Oooh, you've got to
Let your body move to the music
Oooh, you've got to just
Let your body go with the flow
Oooh, you've got to…Vogue
Vogue by Madonna
When Blaine climbs into the car after his lunch at 'Le Cirque', Bentley can tell that his boss's meeting was a success. Blaine's worry lines and frowns have been replaced with sparkling eyes and a huge smile. "I trust the meeting went well?"
"It went better than well. It went crazily, fantastically well - off-the-charts well," Blaine replies, as he gives a fist pump in the air.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. I take it I'm now driving you to the warehouse in Brooklyn, where the photo shoot is taking place?"
"Yes, Bentley. And I have a good feeling about that, too."
Blaine rests his head back against the plush leather seat, and laughs to himself when he thinks about the lunch with Marc Jacobs. It had gone better than Blaine could ever have expected. MJ likes the Hamilton idea – he likes it so much that he's changing his summer line's designs around it. How cool is that! With MJ backing the idea, Blaine knows that the concept is a winner and will get Vogue back on track to its trend-making reputation and increase its circulation.
The icing on the cake, though, is that MJ reserved the last cover page advertising spot for the June issue, without negotiating a discount. Blaine mentally calculates the revenues from the most expensive ad page in the magazine, and knows that Vogue's finance director will be very, very happy with him.
Blaine's mind is buzzing with ideas. He texts Tina to make an appointment with Mark Townsend, a leading New York City hair stylist. He mentally notes to himself that he needs to convince Sam to grow his hair again. Long hair will definitely be coming back in fashion this summer. He sends Tina another text asking her to book a block of seats for the Tony Awards in June. Maybe Vogue should host an after-party the night of the Tony's? Perhaps Marc Jacobs will stump up the funds, especially if models attend wearing his new line? He types this idea into his tablet.
So raise your glass if you are wrong, in all the right ways, all my underdogs… blares in the car as Blaine's phone vibrates. Blaine notices that Bentley is looking at him in the rearview mirror, quietly smiling.
"Hey, Wes. Long time, no hear. What's happening? Did Isabelle contact you about Kurt Hummel?"
"Yes, she did. I'm glad that she cleared it with you first. I don't want any awkwardness between us."
"Of course there won't be. We've worked together in the past, and have managed to keep it professional," Blaine reassures his friend. "Are you at the photo shoot?"
"Yes, I am. I'll have to buy my PA a huge bouquet of flowers because she's cancelling all my commitments over the next few days. I've agreed to represent Kurt for a month. I can tell you now, I plan to offer him a longer-term contract."
Blaine finds this a very interesting bit of news. Wesley is usually so cautious about representing new modeling talent. "Oh really, Wes? Do tell."
"Well, I'll let you see for yourself when you get here. I'll just say that I think you are going to like his look."
Blaine throws another fist pump in the air and he hears Bentley gently chuckling in the background. "It's been a while since we last met to shoot the breeze. Once the New York Fashion Week is over, let's get together for a karaoke night."
Wes chuckles. "Some things never change, do they, Blaine? You've always enjoyed the spotlight. Okay, yes, I'll contact Tina to sort out a date and I'll also let Paul know that you are on your way."
Blaine presses the 'end call' button on his phone and his thoughts drift to Kurt Hummel. In the space of an hour's meeting this morning, Kurt has turned things around for him and Vogue. Kurt gave him the kernel of an idea that Marc Jacobs was on board with. And according to Wes, Kurt might be the one to fix the 'floral and pastels' problem in the May issue. He thinks of Kurt as his good luck charm, and rushes out of the car as soon as it stops in front of the Brooklyn warehouse.
Blaine enters the warehouse and senses the buzz. He knows that it's in large part because of his presence. During Anna Wintour's long reign at Vogue, she never once stepped foot on the set of a photo shoot – she thought it was beneath her. However, Blaine thinks a bit differently from her. He feels that he can get the best out of people if they know that everyone's contribution matters to a common goal. Blaine waves at the staff and walks toward James, whose wife is suffering from cancer. "How's Linda?" Blaine asks, genuinely concerned.
