"Sometimes the dreams that come true are the dreams you never even knew you had." - Alice Sebold, The Lovely Bones

February

Blaine exits the executive elevator and sneaks out the building's back entrance. This day is proving to be jam-packed, and he is already running behind schedule after his meeting with Isabelle and Kurt. He doesn't have time to spend with his fans camped out at the front entrance. Blaine feels guilty that he's not thanking each and everyone of them for their support. But there is no time to stop… at least not today.

Blaine's grateful that Bentley is waiting with the car motor running. He enters the back seat and the car swiftly moves away from the curb. His phone sounds with a new message and he quickly reads the text from Isabelle, I'm contacting Wes Montgomery to represent Kurt. I know you guys are friends - hope you don't mind?

Blaine has known Wes since his Dalton Warbler days and they have remained good friends over the years. He thinks that Wes will be an excellent agent for Kurt - he's experienced, conscientious and one of the best in the business. He quickly types in a reply, Excellent choice. No conflict of interest, but thanks for asking.

Blaine returns the phone to his jacket pocket and focuses on Vogue's June issue. His mind is going a mile a minute thinking about how to implement the 'Hamilton' inspired theme and how to pitch it to Marc Jacobs.

"You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders," Bentley comments, when the car stops at a traffic light.

"Yeah, I might," Blaine replies. There is a pregnant pause before Blaine continues, "What if…"

A small grin starts to form on Bentley's face. They have played this game many times before. Bentley knows when his boss is wrestling with an idea. "So, what if?" Bentley replies.

"What if you're wrestling with a big problem and your experienced staff can't sort it out… and a young whippersnapper gives you an idea – a most wonderful and spectacular idea. What would you do?"

Bentley is smart enough to realize that Blaine is facing a big dilemma at work. Bentley thinks carefully about his words before he answers. "I would take the seed of the idea, and make it grow - make it blossom into a flower. I would use my smarts, experience and connections to make it even more spectacular. However, I would never forget that flower's roots. Cultivate it, and there could be a whole field of beautiful blossoms."

Blaine hums in agreement and he thinks about the best way to pitch the 'Hamilton' idea to Marc Jacobs at lunch.


"I knew Blaine was gorgeous from the photos I've seen of him on Twitter, but nothing prepared me for the real thing. OMG! Why hasn't Blaine been on the cover of Vogue already? After you left, Blaine seemed so genuinely interested to find out more about me and my fashion ideas... like they mattered. I could die a happy man today because the Blaine Anderson took notice of me. He's just…"

Before Kurt could continue with his praise of Blaine Anderson, Isabelle interrupts. "Blaine is rather unique. He has a special way of getting the best out of people. Once he's on your side, he's the most supportive person I've come across in this industry. He really mentors people and opens up new opportunities. And yes, Blaine is good-looking. But just a warning, he is a very private person and has plenty of fanboys. Gushing over him will not win you any favors."

As Isabelle speaks, the harsh realities of the rest of the day settle in. Kurt's not exactly sure what is going to happen at the photo shoot, and there are plenty of logistics to work out beforehand. "What am I going to do? There's no way I'm going to find an agent and get to Brooklyn in time for the photo shoot. I also have a shift at the Starlight diner starting in an hour."

Isabelle smiles. "Think of me as your fairy godmother. We're going to use my private car to get us to the photo shoot on time. On the way, I am going to get you an agent. I know exactly who to call."

As soon as they're in the car, Isabelle whips out her phone and starts typing a flurry of texts. In the meantime, Kurt calls Rachel and tells her an abbreviated version of what's happening. She squeals in excitement and agrees to cover his shift at the diner.

Kurt thinks about being a model and quickly realizes that he's out of his depth… And he starts to panic. His phone beeps with a new text message from someone he doesn't know. He's hesitant to look at it, but he needs a diversion to calm down his nerves. Kurt swipes his finger over the display and types in his password. The text has only one word, 'Courage'.

