grimaced as he recognized the guy he'd seen talking to Blaine earlier. What the hell?
He tore his gaze away from the young man, dressed now in skinny jeans, white linen shirt tailored and partly unbuttoned, with a red and blue striped tie undone and dangling on his chest. His hair was honey colored, styled in a quiff that would look perfect on a runway. Damn him.
Blaine slid in and smiled a secret smile, then raised his eyebrows cutely. "So, what looks good tonight?"
"Um, I hadn't decided," Kurt muttered, trying for composure. "What were the specials again?"
They both turned as the mic came back on.
"So, I'd like to dedicate this song to a special someone. Enjoy." Kurt watched as he hit the switch and heard the canned accompaniment and backup singers before the man started to sing.
When I had you to myself, I didn't want you around.
Those pretty faces always make you stand out in a crowd.
But someone picked you from a bunch, a glance was all it took
And now it's much too late for me to take a second look.
Kurt watched in horror as the man danced towards them, holding the wireless mic, executing expert dance moves that came closer with every step. At the chorus he danced right up to Blaine, who looked shocked, which was lost on Kurt, who was now glaring at the intruder with murder on his mind.
Oh baby, give me one more chance
To show you that I love you
Won't you please let me
Back in your heart
The singer's expressions were unmistakable; his dance moves even less so as he danced into Blaine's personal space before retreating back to the stage to continue singing.
Kurt felt the color drain from his face, narrowing his eyes. He had to face it; he really had been falling for Blaine, and thought it was mutual, but what was up with this guy, who clearly had some history with him? This guy, he had to admit, who danced as well as Mike Chang, had a voice that was perfect for MJ songs, and had a smokin' body. Damn it!
Kurt listened and steamed in his seat, not looking behind him at Blaine until Sebastian danced his way into Blaine's personal space yet again.
Oh, baby, I was blind to let you go
But now I've seen you in his arms
Kurt watched as Blaine backed up so forcibly he almost damaged the wall behind him. Blaine's face looked darkened with fury; meanwhile, the singer's expression remained playful and flirtacious as he flitted back to the stage for the last lines of the song.
Blaine didn't wait for the applause to stop before bolting out of his chair to confront him.
"What was that?" Blaine spat out. "Really, doing a Warblers song with canned backup? Maybe that tells you something, Sebastian. Because if they were here, they wouldn't have helped you with that. None of that was classy. I'm here with someone else, don't you get it!"
Sebastian's expression dripped of false contrition. "Can't blame a guy for trying," he smirked. "And I did mean it," he added.
Blaine shook his head, lowering it as he closed his eyes and nodded in disbelief. "Please go find yourself another Disney prince. And go away. Please."
"Someone's cranky," Sebastian snarked. "Fine, go hang out with Tinkerbell's sidekick." He turned and left the restaurant.
Kurt sat glued to his seat. He hadn't heard all of it, but he'd seen Blaine's face, which had been plain enough. He'd heard the other man's departing comment, and if he hadn't hated the guy before, he really did now.
He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Kurt?" Blaine's voice was near his ear, as he stood behind him.
"That was … um … interesting," Kurt ventured.
"I'm sorry you had to see that, or hear it" Blaine said quietly. His eyes shone as he grabbed a chair and sat beside Kurt. "It's over with him. It was over a long time ago."
"Okay," Kurt breathed out.
"That's not why I brought you here," Blaine continued, taking Kurt's hands in his own. "Don't let that ruin our night, okay?"
"Okay," Kurt repeated, breathing easier now, and feeling hope return.
A/N: Hello again! If you've read my other fics, you might know that I usually don't write Sebastian as evil, but I'm afraid Original Recipe Sebastian was called for in this storyline. His dance moves and general intrusiveness throughout this song are stolen directly from the missing scene in the Michael episode, season 3, where he sings Michael Jackson's I Want You Back (check it out on youtube, well worth watching).
A Fine Romance, by Jerome Kern, is the title of a song from the Fred Astaire classic movie Swing Time (the first lines are A fine romance, with no kisses; A fine romance, my friend, this is!). I hope you appreciate that there's a cliff I could have left you on – but didn't!
Thank you, by the way, all of you who are reading, reviewing (much love to you!), following, favoriting. Your kind words and encouragement are precious to me (I also grant wishes sometimes – look for that in the next chapter). Stay tuned.