After a few moments of discussion with James, Blaine eyes Sam, who is rushing over to him. Blaine knows Sam very well and can sense that he's excited. Blaine can't help but zoom in on Sam's lips – they are so plump and look so inviting and so ki…. Blaine shakes his head to get rid of the thought. Looking at Sam's lips is an old habit from his Harvard days, when he had an unrequited crush on Sam. Blaine hasn't thought of Sam in that way for a long time, but old habits die hard.
Sam places his arm around Blaine's shoulder and pulls him in for a hug. Sam then twirls, bats his eyelashes and asks, "Do I look pretty in pink?"
Blaine knows that Sam is referring to the 'floral and pastels' theme of the photo shoot, and replies in his campiest voice, "Just marvelous, darling."
The staff nearby laugh and Sam gives Blaine a fist bump. Blaine soon spots Kurt and he smiles and waves, as he heads to the techies' computer area in the warehouse.
Kurt smiles and waves back at Blaine, but he soon realizes that Blaine hasn't noticed. However, Kurt has noticed. Every. Single. Thing. As soon as Blaine Anderson walked into the warehouse, all eyes shot to him. It wasn't about his status as Vogue's editor-in-chief. It was all about his personal charisma. Blaine's smile was warm and welcoming. As he greeted staff, his body language sent the message that he was powerful, but kind. Blaine looked like he was comfortable with his position, comfortable with the photo shoot, and comfortable with the staff. Blaine made people feel like they were the only ones in the room. Kurt saw that Blaine had stopped to talk to one of the kitchen staff, clearing off the tables. The moment might have been brief, but the look in Blaine's eyes had been so sincere.
Kurt had certainly noticed Blaine's interaction with Sam – and Blaine's glance at his lips. Any person who was connected to social media sites knew about 'Blam', and it had trended every time they were spotted out together. In the past, Kurt wasn't convinced about 'Blam' being an item from what he had seen on the Internet. While the couple looked like they enjoyed each other's company, they were missing 'the look' of romantic love - the little tell-tale signs that were lacking. There was no special squeeze that lovers make when they think that no-one is looking. They didn't sit closely with their legs intimately pressed together. They didn't share secret glances that only lovers do when they are in a crowd. In Kurt's opinion, they looked more like best friends.
However, after the 'lip glance' that Blaine just made, Kurt isn't sure. His musings are interrupted as Unique calls him to her make-up area. He shakes his head to get rid of these thoughts and moves toward the models' dressing curtain.
Blaine carefully studies the photos that were taken of Kurt earlier in the day. He gasps when he sees Kurt in the wine-red colored suit. On a professional level, Blaine can instantly tell that Kurt was made to be in front of a camera – the photo makes Kurt appear as if he is drawing in and enticing the viewers. Kurt's lithe build looks perfect in the Tom Ford suit and Blaine can't tear away his gaze away, even if he tries. He recognizes Kurt's beauty, but… Blaine doesn't see 'the look' in the photos – the radiant smile that Kurt had given him in his office earlier in the day. The smile that had seemed so genuine… and tugged at his heartstrings. Blaine knows that the camera hasn't yet captured all that is Kurt Hummel.
Blaine intuitively knows what he needs to do – get the very best of Kurt in the photo shoot, and make him smile. Blaine walks to the set. "Kurt, can you please position yourself so that your back is against the set?"
Kurt quickly moves against the back wall, looking as if he's afraid that he might crash against the background curtain.
"Now, I'm going to position your right knee up," Blaine instructs, as he gently moves Kurt's leg. As the techies do their final round of light placement, Blaine leans in close and whispers, "Courage."
Kurt feels a fire in his body rushing from the tips of his toes to the top of his head. He now realizes who has sent the earlier text message. Kurt feels a mix of emotions rush through him because of that one word – 'courage'. He can't believe that the Blaine Anderson realized what he needed to hear and made the effort to tell him – twice. And it makes Kurt want to give his all to this photo shoot and make Blaine proud of him.