It can't have been sent by his father, Rachel or another close friend, as their contact numbers are already saved in his phone. He thinks for a few moments about who might have sent it, but ultimately he decides it didn't matter. The fact that somebody sent him 'courage' at the moment that he needed it the most, well, that's the most important thing. And the text does give him courage – the inner strength he needs to meet the strange, but exciting turn of events, that are unfolding that very day. He looks at the 'courage' text again and knows what to reply. "I don't know who you are but thanks. You've given me courage when I needed it the most 3"

The car soon pulls along the curb of a modern Manhattan office block, and a man of Asian descent enters the car. He looks very professional in a blue pinstriped suit. "Hi, Isabelle. I cleared my diary for the rest of today and tomorrow after I received your message. Your new project sounds interesting."

"Thank you, Wes. I owe you one. I'd like to introduce you to Kurt Hummel."

After handshakes have been exchanged, Isabelle concisely tells Wes about Kurt's background, their meeting with Blaine and Kurt's involvement in today's photo shoot. Kurt is impressed with Wes' look of concentration and the few smart questions he interjects during the discussion.

Wes turns to Kurt and asks, "Do you know anything about modeling?"

"N-n…o," Kurt stutters. "I was in my high school glee club, so I have learnt how to perform on stage. I'm hoping that will help."

"Ha! I was in my high school glee club too, so I know what you mean. Relax, listen carefully to instructions and consider it the performance of your life. You'll do just fine."

Kurt feels assured by Wes' kind words and replies, "I'll try my best."

Wes reaches into his briefcase and pulls out a few papers. "Now, onto the business aspect of things. I have here a standard one-month contract, which covers today and any future call-backs to the photo shoot. At the end of the month, we'll discuss future arrangements, to make sure we both feel comfortable with moving ahead in your new career together."

"Thank you, Wes. That seems extremely fair. I really appreciate you helping me at a moment's notice."

As Kurt reaches for the contract, Wes says, "Oh, one more thing. I should tell you that I am a personal friend of Blaine Anderson - we go a long way back. We've learnt how to separate our friendship and our business dealings, so I don't foresee any conflict of interest."

Kurt takes the contract and scribbles his name at the bottom. "I like your honesty, Wes. I have a feeling things are going to work out between us just fine."

Kurt, Isabelle and Wes enter an old warehouse in Brooklyn where the photo shoot is taking place. Free-standing lights, with long electrical cords, form a horseshoe around a small set. Behind the set is a curtained-off area and Kurt assumes that it's the place where the models change and are prepped. On the right side of the warehouse, there is a break area, with tables and benches, and a buffet of drinks and snacks. On the left side, there is a small bank of computers with staff intensively focusing on the day's photos. There are people rushing all around with outfit accessories, props, photography lighting meters, and cameras. Kurt feels like he has entered a whole new world.

Kurt follows Isabelle and Wes as they walk to one of the many camera tripods. Isabelle introduces him to Paul, the chief photographer, and Chandler, the wardrobe stylist. Wes looks at Kurt and whispers, "They are both the very best in their fields and are Vogue's go-to people for feature photo spreads. You'll be in very capable hands."

As Isabelle explains her vision and what needs to happen with the outfit and on set, Kurt fidgets uncomfortably nearby. Wes quietly 'translates' some of the more technical aspects of the discussion and Kurt decides that Wes is the perfect person for him right now.

"Kurt, come with me! We're going to get you all gussied up!" Chandler says, a blond-haired man wearing owl-shaped glasses. Kurt thinks that Chandler is not much older than him – maybe in his mid 20s. Chandler's enthusiasm is infectious and Kurt feels himself get excited.

"Can I say that hippopotamus head brooch is awesome. That whole outfit is amazing. You must get compliments all the time."

"Thank you, and no, I don't… I don't get compliments." There's an extra bounce in Kurt's step as he follows Chandler.

