She's got the look.
She's got the look.
What in the world can make a brown-eyed girl turn blue.
When everything I'll ever do I'll do for you
and I go: la la la la la. - She's Got the Look by Roxette

Blaine is lost in thought as Bentley drives him and Sam to the National Awards ceremony. He knows that he should be focusing on the red carpet, the fans, meeting and networking with people, and of course the awards. However, his thoughts are still on Kurt and the afternoon photo shoot.

"Blaine, you have 'the look' on your face – the look that tells me that you're smitten with Vogue's newest male model," Sam teases.

"Huh? What did you say?" Blaine answers as he slowly comes out of his daydreams.

Sam chuckles as he repeats his observation.

"Sam, I don't know what you're talking about," Blaine replies, blushing. "There's just a lot going on at work at the moment. Yes, Kurt is a find, but a professional one. You know what my views are about combining work with pleasure. It's not going to happen."

"Well, rules are meant to be broken. And I can tell you that Kurt has 'the look' as well."

"Really?" Blaine asks tentatively.

"Dude, you saw how Kurt looked in the photos taken when you were singing. He didn't look like that during the morning photo session. Trust me, Blaine. Kurt is really into you." Sam isn't going to push Blaine on the subject, so he looks out the window and quietly hums, 'She's got the look, She's got the look, What in the world can make a brown-eyed girl turn blue.'

Blaine isn't sure how to interpret what Sam has just said. Yes, there was a remarkable difference in Kurt's expression in the photos taken during the afternoon session. It could be because of him, but more likely, it was because Kurt had the morning's modeling experience under his belt. He had noticed that Kurt had stared at Sam more than once this afternoon. Maybe Sam is more Kurt's type and 'the look' Sam had referred to was for him. Sam's has always been a bit oblivious when it came to gay men crushing on him. Blaine could write a book on the subject matter.

Blaine doesn't understand what 'look' Sam and Tina had referred to on his face – he can't visualize it. Blaine thinks that his face had a warm and welcoming expression this afternoon, just like he had for all the Vogue staff. However, he can't be quite sure. He has never been taken by a man so quickly and felt such an immediate connection as he feels with Kurt. Blaine thinks back on his past relationships and is aware that he has never really been in love before. He's never had the type of loving and long-term relationship that he craves.

"We're in the queue for the red carpet drop-off. It should take about five minutes before it's your turn to walk the carpet," Bentley announces.

Sam and Blaine quickly look into a handheld mirror to check that their hair is still perfectly styled. They each give the other a once-over to ensure that ties are straight, buttons are all done up, and there is no lint on the jackets.

"Get ready to leave the car in one minute," Bentley reports. "And Blaine, good luck tonight. The whole family is livestreaming the awards at home and they've promised to record it for you."

"Thanks, Bentley," Blaine replies. "I'll give you the 15-minute heads-up when we plan to leave."

When they exit the car, there are bodyguards to help them along the red carpet. Tina is also there to ensure that all goes smoothly before entering the event venue. The crowd of adoring fans are chanting, "Blam! Blam! Blam!" Blaine and Sam are blinded by the cameras flashing. Blaine approaches the barricade to sign autographs and have photos taken with his fans. He knows that he could take home anyone of them tonight, but he doesn't – never has and never wants to. Blaine notices a short and slender boy, who looks about 13 years old, being pushed away from the barricade by some of the more aggressive fangirls, and he looks distraught. Blaine waves at him through the crowd and announces, "Let that boy through. I want to talk to him."

The fangirls reluctantly let the boy pass until he's right in front of the barrier, and Blaine can see that he's shaking with nerves. Blaine notices that he has a photo in one hand and an envelop in the other. "Thank you for coming out tonight to meet me. Trust me, the fangirls are far more intimidating than me. What's your name? Would you like me to sign the photo?"

Blaine can see the boy visibly relax as he hands over the photo. "I'm Finley, and thanks for noticing me. It seems like I'm invisible to most people." Finley pauses briefly before he continues. "You're my idol and I've been following you on-line for a few years now. I wrote this letter to you describing how you've helped me. I think I'm gay and I have nobody to talk to."

"Well, now you do, Finley. If you go to the PFLAG website, you will find a lot of groups and resources available to you right here in New York City. It really does help to know that you are not alone. There are people that will support you, no matter what, no questions asked. I'll read your letter tomorrow when my life slows down after tonight's event. I want to give your thoughts the attention they deserve. Now, give me your phone and I'll take a selfie of the two of us."

