"Don't think. Just let it happen." – James Bond, 'The Living Daylights'

July

I'm a-a diva (hey), I'm a, I'm a-a diva (hey)
I'm a, I'm a-a diva (hey), I'm a, I'm a-a diva

"One, two, three, four… Move that body, move that body! Shoulders, hips, shoulders hips! Flip the head back! STOP!"

Unique turns off the music in the Brooklyn warehouse and gives Blaine a pointed look. "Blaine, you've got to loosen up. I want sensual and sultry. You're looking as sexy as a baby penguin."

"I don't feel sexy… I feel uncomfortable. This is pointless, Unique. I'm going to look like a fool during the diva-off."

"Honey, I think you're giving up too quickly. I know what your problem is. You're so worried about hitting your marks on the catwalk at the right part of the song, that you're forgetting the most important thing."

"What's that?"

"That you're a diva! Divas don't care if they get down the catwalk in time. Divas will get there in their own time and in their own way. You need to feel like a diva in order to be a diva. That outfit you're wearing isn't helping matters."

"But it's comfy," Blaine grumbles.

"Divas don't care about comfort. They care about how they look, and those sweatpants and T-shirt are not giving out diva vibes. Come with me. There must be something in the models' area that will help us."

Unique drags Blaine to the models' fitting room and starts flicking through the portable racks of clothes, picking out things for them to wear. "Put these on. I'm going to change over there."

Blaine barely manages to squeeze himself into the black leather trousers and the gold sequin top. He does see Unique's point. Wearing these clothes does make him feel different, maybe not diva-like, but different. When he leaves the dressing room, his jaw drops wide open. There is Unique in a little black dress and silver high platform shoes.

"Wow, Unique. You look great!"

"Thanks, but we're not finished yet. Not by a long shot."

"These trousers are way too tight and long for me."

"Of course they are. This is what Kurt wore for the August fashion shoot. I'll get Liam to find you the perfect outfit, but in the meantime, we'll just roll up these trousers."

Blaine feels a flash of heat rush through his body. There is something very sexy about wearing the same clothes that Kurt wore just last week.

"I think red is a much better color on you than gold. It suits your coloring and makes your eyes pop. Now, let's go to accessories and get some bling."

Unique immediately finds a diamond tiara and places it on her head. "You like?"

"It's a great look on you, but I don't think I can pull that one off."

"Not with those curls, which I want to feature on the night. For now, we'll just go for a chunky belt and some bangles on your wrists. I know you won't want to wear the Jimmy Choo's, but you'll need something with a heel."

Unique studies Blaine carefully and then goes off to fetch more. She returns with a red feather boa and wraps it around his neck. "Perfect. I'll let Liam know that red feathers need to be part of your outfit."

They return to the main area, and Unique walks to the sound system. She scrolls through her phone and smiles. "Let's forget about Beyoncé today, because she's only going to remind you of what you think you need to do. Sam will help you out for the moves to 'Diva'. For goodness sake, don't do those ridiculous body rolls he's so fond of. We're going to focus on finding your inner diva. And I have the perfect song and you'll like it because it's like a time machine back to the '70s."

"Roxy Music?"

"Hell, no. You definitely need help if you think Bryan Ferry is a diva. I'm talking about Donna Summer. You'll see what I mean. Now follow me.

Lookin' for a lover who needs another
Don't want another night on my own
Wanna share my love with a warm blooded lover
Wanna bring a wild man back home

Blaine initially follows Unique's moves, swaying his hips, and strutting along to the music. He has only read about Donna Summer's recent death, but he hadn't realized that she was a diva during the '70s disco era. The clothing, the boa and the music make Blaine feel bold.

"Now do your own thing. Show me what you got, hot stuff! Imagine that the audience is full of men wanting you, lusting after you. It's time to show them your inner diva."

Blaine mind fills with the image that Unique has described. In the sea of men, there's only one person he looks for and finds. Kurt's looking at him like he's the sexiest man alive. He sways, struts and poses with everything he's got. He loves the feel of the boa across his neck and he's moving this way and that.