They enter the curtain off area of the warehouse. It is crammed with portable clothing racks, tables of accessories, mirrors, and chairs in the make-up and hair area. It contains fewer people than on the other side of the curtain, but the small space seems busier. Chandler rushes to a clothing rack and starts hunting through the outfits. He selects a suit, then rushes to another rack, pulling out a simple long-sleeved red and white checked cotton shirt. Chandler gives the clothing articles to Kurt. "Put these on. I'm going to find shoes and accessories. I'll be right back."

Kurt finds a quiet corner to strip and dress in the outfit. He shyly moves back in place and looks at himself in the full-length mirror. The Tom Ford suit is wine-colored and contrasts sharply with his creamy porcelain skin so that it looks white, almost translucent. The suit itself is relatively simple, with a nipped jacket and cuffed pants with a single pleat. Kurt thinks it is quite simply the most luxurious article of clothing that he has ever worn. However, Kurt feels panic rising as he sees how big the suit is on his slender build. The jacket sleeves hide his fingers, he doesn't fill out the pants and the hemline is too long. Kurt feels his 'moment' is over before it begins.

"Don't worry about the fit. I'll sort that out," Chandler says, as he returns with a plastic bin of shoes and accessory options. Kurt is surprised that Chandler can read his mind.

Chandler picks up a pin cushion and straps it around his wrist and palm. He soon is pulling and tucking fabric to the right position, and Kurt feels like a Voodoo doll.

"Ooh la la, you look stunning, like an English rose. Tempting enough to pluck! Now, I know exactly what this outfit needs," Chandler gushes.

Chandler crouches over the bin, and selects a pair of suede tasseled loafers. Fortunately, they are a perfect fit. Chandler finds a tie in the same color as the suit and wraps a watch to his wrist. The final touch is a fabric pocket square that matches the shirt.

Kurt peeps into the mirror and is shocked at what he sees. The jacket fits him snugly and accentuates his slender build. The pocket square is the perfect finishing touch to the outfit. Chandler's flattery makes him feel good, although it feels a tiny bit awkward. Kurt recognizes that Chandler is good at his job, but his overenthusiasm feels a bit much.

"Is Kurt ready for me yet?" a person calls out from the other side of the models' dressing room. Chandler leads Kurt over to the make-up area.

"I'm Unique. Now, have a seat and I'll see what needs doing."

Kurt takes a good look at the make-up artist as she inspects his complexion. Unique is a perfect name, as it sums her up nicely. She seems larger than life and is wearing a bold outfit and jewelry, but he can tell by her smile that she's a friendly person. Kurt cautiously tells her, "Mr. Anderson told me this morning that I might look pasty under the lights…"

"Nonsense," Unique exclaims with a roar of laughter. "Blaine's been hanging out with his golden boy Sam far too long. Your skin is perfect and offsets the suit nicely. I'm just going to brush on some translucent powder to remove any shine. I'm going to have to touch it up from time to time during the shoot, because those lights are pretty hot."

After applying the powder, Unique turns her attention to Kurt's hair. "You have healthy hair that looks like it can handle a number of styles. Since we're pressed for time, I'm just going to put a few stray hairs back in their place, and I'm going to use hairspray to make sure that they stay there."

As Unique works her magic, they discuss the pros and cons of various hair products. Kurt feels like he is making a new friend.

"We're ready back here. Do you want me to send Kurt out?" Unique shouts, when she is satisfied with the result.

"We'll start the shoot again in 15 minutes," someone replies.

"Can I have a moment, Unique… before I have to go out there?" Kurt asks with a jittery voice.

"Certainly, take all the time you need… as long as it's less than 15 minutes," Unique chuckles. "I'll meet you on the set and don't worry, Chandler and I will be there if something doesn't feel right. We've got your back."

Kurt closes his eyes and gives himself the second - or is it third? - pep talk of the day.
I can do this. I've performed at Nationals, for goodness' sake. I want to be an actor and this is just another performance. I'm going to own it.

Kurt takes a deep breath and walks onto the set.