As Blaine takes a selfie with Finley, he is reminded of why it is important to have a good connection with his fans. He has learnt that he can make a positive difference in people's lives. And if that means that he is subjected to a social media frenzy, then so what. It's all worth it if he gets to meet people like Finley.

Blaine and Sam are kept busy signing autographs and taking selfies, while Tina is collecting gifts from the fans. The bodyguards are soon nudging them to start walking along the red carpet. The paparazzi are out in full force and are shouting out their names to catch their attention. Blaine stays close to Sam as they walk arm in arm along the red carpet. They stop at the E! Online area that has a cameraman, boom operator and Maria Menounos, their star reporter. E! Online has paid a lot of money for exclusive video rights and attendees are expected to stop and talk to Maria.

"And here we have Blaine Anderson, Vogue's editor-in-chief, with Sam Evans, their hottest model. Tell me, Blaine, how are you feeling tonight?"

"Maria, I'm feeling great. The National Awards ceremony is always a highlight of the year in our industry. It's a time to give recognition to the many great magazines in this country. I'm looking forward to the event."

"Vogue has been nominated for numerous awards, including 'Magazine of the Year'. What do you think your chances are of winning the coveted award?"

Blaine considers his response carefully. He wants to come across as confident, but humble at the same time. "It's quite an honor for Vogue to be nominated for so many awards. We at Vogue have worked very hard to ensure that the magazine consistently produces high quality and trendsetting articles. Vogue is up against some very stiff competition for the awards and I'd like to think that we are all winners."

"How has Vogue handled Anna Wintour's retirement and what have been your main contributions?" the reporter asks.

"Anna Wintour's retirement was well planned and the hand-over has gone very smoothly.
The magazine business has evolved over the past decade or two with an increasing emphasis on its on-line content. We are very committed to Vogue's website and have recently hired Isabelle Wright to head it up. She has fresh ideas and the content, both in terms of photos and content, are first class."

"Lastly, you and Sam look so handsome in matching suits. Who are you wearing?"

"Brooks Brothers, of course."


After some small talk and schmoozing in the foyer, Blaine and Sam approach the Vogue table at the ceremony, where Anna Wintour is already seated. Air kisses and fake hugs are exchanged before Blaine and Sam take their seats. The conversation between Blaine and Anna is cordial, but strained. Blaine thinks that Anna Wintour has a rather smug look on her face, as if she wants Blaine to fail and Vogue not to receive any awards. However, Blaine has learnt the art of idle chit-chat and keeps the conversation flowing as the meal is served.

"….and the winner of Magazine of the Year is Vogue," the presenter announces. Blaine gives Sam a kiss on the cheek and they are blinded by the multitude of camera lights flashing to capture the tender moment. There is no doubt that 'Blam' and the photos will be trending on Twitter tonight.

Blaine goes up to the podium to accept the award and he makes a heartfelt speech about how Anna Wintour is his mentor, even though it's not true. He has worked hard to get his position and she has blocked him every step of the way. However, although Anna is now retired, she still wields influence in the fashion industry and could make Blaine's job that much more difficult, so Blaine wants to keep on her good side.

Blaine is still on a high from the day, so he continues his speech focusing on Vogue's future. "I've just come from the main photo shoot for the May issue and Vogue has a fresh face to reveal. The June issue is also one to watch out for because it will combine fashion and the arts. I hope to be back here on the podium this time next year because Vogue has some unique and trendsetting ideas for the future." After a roar of applause, Blaine smiles and returns to his seat.

Sebastian Smythe, editor-in-chief of Elle magazine, Vogue's main competitor, is in the audience and wonders what Blaine is up to. He makes it his mission to find out.


On Saturday morning, Kurt and Rachel are eating a late breakfast of bagels and coffee in the Bushwick loft. Kurt's body feels a bit stiff after holding so many poses during yesterday's photo shoot. However, he has a Starlight Diner shift starting at 2pm and needs to keep his energy level high. The conversation revolves around yesterday's turn of events at Vogue.

"…I then took a look at the photos and they are really something. I asked Wes what happens next and he said that Vogue has offered me an exclusive contract through September. I can hardly believe it! Wes and Isabelle will be here on Monday morning to go over the contract details for me to sign. And then they're taking me for a make-over."

Rachel doesn't say much, but Kurt can tell that she is envious that things are working out for him. After she finishes her peppermint tea, Rachel finally responds. "Kurt, that's great news. I'm so glad that things are working out for you, even if it wasn't what you really wanted to do."

Kurt interrupts, "But Rachel, you were the one who told me that I should open myself up to new experiences and different options. That is exactly what I have done! Maybe you should take a leaf from your own book and consider doing something other than Broadway."