Lookin' for some hot stuff, baby this evenin'
I need some hot stuff, baby tonight
I want some hot stuff, baby this evenin'
Gotta have some hot stuff
Gotta have some love tonight

When the song ends, Blaine collapses onto the floor in a fit of giggles.

"You've got your groove, Blaine. You owned it out there. Now remember that feeling and build on it, make it better."

"These shoes are killing me. How do you pull off wearing them?"

"Don't worry, we'll find the perfect shoes for you before the diva-off. Just wait until you see what I have planned for your make-up. Think glitter and red lipstick."

Blaine gulps at the prospect of make-up, but trusts Unique. Trusts that she'll make sure that he's a success at the diva-off.


Blaine plonks down his gym bag and yoga mat as soon as he's inside his apartment.

"Is that you, Blaine?"

"Yeah, it's me, Amy. I'm back from my two-hour hot yoga class. I don't think I can move another muscle."

"I've got your juice right here. Why don't you go soak those muscles in the tub? Oh, and your tablet has been pinging since you left." Amy hands Blaine his power juice and tablet, before retrieving the gym bag and heading towards the laundry room.

Yoga had seemed a good idea when he signed up for the classes – in addition to his boxing practice to get in shape for the diva-off. But he had sweated buckets in the warmed-up studio, and his muscles are aching. The only good thing was that he had managed to dodge the dogs and their owners who were getting ready for the doga class.

Blaine looks out the window and he sees dark clouds forming in the sky. The wind has picked up, and he can hear it whistle against the penthouse windows. There's a big summer storm brewing, and it's just a matter of when, not if, it will hit the Big Apple. He and Kurt had planned to go out tonight to catch dinner and a movie, but now he doesn't want to leave the penthouse – preferring to chill out at home. Reluctantly, he picks up his phone to call Kurt.

"Hey, Blaine. What's up? Is it raining in your part of the city yet? I felt a few big fat drops fall when I returned from grocery shopping five minutes ago."

"Not yet, but Accuweather has a major thunderstorm warning in effect from this afternoon through tomorrow morning. Do you mind if we change our plans and watch a movie and eat here instead?"

"Will Sam be there?"

"Nope, Sam is out of town and doesn't get back until tomorrow morning. Why are you always asking about Sam? If you want to spend time with him, just say so. I'll leave you two alone."

"It's not that. I really want to spend time with you. Sam lives with you, so of course I'm going to ask. So let's get back to today and how we're going to spend it. Any plans right now?"

"Nope."

How about I come over now and we have a big movie marathon and be couch potatoes."

"Sounds good. I've got quite a few movies that I haven't seen yet. Why don't you come over whenever you're ready. I'll get Bentley to pick you up so you won't have to brave the storm."

"Thanks, Blaine. I really appreciate that."

Blaine's grateful that Kurt's coming over and he won't have to venture outside. He checks his tablet quickly and sees that KrianFeels has updated their Breakaway fic this morning.


"You must be Kurt. Come in! I'm Amy."

"Hi, umm… Amy. Is Blaine around?"

"You don't know who I am, do you?" Amy chuckles.

"No, ma'am."

"I'm Mr. A's housekeeper. And ma'am makes me feel ancient. Amy will do."

"Housekeeper?"

"Surely, you didn't think that Blaine and Sam keep the penthouse this clean by themselves? Now, what do you have here?"

"Just some snacks. Popcorn, my homemade trail mix and those little wasabi peas Blaine likes so much."

"How thoughtful. I'm sure he'll love them. Mr. A is still soaking in the tub. I'll let him know you're here and tell him to get his wrinkled tush out of the bath. I'm making gazpacho for your dinner and when I'm done, I'm going home. Mr. A has given me the rest of the weekend off. If you make your own trail mix, then you can help me in the kitchen while Mr. A gets ready."

Amy hollers down the hallway and then joins Kurt in the kitchen. She soon has Kurt chopping green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions for the gazpacho toppings. Amy is peeling jumbo shrimps to eat with the soup.

"You're very good with a knife, Kurt. When did you learn to cook?"