Blaine enters Le Cirque restaurant, which is world-renowned for its nouvelle cuisine. It's not the type of restaurant that Blaine would pick on his own - it's far too pretentious - but he knows that his appearance there will matter, to both the restaurant and his client. The maître d' doesn't even ask for his name, as Blaine is whisked to a table center stage in the restaurant. Marc Jacob is already seated, with a small posse of staff. 'MJ', as he is known in the industry, gives Blaine a terse greeting and a close-lipped smile. It's not encouraging, and Blaine knows that he has a difficult meeting ahead of him.

"I will have the flounder 'Le Cirque', with the house salad on the side," Blaine requests. Now that their lunch orders have been taken, Blaine knows that the business portion of their lunch will begin. He wants to pre-empt a discussion with MJ about Vogue's declining readership and the inevitable request for discounted ads.

"MJ, I've been brainstorming ideas for the June issue and I think you're really going to like this new concept..."

As Blaine goes through Broadway's demographics, Hamilton's Broadway success, its costumes, and the tie in with the Tony's, he sees that MJ is genuinely interested. Their meals arrive and there is a pause in the conversation as the server offers freshly ground pepper and they start to eat.

After 5 minutes, Marc Jacobs places his knife and fork down on his dish. "I think you have a wonderful idea there, Blaine. It's fresh and unique. I think I can easily adjust the designs for my summer line around 'Hamilton'. I've always enjoyed designing the unexpected, so just think what I can do with ruffles."

Marc Jacobs silences his staff as he explores the idea further with Blaine over their coffees. Once the bill is paid, he stands up and shakes Blaine's hand. "I applaud you for thinking outside the box for the June issue. It's exactly what Vogue needs and I can see why the Vogue Board chose you as its new editor-in-chief. Now, can you reserve the June issue's last cover page advertising spot for me?"


Kurt is blinded by all the lights on the set as the photography technician holds a light meter close to his face. Paul tells him to relax for 10 minutes whilst they adjust the lighting and camera settings. Kurt looks around and spots Isabelle and Wes, sitting out of harm's way. They both are smiling and giving him a thumbs-up, which Kurt takes as a good sign.

A blond model that Kurt recognizes from Vogue issues is bounding up to him with a friendly look on his face. "Hey dude! I'm Sam. You look good… A little different than the rest of us, but that's good. Actually, it's fantastic. I heard someone say that you haven't modeled before. Want me to show you some moves?"

Kurt is relieved as Sam goes through a variety of poses – looking over the shoulder, head down thinking, looking out afar, and hand in the pocket. They then proceed onto the floor for the cobra and the 'I've just been tickled' pose. Sam makes it fun and Kurt feels his body loosen with the warm-ups.

Sam gives him a broad grin. "You're going to be okay, Kurt. Just relax and do what Paul tells you. Usually the model picks out some music to listen to during the shoot. Is there anything particular you want to hear? Don't let the techies decide. Their music tastes are rubbish."

"Maybe some Lady Gaga?" Kurt asks.

"You've got it, man." Sam walks towards the sound system and soon the music is blasting out.

It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'cause you were born this way, baby

Paul calls out the first position, and Kurt loses himself to the music. The beat permeates into his inner soul – the song holds a special meaning for him. Kurt is careful to listen to Paul's instructions, and his body is pliant when he is adjusted for the next round of shots.

"You're doing just fine. You're like a seasoned pro," Unique whispers, when she is doing the necessary make-up and hair touch-ups.

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

Kurt is now in his element as he moves his head and body this way and that way. He's surprised at how much he is enjoying himself. Everyone in the warehouse is focused on him and it makes him feel special. Like he belongs, for once in his life.

"And cut," Paul shouts. "Kurt, you were terrific. Everybody, we're going to stop for a late lunch break. We'll resume again in an hour."