Kurt feels more comfortable now about what is expected of him during the afternoon photo shoot. However, he is nervous and excited at the same time with Blaine in attendance. He wants to make a good impression with Blaine and give him exactly what he asks for.
The Lady Gaga music starts up and Blaine shouts, "Stop! I think we need to spice things up a bit. Sam - what do you think?"
"Oh, yeah!" Sam replies as he rushes to the sound system.
Kurt hears a deafening roar from the staff, which echoes from the warehouse's walls. Kurt turns to Unique and asks, "What's happening?"
Unique chortles and replies, "It doesn't happen very often, but when Blaine decides to sing, it's magic. He's famous for his impromptu performances - just listen and see."
Soon the warehouse is filled with music. Blaine starts snapping his fingers and swaying his hips. Blaine starts to sing.
So, I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want,
So tell me what you want, what you really really want,
Kurt can't think of any words to describe Blaine - it's as if he's all five Spice Girls at once. He can barely hear Blaine's voice due to the staff clapping to the music, but Kurt can see his lips move. He laughs at all the silly faces Blaine's making. Kurt can even see Wes doing a gentle side shuffle to the music.
If you want my future, forget my past
If you wanna get with me, better make it fast
Now don't go wasting my precious time
Get your act together we could be just fine
Kurt realizes that Blaine knows all the dance movements for the song, like he has studied the video a thousand times before. He quickly inhales as Blaine wiggles his sweet ass to the music and quickly throws his head back to look at Kurt and to wink. Kurt feels his whole body tingle and he can't help but smile. Oh dear god, did Blaine just jump on a table?
If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends
Make it last forever friendship never ends,
If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give,
Taking is too easy, but that's the way it is.
As the song fades out, Kurt's ears deafen with the loud hoots and hollers of everyone present. Unique comes on set to inspect his hair and make-up. "Well, I've seen a few impromptu performances in my time, but I've never seen Blaine sing his little heart out quite like that."
The staff surround Blaine and give him high fives and slaps on his back. As he brushes the sweat from his brow, Blaine thinks that maybe his performance was just what the photo shoot needed for staff morale, and most importantly, for Kurt. Paul calls him over to the computer bank to take a look at the new shots. Blaine is amazed at what he sees. The new photos have captured everything he saw in Kurt earlier that day. Kurt is positively beaming in the photos, and a small voice in Blaine's head wonders if that is because of 'Vogue's editor-in-chief' or because Kurt is happy to see him. Blaine turns to Paul and says, "These photos are exactly what I'm looking for. I want as little post-shoot processing as possible on these photos. They look pretty perfect as they are. You did a great job – it's a wrap."
Blaine looks around for Kurt and sees him engaged in conversation with Steve, the photography technician, over by the camera lights. Blaine knows that Steve is normally a very shy guy, but now his whole face is lit up as he tilts the lights' umbrellas. Kurt looks genuinely interested in the conversation and seems to be asking questions to draw Steve out of his shell. Blaine feels jealous – he wants to be the one to hang out with Kurt.
Paul claps his hands to get everyone's attention. "It's a wrap, everyone." There are cheers all around - the weekend is about to start and nobody wants to work overtime.
Kurt rushes over and gives Blaine one of his signature hugs. Blaine is a tactile person, but hugs have never felt quite like this before. He feels Kurt's soft skin against his and Kurt's arms gently squeeze his back. Blaine closes his eyes and melts into it. The hug feels so genuine and real. It makes him feel connected and cared for. It feels so right. Kurt's warmth cocoons him from the outside world and he desperately wants to stay there. He can smell the scent of Kurt's freshly laundered shirt and something that is distinctly Kurt. It could have been 2 seconds or 2 hours later when Kurt pulls away; Blaine has lost all sense of time. He quickly shakes himself back into reality, because this is not professional behavior.
"Blaine, I could never have done the photo shoot without you – your words of courage, the song… everything! You are the most amazing person I have ever met. And even if this day doesn't lead to anything, it has been the best day of my life. Thank you for giving it to me." Kurt gives Blaine's shoulder a gentle squeeze before heading to the dressing room.