"My mother died when I was young, and my father was hopeless in the kitchen. I had to learn to quick pretty quickly if I wanted more than Kraft mac & cheese every night. And then, when he had a heart attack, I had to learn how to prepare healthier food. So, cooking has been part of my life ever since I can remember."

"I like a man who can cook and take care of his partner. So do you go to nightclubs every night now that you're new to the City?"

"N-no. My life's actually quite boring. I prefer meeting up with friends in coffee shops, staying in and listening to music, watching movies, reading, that sort of thing."

"What a coincidence. So does Mr. A. No wonder you get along so famously. I know quite a bit about modeling from Sam, but tell me what's it been like for you since you joined Vogue."

As Kurt tells amusing anecdotes of what's happened both on and off set, Amy smiles to herself. This Kurt is a catch.

Blaine quickly finishes reading KrianFeels' update as he dresses. He can't stop when Kevin is mid-orgasm, his hands tied up together, in a dewy meadow of lilac. After checking himself in the mirror, Blaine bounds to the living area.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Kurt. I lost track of time while I was in the tub. This morning's yoga class was tough and I ache all over."

"Is this your way of asking me to put my magic hands to good use and give you a massage?"

Blaine ducks his head and blushes, thinking of where his mind wandered to when those magic hands were massaging his feet. "As good as that sounds, I think I would fall asleep if you gave me a massage. And I want to stay awake for our movie marathon."

Blaine takes a closer look at Kurt. His hair looks more casual than it normally does, but every hair is still perfectly in place. His yoga pants look like they have been painted on and his shirt is playful, with straps and buckles. Wait, what?

"Uhm, Kurt, is that a Burberry Prorsum bondage top?"

Kurt giggles and replies, "Yes, it is. I truly believe that fashion has no gender or boundaries. I'm not going to ask how you know this particular top, specifically. It sounds like you might have first-hand experience with it."

"I'm the editor-in-chief of Vogue. Of course I'm intimate with the Burberry lines." Blaine hopes he gave back as good as he got.

"Is Amy still here?"

"She's cleaning up in the kitchen, getting ready to leave. Say, you didn't tell me you had a housekeeper."

"Umm…"

"She's great. So funny. But I have to tell you, I felt I was being interrogated on a first date by your mother. She's very protective of you."

"Yeah, she is. I kinda like it. It's like having someone looking out for you, even when they're not there."

"I know what you mean. My dad's like that too. I would never admit it to him, but I like how he looks out for me, even when I'm here in New York City. Speaking of which, my dad is coming to New York next weekend. We're going to see Rachel in Funny Girl on Friday night, but I was wondering if you would spend some time with us on Saturday? I would love for you to meet him."

"Really?"

"Yep. I might have told him about you and he really wants to meet you."

Blaine gets a warm feeling inside at the thought that Kurt has discussed him with his father, but it soon turns cold when he thinks about the meeting. How he will need to impress Kurt's father and get into his good books. And what happens if Kurt's father doesn't like him?

"I can see your mind going a thousand miles a minute. Relax. My dad's a great guy and he isn't going to put you through the wringer. He wants to learn more about my new life in New York and meet people I hang out with."

Blaine thinks he can cope with that. They're just friends, after all. However, he still wants to impress Kurt's dad and thinks about ways to do that. A small smile forms on his face when he gets an idea.

"Sure, I'd love to meet your dad. By the way, does he like sports?"

"He lives for sports. All kinds – football, basketball, hockey, baseball…"

"Okay, I get it. He likes sports. How about I take care of the day and we go watch a game?"

"Oh, he would like that a lot - tons better than going to a Broadway show, shopping or a fancy dinner."

"Got it. Leave it to me."

"Okay. Oh, before I forget, did you ever get behind who posted the Vogue staff party photos on Twitter?"

"Nope. Tina tracked it down, and it was uploaded with a prepaid cell phone somewhere in Manhattan. There's been nothing else posted, so hopefully it was a one-off thing. Now, take a look at my movie selection. I'm sure there's something that you want to see."

Kurt scrolls through the memory stick connected to the sophisticated home theater system, pausing every so often.

"Unbelievable, Blaine! You have movies that haven't opened in the cinema yet. How do you get them?"