There is a mass rush to the break area as the staff swarm around the buffet table. Kurt smiles when he sees Isabelle and Wes approach. Isabelle gives him a huge hug and squeals, "You were wonderful, Kurt. You were everything I thought you would be. I can't believe that we now have our new angle on the floral and pastels theme."

When Isabelle releases him, Wes approaches and gives Kurt a gentle pat on the back. "Nice job, Kurt. I'm now kicking myself. I should've had you sign a 5-year contract in the car."

Kurt laughs at his joke, and can't help but feel incredible. The compliments are like butterflies fluttering in his belly – only the good type. He feels like he is flying and floating, and never wants to touch the ground again. Before he can respond to Isabelle and Wes, he feels a tug on his arm.

"Come with me. You need something to eat to keep your energy level high. And I'm going to answer any little question you have," Unique says.

Isabelle nods at Kurt as a sign for him to follow Unique. The buffet table now has slim pickings, but Kurt manages to serve himself a healthy salad. He finds Unique at a table, with only one man opposite. Kurt slides down the bench and sits next to Unique. "Kurt, this is Steve."

Kurt instantly recognizes Steve as the technician who took light meter readings of him on set. He's middle-aged and heavy-set, with slightly greasy hair, and he is wearing unfashionable glasses. "I remember you. However, I wasn't sure exactly what you were doing with the little black box. Could you maybe tell me about your job?"

The older man's eyes pop open and he starts to fidget in his seat. Kurt can see a few beads of sweat form in his hairline. It's obvious that Steve is nervous. Kurt gives him a gentle smile and adds, "I'm serious. It looked like your job was important, judging from all the different angles you moved the lights afterwards. What does a photography light meter do?"

Kurt sees that Steve is calming down as he slowly retrieves the meter from his pocket. Steve talks about f-stops, amp calculations, white balance, and back lighting. While Kurt can't understand half of what Steve says, he appreciates that the technician's job is a lot more complex than he had originally thought. Steve's currently explaining the nuances of directional lighting, when he is interrupted by a squeaky voice.

"Oh… There you are, Kurt. I've been looking for you all over. You were amazing up there! Your hair looked so silky and your skin was…"

"Shoo, fly, shoo," Unique interrupts, with an annoyed look on her face. "Don't you have anything better to do than to spew nonsense, Chandler?"

Chandler sheepishly looks down. "Well, Isabelle and Paul told me that Kurt's going to use the same outfit for the day." He turns to Kurt and extends his phone. "Say, Kurt, can I have your phone number? You know, in case I discover any more interesting brooches. I can text you when I find them."

Kurt feels put on the spot. On the one hand, he doesn't want to lead Chandler on, because there will definitely not be a first coffee date. On the other hand, Chandler is friendly and appears harmless, and it isn't a bad idea to make some friends in the fashion industry. He quickly types in his contact details and returns the phone to Chandler.

Chandler does a few small jumps when he sees Kurt's contact details in his phone. In his excitement, Chandler leaves the break area without even a goodbye.

"Attention, everybody," Paul shouts, and the staff in the warehouse quickly quieten down. "He's almost here. The lunch break is over."

There is an increasing noise level as the staff spring to life, dispose of their lunch trays, and get back into their positions. Kurt can feel the excitement build up, but he doesn't understand why. He turns to Unique and asks, "What's going on?"

She laughs as she rises from the bench. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough. I won't spoil it for you."

Author's notes

Song used during the photo shoot was 'Born This Way' by Lady Gaga (although I'm sure you all knew that).

I have posted my thoughts about this chapter while I was writing it over at Tumblr (HKVoyage). Reviews are like the first ray of sunshine on a rainy spring day.

I'm traveling all day tomorrow and so I posted this chapter one day early. For the next six weeks, I will be constantly on the move, so if I can't post on a Saturday, I will post earlier. I promise to give you one chapter a week.

I am so blown away by your comments and the follows/favorites. Every time my e-mail pings with a notification, I get so excited. I thank every reader from the bottom of my heart for sticking with it 3.

Next up: Blaine arrives at the photo shoot.