Blaine is stunned. Most wannabe models hint at contracts and suggest 'afters' to discuss how the photo session went. Blaine knows exactly what is on offer and never accepts the invitation. However, Kurt is a different story all together. His gushing seems so genuine and so totally about Blaine as a person and not about what he could do for Kurt as Vogue's editor-in-chief. Maybe I should take the risk and get to know him better.
Blaine's thoughts are interrupted by Isabelle and Wes, who are approaching from the computer area. Isabelle's face is lit up with a huge smile. "The afternoon photos of Kurt are just perfect. I just knew that Kurt was the solution to liven up the 'floral and pastels' theme. Tell me you're going to use him in the May issue."
"I'm also impressed," Wes adds. "I've never seen such a natural in front of the camera. Just think what he'll be capable of with a bit of coaching."
Blaine nods his head in agreement. "I've come to the same conclusion as the two of you. Kurt is made for the camera. I would like to use a photo of him for the May issue. However, we haven't discussed the business side of things. I'm prepared to offer Kurt a six-month exclusive modeling contract with the standard terms and rate of pay. The contract would be effective immediately and run until the end of September."
Wes takes a moment to consider the deal on the table. "That seems very reasonable and fair to me. Kurt's lucky to have such a long contract on offer after one photo session. I'll have to discuss this with Kurt, but I see no reason why he wouldn't agree to these terms."
"Great. Isabelle, can you free up your day on Monday? I already know that Wes is available. I'm thinking that you two should give Kurt one of your infamous makeovers. Nothing too drastic, but a tweak here and there. And while I approve of Kurt's bold wardrobe choice, take him to the Vogue vaults. He needs a signature style for potential public engagements on Vogue's behalf."
"Absolutely," Isabelle squeals. "I can already see Kurt in vintage Alexander McQueen."
"I'll let you two work out the details. I've got to go and get dressed for the National Awards dinner tonight. Wes, make sure you get back to me soon about Kurt's decision on the contract."
"Sure thing, Blaine. And good luck tonight. You certainly deserve to win that coveted award."
Kurt hums to himself as he enters the dressing room. He doesn't think he has ever been happier in his whole life. The photo shoot was so much fun, particularly in the afternoon, when Blaine arrived. Blaine had made him feel like he was the only person who mattered in the warehouse. Kurt chuckles as he thinks about Blaine's performance. Blaine is the total package – brains, looks, body, and talent. Kurt wonders how much of the song and the flirty moves had been directed at him. Kurt sits down to take off the make-up and Unique appears and asks, "So, how did you like your first day as a model?"
"I absolutely loved everything about it. I loved the outfit and how it was 'tailored' to fit my body. I loved how you did my make-up so that I still looked like myself – natural. We seem to think alike about my hair… And I have to tell you, I don't let just anyone touch my hair."
Unique chuckles at the compliments. "Anything else you loved?"
"Well, is it egotistical to say that I loved being the center of attention on set? That it was thrilling people saw me as a person of beauty and not as a 'gay-face' freak? When I was on the set, I felt like I was my own acting a part."
"Honey, you've been hanging out with the wrong people. There is nothing wrong with enjoying people's attention. I personally live for it," Unique comments. "Anything else?"
"I enjoyed learning new things, not only about modeling but also the behind-the-scenes stuff." Kurt pauses for a moment and adds softly, "And of course, there was meeting Blaine."
Unique smiles knowingly and nods at Kurt to continue.
"Blaine is a one-of-a-kind person. He knew how to get the best out of me, whether it was through kind words or his impromptu performance. He made me feel safe in an unknown environment."
Unique is about add her comments about Blaine when Chandler runs over and gushes, "I've just seen the photos from this afternoon. You look even more gorgeous than you did this morning, and I didn't even think that was possible! I'm not sure what you are doing this weekend, but maybe we can go clothes shopping together. I know some stores that have outfits that would look amazing on you."
Kurt gives Chandler a polite grin. Whilst he enjoys the compliments, Chandler is fawning over him just a bit too much. Kurt can't help but wish that he was having this conversation with Blaine instead. "I have to work double shifts this weekend. Besides, I don't have any money to go clothes shopping. My paychecks all go toward essentials like food, rent and the subway."