Rachel shakes her head. "I understand what you're saying, but it's different for me. I've worked hard my entire life to be a star on Broadway and I am quite determined to succeed."

Rachel pours another cup of coffee from the pot before continuing. "I'm so proud of you exploring different options. It's made me think about my own priorities. I feel stuck in a rut as well with NYADA, the Starlight Diner and the endless auditions for Funny Girl. So I've decided to take control over my destiny – I'm going to visit the Funny Girl producers on Monday and convince them that I'm the only person to consider for the role of Fanny Brice."

Kurt isn't sure what to say – he has never felt like a role model before, and certainly not for Rachel Berry. He gives her a warm hug and says, "Well, we better sort out your outfit… But after I call Gunther and quit the Starlight Diner job."

Monday, 9 am – Bushwick loft

Wes and Isabelle arrive at the loft promptly on Monday morning. An hour is spent going through the fine print of both the Vogue contract and Wes's agency agreement. Wes hands over a Cross fountain pen for Kurt to sign on the dotted lines.

As Kurt signs the contracts, he asks, "Wes, can I ask you a favor? Can I please keep this pen as a memento of my first big job?"

Wes smiles. "Sure, Kurt."

Monday, 10:30 am – Vogue's Vaults

The car stops at a nondescript warehouse in Queens and Isabelle signs them into the guestbook at the security checkpoint. As Isabelle leads the way along series of corridors, she explains to Kurt and Wes the purpose of the building. "At the beginning of the 1900s, Vogue decided to keep and maintain all the outfits adorning its issues. The exact location is a closely guarded secret because the collection is worth millions – actually, it's priceless. Only a select few work in the vaults and even a smaller number get to visit them. Blaine has authorized your entry, Kurt."

Isabelle shows a security guard their passes and a thick fireproof door is opened. Inside is a huge room filled with rack upon rack of designer men's wear. Kurt feels like a kid in a candy store and doesn't even know where to begin to look.

"Vogue will be loaning you a dozen outfits to wear for when you attend public events, representing Vogue. We need to come up with a signature style for you. I'm thinking of a classic look – vintage outfits from the last half of the 20th century – paired with those whimsical accessories that you wear so well."

Kurt agrees with that plan, and the three of them pull out a variety of potential outfits. After an hour of trying on, agreeing and discarding options, the outfits are decided upon. There are ones designed by Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Christian Dior. An elderly lady comes to pin the suits for further tailoring, so that they emphasize Kurt's body in all the right ways. She confirms that they will be delivered to Isabelle at Vogue within a week.

Monday, 1pm - E at Equinox gym

After a quick lunch, Wes directs the driver to a celebrity gym, where he registers Kurt for a six-month membership. Soon, the three of them are whisked away to meet with Chrystal, Kurt's new fitness trainer.

Wes initiates the conversation. "Chrystal, I'd like to introduce you to Kurt Hummel, the newest model I have on my books. He has a six-month contract with Vogue. Kurt's in good shape, but he needs to tone his stomach and arm muscles. He has a slender build and we want to keep it that way. No bulking out, just a little more definition of what is already there."

Chrystal has Kurt step on a machine to calculate his Body Mass Index (BMI). She reviews the results and hands them over to Wes and Isabelle. Chrystal then gives Kurt a thorough look-over and pronounces her verdict. "I can see why you have signed him onto your books, Wes. I have the perfect program in mind for him. We'll start with one-on-one sessions with me three times a week, focusing on equipment that will help his overall muscle tone and definition. I'll also provide Kurt with a daily exercise routine that he can easily do at home. I think Kurt would also benefit from some aerobic exercise. You are just in luck because we recently received the franchise rights for the SS boot-camp 101 aerobics regime – it's all the rage at the moment for its quick results. If Kurt does the class twice a week, combined with our private sessions and daily exercises at home, Kurt will be in even better shape in no time. Can you start tomorrow?"

Kurt smiles and desperately tries not to roll his eyes. Sue Sylvester is obviously making a name for herself beyond Lima, Ohio with her exercise classes. They agree on a time for the first training session, which is at some ridiculous hour of the morning the next day.

Monday, 2pm - Cristiano Cora Studio

After a short drive, Wes, Isabelle and Kurt enter the Cristiano Cora Studio, a popular and trendy New York City hair salon. After a short wait, Kurt is ushered to a salon chair in a private curtained-off area. Soon after, Cristiano sashays into the space and starts gently pulling and inspecting Kurt's hair.