"Tony Scott and I are friends, and he looks for my feedback on the movies' costumes before he writes his review."

"You mean A.O Scott as in the film critic from the New York Times?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Let's watch Bond 24. There are always scenes with a Bond girl in a bikini and a glamorous ball gown. Then there's James himself with his black mock turtle-neck sweaters as he fights the bad guys, and his signature black tie outfit."


"It's definitely 'Casino Royale'. Daniel Craig brought Bond back to his roots, showed us what he was like before he became cold and heartless, and gave the character real emotional depth."

"I'm going to have to disagree with you, Kurt. The best Bond movie was 'Goldfinger'. It made Bond the pop culture icon he is today. No-one can touch Sean Connery as Bond - his playfulness, his ruthlessness, and his ability to look good in a suit."

"Want to watch them and see?"

"Sure. We'll see whose James Bond is the best."

They clear away the dishes from their dinner and Kurt replenishes the snack bowls before returning to the living room. Blaine sits down on the couch next to Kurt, but he can't get comfortable. Between Sam's workouts and the yoga classes, his glutes are killing him.

"C'mon, old man, why don't you lie down. You look like you're auditioning for The Wiggles. There's plenty of room if you put your head on my lap."

Kurt doesn't need to tell him twice. Blaine quickly lies down on his side and puts his head on Kurt's lap. He can feel Kurt's muscles as he adjusts himself to get comfortable, and he quietly inhales to breathe in Kurt, a mixture of his freshly laundered yoga pants and something that is indescribably Kurt.

He doesn't like being called an old man by Kurt. He never really thinks about their ten-year age difference. After all, they're both from Ohio and had similar experiences growing up. In spite of all that, it makes him feel insecure when Kurt jokes about it. However, he's not going to dwell on it when he's so close to Kurt.

If you take a life do you know what you'll give?
Odds are you won't like what it is

Kurt starts gently singing to the 'Casino Royale' theme song. When the opening credits have finished and the movie starts in earnest, Kurt starts stroking Blaine's hair. Blaine can't concentrate on the movie because Kurt's fingers feel so good. They alternate between lightly scratching his scalp and wrapping around a curl and giving it a gentle tug. Blaine's breathing soon finds a rhythm in time with the rain beating against the penthouse windows. His eyes feel droopy and they close as he falls into a long deep sleep.

Kurt blinks when the closing credits scroll down the screen. He's hardly taken in the movie as he concentrated on Blaine's hair. His theory had been right – if you straighten one of Blaine's curls and let go, it snaps back into place. So what if he did it hundreds of times? It was research, right? Kurt knows he should probably go because Blaine isn't going to wake up anytime soon, but he can't get up with Blaine on his lap… or at least that's his excuse. So he points the remote to 'Goldfinger' and starts the movie playing. As the opening song plays, Kurt rests his hand on Blaine's shoulder and his eyes close as he drifts off to sleep.


Kurt can hear a noise but it's dull and muffled in his head. He feels a warm and soft pressure from behind. He's lying down on the couch with arms wrapped around him and his feet tangled up with someone else's… Blaine's. There's a semi-erect cock gently pressing against his buttocks, and he can feel little puffs of warm air on his neck.

"Don't mind me, I'm just home to collect a few things."

Kurt's eyes snap wide open as he hears Sam's voice from the entrance way. Kurt is absolutely mortified that Sam has caught them sleeping on the couch together. He can hear a yawn indicating that Blaine is slowly waking up. What surprises him most is that Blaine is keeping his arms wrapped around his body.

"I thought you weren't getting home until lunchtime."

"Dude, it's eleven o'clock. That is almost lunchtime. I'll just grab some food and clothes, and go somewhere. I'll be back way later. Told ya, Blaine, that we shoulda used a tie-on-the-door system."

Kurt jumps up, horrified about an arrangement Blaine and Sam may or may not have.

"It's not what you think. Blaine and I were watching movies last night and somehow we both fell asleep."

"I'm pretty sure it's exactly what I think. Don't worry about it, bro. It's cool. I'll talk to you later, Blaine."

With a wave, Sam walks to the back bedrooms.