Chandler has a disappointed look on his face, but he quickly perks up with a new idea. "Well, we could go window shopping some time, so that when you do have money, you will know what to buy."
Kurt diplomatically replies, "As fun as that sounds, I'll have to take a rain-check. I'll call you when I have a spare afternoon. I'm off now. It was wonderful meeting you."
Kurt notices that Chandler is walking toward him with open arms, as if expecting a hug. Kurt gives him a small wave and then turns quickly around to give Unique a hug. Kurt whispers in her ear, "The other thing I loved today was meeting you. No matter what happens with my modeling career, I hope that we can become friends."
Unique gives Kurt a reassuring nod and a wink, "Honey, I'd like to see you try and get rid of me."
When Kurt exits the dressing area, he notices Blaine and Sam in coordinating tuxes, ready to attend the National Awards that evening. He takes a good long look at Blaine and concludes that he has never looked more gorgeous. The Brooks Brothers tux fits him perfectly and his curls have the right amount of gel to stop frizzing. He can see Blaine's body actually hum in excitement for the evening's event. Sam and Blaine look so handsome together and Kurt is pea green with envy. They are laughing with Isabelle and Wes, and Sam casually puts his arm around Blaine's shoulders.
Seeing Sam and Blaine together in real life, Kurt comes to the conclusion that the social media are right - they really are a couple. Kurt feels disappointed, but he quickly discards that thought. Of course Blaine has a boyfriend. He's 28 years old, successful, good-looking, charming, and smart. Blaine's the type of man that Kurt admires – and is attracted to. It's like someone knew the recipe to produce a perfect man, and it turned out to be Blaine.
Before leaving, Blaine looks around the warehouse and smiles and waves at Kurt when he notices him. Kurt responds in kind and can't help but think 'why are the good ones always taken?'
Isabelle and Wes are soon by his side and both have smiles from ear to ear. Kurt can only think this is good news, but isn't sure what to expect. "So what happens now?" he asks.
Wes replies, "Well, Kurt you did a fantastic job today, and the photos prove it. Do you want to take a look?"
Kurt cautiously agrees and walks toward the computers in the techies' area. As they click through the photos, Kurt cannot believe what he is seeing. They start with the photos taken during the morning and Kurt is stunned at how professional looking they are. He is also amazed at how he looks – as if he truly belongs in a Vogue photo spread. However, when they start looking at the photos taken in the afternoon, Kurt is shocked by the expression on his face. The look conveys that he is excited, happy and genuinely interested in something… or somebody. It's a look of infatuation, and Kurt hopes that no one else sees 'heart eyes' as well.
"Impressive, aren't they?" Isabelle asks.
"I just can't believe that it's me," Kurt replies. "I mean, I know it is me, but I didn't know that I could look so sophisticated and happy at the same time. So what happens next?"
Wes joins in the conversation. "I had a brief word with Blaine after the photo shoot and Vogue is offering you a six-month exclusive contract. We can go over the terms and conditions in the car when we take you home. It looks like you have a promising career in modeling ahead of you."
Kurt can't believe his ears. "Really, you're not messing with me?"
"Really," Isabelle pipes up. "When we drop you off, you need to rest up over the weekend, because you are going to be very busy Monday morning. Wes and I will pick you up at 9 am for a 'make-over'. Nothing too drastic, but we are going to put in place everything you need to become a successful model. Does that sound good to you?"
Kurt replies, "I'm in. Make-overs are like crack to me."
Author's notes
Song used for Wes' ringtone was 'Raise Your Glass' by Pink.
Song Blaine performed at the photo shoot was 'Wannabe' by the Spice Girls.
Thank you to Lilyandersteen, the most fabulous beta ever, although all mistakes are mine. Come visit me a Tumblr (HKVoyage) for the story artwork and my thoughts when writing this chapter.
Reviews are like a secret admirers on Valentine's Day.
Next up: The national awards dinner and Kurt's make-over.