"Kurt, you have marvelous hair that can withstand a variety of styles. Your hair is very healthy and it's obvious that you take good care of it. I'm going to give you some hair products to use to clean, condition and sculpt your hair. You're using a little too much hair spray for my liking, which gives it a stiff look. Use a pea-size drop of this hair wax and you will find that your coif will be even higher, but with a more natural look." Cristiano artfully demonstrates how to use the new hair product to add more height in the front.

Kurt inspects Cristiano's work on his coif and he loves it. He quickly takes a selfie and sends it to Unique with the simple message, 'You like?'

Unique immediately texts back. 'I like, but don't you dare do anything to your hair without my permission. Remember that Unique knows best.'

Cristiano and Kurt agree to add a few highlights in the front and they set up an appointment for the following week. Kurt sends Unique a text with the appointment details because he definitely doesn't want to get on her wrong side.

Monday, 3pm – Oz Garcia Nutrition Center

Wes and Isabelle take Kurt to meet with Oz Garcia, nutritionist to the stars. He looks at Kurt's BMI report from the gym and asks Kurt what he has eaten over the past week. As Kurt recounts his meals, Oz Garcia firmly shakes his head in disapproval.

"No, no and no. I know that you're an 18-year-old and that you eat your meals at the diner where you work, combined with an array of take-outs. However, your body is now one of the main assets in your modeling career, and you need to think carefully about what you put into it. We're going to have to completely rework your diet."

Kurt feels ashamed of what his diet has become. He was so good at eating nutritious meals when he was in Lima, and even devised a healthy eating regime for his father. It all went by the wayside when he arrived in New York and started working at the Spotlight Diner. There wasn't time to cook healthy meals, and Rachel was a walking disaster in the kitchen.

"I'm going to start you off with a meal delivery plan that will provide you with your main meal of the day. I also have these vitamin supplements that will improve your overall health. Here is a list of food that you can eat for your other meals and a list of banned food. If in doubt about what you should eat, opt for colorful raw food, such as vegetables. And stay away from processed foods and carbs. I want to see you back here in a week so that you can tell me how it's going and we can fine-tune your diet plan."

Kurt agrees and takes a look at the food list. Cheesecake will be a distant memory from now on.

When they leave the nutritionist's office, Wes bids his farewell. "Kurt, I'm off to another appointment I couldn't rearrange. There is one more stop for today, but you'll be in Isabelle's capable hands. Call my office and arrange a meeting for two weeks from today. You can tell me how you are getting on with your new exercise and diet regimes, and I can report back what is happening at Vogue and its future plans for you."

Kurt shakes Wes' hand. "Thank you so much for everything. I'm going to follow all the advice I received today as best I can. I'll set up that meeting tomorrow."

Monday, 4pm – M-Star Spa

"Isabelle, I'm exhausted. I'm not sure whether I'm up for another make-over stop today. My brain is drowning with all the new information I've already received and I don't know if I can absorb anything more."

"Oh sweetie, I know that today has been tough. But I promise you that this last stop will be enjoyable. Trust me."

The car pulls up along the curb to the M-Star Spa. When Kurt enters the spa, all his senses are sent into overdrive. There are dark wooden floors and rich jewel- toned silk curtains adorning the windows. A variety of candles are lit, sending a sandalwood scent into the air. Meditation music is playing through the sound system and a delicious looking tray of fruit is on display.

After Isabelle has checked them in at the reception, Kurt is led to a backroom and asked to undress and slip on a silk robe. A masseur leads him to a table and he smells sweet almond as the massage oil is warming up. For one hour, his muscles are kneaded, loosened and soothed. As his body relaxes, Kurt decides that he should trust Isabelle in the future because this is the best idea for the end of the day ever. The massage is over too quickly for Kurt's liking and he is soon taken to a room where Isabelle is already seated. Two therapists arrive to give them their last treatment of the day – a mani-pedi. Isabelle opts for a deep-red lacquer to be painted on her nails, and Kurt's are simply buffed.

"I never realized how much personal maintenance there is involved in being a model. Keeping up appearances is a full-time job," Kurt says with a sigh.

Isabelle laughs at Kurt's observation. "Yes, there is a whole lot of work that goes on behind the scenes in being a model. I find that there are good-looking models that don't put in the effort, but their careers are short-lived. The really successful ones put in the necessary hours to keep themselves healthy and fit. It pays off in the end."

"But why do I read about supermodels living life in the fast lane? Clubbing, staying out all hours, and dabbling in drugs?" Kurt asks.