"Blaine, I'm going to go now before I freak out. Thanks for the movies, dinner, umm… everything. See you soon." Before he can hear Blaine's reply, he's out the door and into the private elevator.


"Were you with Anderson or Smythe last night?" Rachel asks as soon as Kurt walks into the Bushwick loft. He sighs deeply because he doesn't want to deal with Rachel right now. Not when his emotions are in such turmoil.

"I was at Blaine's, so I'm not going to talk about it."

"I thought as much, because this came for you yesterday afternoon," Rachel replies as she hands over a large envelope.

"Thanks, Rach. I'll just grab a coffee and open it in my room."

He's grateful that Rachel got the hint and didn't pry into last night more. After he sits on his bed and takes his first sip of coffee, he carefully opens the envelope. Inside is a first-class return ticket to Paris for next weekend, with a brochure for the Hotel Saint James Albany. There's a simple handwritten note. Join me for Bastille Day? – Sebastian Smythe.

Visiting Paris has always been in the top three of Kurt's bucket list since he started learning French in high school. He is sorely tempted by the luxurious five-star hotel and wants to join in the Bastille Day celebrations. But Kurt knows that any invitation from Sebastian Smythe comes at a price - with strings attached. He's not willing to compromise his first time, his values, his reputation for Paris … And certainly not for Sebastian Smythe. He quickly scrawls, Not interested now, not interested ever. No more invites. – Kurt Hummel.

He addresses an envelope and licks a first-class stamp in the right hand corner. Then, he quickly shoots out to drop it into the mailbox at the corner.

When he returns, Kurt is happy that he's done the right thing. However, is he doing the right thing with Blaine? His phone vibrates with a new message.

You shouldn't have left so quickly. I wanted to make you blueberry pancakes :) B xx

Kurt is appalled that Blaine had wanted him to stick around in spite of Sam catching them asleep on the couch. What was going on between him and Sam? He fires a text back.

Isn't Sam upset with you? K

Ten minutes go by and Blaine hasn't yet responded. Kurt takes a shower, gets dressed and gets on with his day. After grocery shopping and running errands, Kurt relaxes watching 'Couples Therapy' on Netflix. His phone vibrates with Blaine's message at last.

I think we need to talk about Sam. Maybe after your father's visit? B xx

Kurt doesn't think twice about it, because he needs to find out once and for all what is going on.

Sure. Good night. K

He doesn't understand the relationship Blaine has with Sam, and he's not sure he wants - or can - listen to any explanation. It's too much. Are they in an open relationship where it's okay to see other people? That would be so surprising, given Blaine's personality. Blaine seems like the type of guy who prefers steady long-term relationships. Even with their new friendship, he can't think of anyone more loyal than Blaine, so giving of himself and his time. And he's living with Sam, for goodness' sake!

But maybe it's Sam who is pushing Blaine into this kind of thing. Sam, who is gone an awful lot of weekends. Sam who spends downtime on the photo set closely guarding his phone, texting someone with a goofy smile on his face. Kurt had always thought that these sessions were with Blaine, but what if they were not? What if Sam is cheating on Blaine?

Kurt decides that Blaine is worth it, worth finding out about what kind of relationship he has with Sam. He's been such a good friend, and Kurt owes him that much at least. He knows that it would be awkward to discuss it before his dad is in town. So he mentally makes a point to meet up with Blaine as soon as possible afterwards and get this sorted out once and for all.


Author's notes

Songs played during Unique and Blaine's diva-off rehearsal
'Diva' by Beyoncé
'Hot Stuff' by Donna Summer

Song playing when the James Bond movie starts – 'You Know My Name' by Chris Cornell. Casino Royale's theme song.

Thank you to Lilyvandersteen, 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.

There has been a couple of times (like last week) where your reviews haven't been published against the story for several days. However, I do get an e-mail notification with the review when you post it. The reply link doesn't work so I try to send a PM for each one (apologies if I missed you out). So please keep them coming because they brighten up my day:)

I'm now in the US East Coast and will be here for a while. This will be my update time (roughly) until further notice.

Next up: Burt's weekend in New York