"There are a few models that are at the top of their field and have a heady lifestyle, but they are the exception and not the rule. For the vast majority of models, it is just hard work and plenty of rest."

"Is that true for all the staff at Vogue?" Kurt probes.

"I'm afraid it is. Sure, there are lots of glamorous events like the National Awards ceremony last Friday night. However, most days it's noses to the grindstone."

Isabelle has just given Kurt a way to shift the conversation to what he really wants to talk about - Blaine and Sam. He knows that Isabelle is a close personal friend of Blaine and would like to hear from her what exactly is going on in the Blam relationship. "I watched the National Awards on livestream last Friday night. Vogue won all of the awards in the categories that it was nominated in. I watched Blaine accept the 'Magazine of the Year' award. I can definitely add public speaking to the list of Blaine's many talents. I can't believe that he hinted at me as a fresh face for the May issue."

Isabelle smiles and replies, "Well, you are the fresh face for the May issue and Blaine is excited about it. Blaine even mentioned me during his E! Online red carpet interview. That kind of public recognition of others is what makes Blaine a great leader. It motivates people to try their hardest."

"That it does," Kurt comments. "I also saw the photos of Blaine and Sam on the red carpet, at the event and the after-party. They certainly make a handsome couple. How long have they been dating? Are there wedding bells in the cards?"

Judging by Isabelle's expression, Kurt can sense that those were the wrong questions to ask. After a long pause, Isabelle replies. "Blaine and Sam have known each other since they were 18 years old and living in Boston. They are very tight and are good for each other. Both Blaine and Sam are very protective about their private lives and I am not one to gossip about them. I suggest that if you really want to know, you ask either Blaine or Sam."

Kurt nods his head in understanding. On the one hand, he is disappointed not to learn more about Blaine or Sam. On the other hand, Kurt respects Isabelle for keeping tight-lipped and realizes that he might have a secret or two in the future that will be safe with Isabelle. Based on the evidence he has seen and heard since Friday, it reaffirms his belief that Blaine and Sam are indeed a couple. Kurt feels a tiny piece of his heart shatter at this realization… and he can't understand why.


That evening, Kurt takes a sip of his chamomile tea as he relaxes on the couch. He is entering his new appointments and daily tasks into his tablet's calendar, and jotting down notes of important things to remember. He now understands the hard work involved in maintaining himself to be 'model-ready'. He's going to treat the make-over as a job – an important one - and that means that he has to organize his days around it. Kurt doesn't want to let anyone down – Isabelle, Wes, Blaine, Unique, Paul, and everyone else he met last Friday at Vogue. As he looks over his notes to see if anything is missing, his phone pings and whirls with a series of incoming text messages. Kurt picks up his phone and reads that there are 4 new text messages from Chandler.

Hey u;)

You look great today. How do I know? Because you look great everyday.

How was your make-over? As fun as you expected?

I'm at the new coffee shop near the Vogue offices and they make a mean mocha. Let's try it out together.

Kurt smiles and he quickly types a reply about the make-over. Even though Chandler is a little bit over the top, Kurt likes the way Chandler makes him feel. He likes the compliments and they make him feel special. Kurt wishes that Blaine had sent him those messages, but that's not going to happen – not when Blaine's in love with Sam.

"What's got you smiling at your phone?" Rachel asks when she enters the loft. She takes off her coat, toes off her boots and joins him on the couch. Kurt can tell she is expecting an answer.

"I just received some texts from the stylist I met last Friday at the Vogue photo shoot. Nothing that special."

Rachel grabs the phone from Kurt's hand and reads the texts. "What do you mean they're not special? He's flirting with you! Are you going to take him up on his coffee date offer?"

Kurt shakes his head. "Chandler is just a flirty sort of guy in general. I can see him being a friend, but I have no romantic interest in him at all. Guess what? I signed the modeling contract with Vogue this morning. I then went out with Isabelle and Wes for a make-over. You won't believe everything involved in maintaining yourself to be model-ready!"

Rachel jumps up and gives Kurt a hug. "That's wonderful news. Let's go out and have a celebratory ice-cream while you tell me all about the make-over."

They bundle up with their coats and boots and head to the nearest ice-cream parlor. When Kurt is deciding between the chocolate chip cookie dough and the dolce con leche flavors, he remembers what the diet the nutritionist set out… And ice-cream is definitely on the banned list. He slips out of the ice-cream parlor to the juice bar next door and orders an Iron Maiden - a blend of spinach, parsley, carrots, and spirulina. Kurt can't believe that this is now his life.

Author's notes

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.

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Next up: The New York Fashion week.