"How can you live the high life if you do not wear the high heels?" - Sonia Rykiel
October
"Today, we're shooting the article about boots for the November issue. We're recreating iconic images of boots in popular culture, slightly updated for new boots that can be bought from our advertisers."
"I don't have to wear UGG boots, do I?" Kurt asks tentatively, wondering if he could even bear to place his feet in that walking fashion disaster.
Robin, the head of Photography and Art, laughs out loud. "No, we have other plans for you." He pulls out a sparkling red thigh-high boot with a six-inch stiletto heel.
Kurt instantly recognizes the footwear from Kinky Boots. He hasn't been able to see the play on Broadway, but he has enjoyed the movie.
"I-I-I'm not going to be dressed as a drag queen, am I? 'Cause I can't do that. It would definitely give my father another heart attack."
"No, you won't have a drag queen look. There might be parts of the outfit that are usually seen on women, but you're definitely going to look all man."
Kurt gives a polite smile at his new boss at Elle Magazine. So maybe he can do this – after all, he's always firmly believed that fashion has no gender boundaries.
Kurt is whisked away to the dressing area to get ready for the shoot. He needs to lie down on the floor to squeeze into the red hot-pants and do up the top button. He begs the stylist to loosen the black corset-styled top that has two nude sleeves with an intricate sequin design. Kurt then sits down in the make-up area, where the hair stylist uses his gelled-up fingers to spike Kurt's hair up this way and that. When Kurt looks at the end result in the mirror, he gasps – he looks like he just got out of bed after a night of fantastic sex. The make-up artist brushes glittery gold eye shadow across his eyelids and then applies a thick line of black eyeliner to make his eyes pop in the photos.
Kurt walks to the set alone and sits on a chair with six pairs of red boots in different sizes in front of him. He carefully tries the boots on and is relieved that he finds the right size on the fourth attempt. The long boot fits snugly over his calves and stops just over the middle of his thigh. Once both boots are on, Kurt stands up, wobbling a bit because of the high spiky heel. He slowly walks back and forth to get used to the feel – the boots are more comfortable than he thought they would be.
"Do you need some time to get used to the boots?" Wyatt, the chief photographer, asks.
"No, I'm good to go. I've got experience with platform boots from my high school show choir days. Can you believe that I once had to dress as Lady Gaga in her 'Bad Romance' outfit?"
Soon the camera is snapping as instructions are called out and Kurt listens carefully before striking a new pose. With every new position, he gains confidence, and his experience on set at Vogue helps. But somehow it doesn't feel quite the same as a photo shoot at Vogue. There's no Unique gently teasing him as she touches up his make-up. There's no Liam saying quiet words to bolster his confidence as he checks the pins on his outfit. There's no Steve behind the lighting giving him a thumbs-up. And there's no Blaine. As the camera clicks away, Kurt thinks of Blaine's 'Wannabe' performance and can't help but smile.
"No smile, Kurt. That's not the look we're after. Now give me… sultry."
After an hour or so, the photo shoot stops for lunch, and Kurt is told he can change. He quickly changes into his comfortable yoga pants and his favorite Wicked T-shirt, which has a witch's hat screen-printed on the front and "Everyone Deserves to Fly" written in cursive underneath. Kurt goes to the canteen, selects his food and sits at a table by himself. He feels awkward as others stare at him and then return to their own private conversations. Sure, he's the new kid on the block, but Kurt didn't expect the cold shoulder he's getting from everyone. He can't help but think how different the atmosphere is here compared to Vogue, where people were so friendly, warm and welcoming.
A loud-sounding bell indicates that the lunch hour is over. He sees a Nancy Sinatra look-alike dressed in a white mini dress and boots enter the set with a guitar in her hands. Kurt slowly walks over to Robin to find out when he's next needed.
"Not till Wednesday, but you have lots to do to get ready for it."
Robin leads him out of the photo studio, through a narrow hallway or two, and Kurt gulps when he enters a mirrored room with finely polished wooden floors… and a stripper pole.
A woman bounds up to him, smiling brightly.
"Hi! I'm Viveca. I like your T-shirt, and I hope that you really are ready to fly. I'm gonna teach you how to work the pole. Don't look so scared – it isn't going to bite you."
Kurt turns around and gives Robin a questioning look.
"On Wednesday, we're going to shoot photos of you posing on the pole. You need to get comfortable with it beforehand. Any problems?"
"I'm not going to have to act like a stripper, am I? Because no, I can't do that. Remember me telling you that my dad's got a weak heart?"
"Relax, Kurt. Your clothes will stay on. We want you to pose in some of the classic pole dancing positions. We want it to look sexy, but classy."
Kurt slowly nods and wonders what he's gotten himself into. That afternoon, Viveca takes him through some basic pole dancing positions and spins, and on Tuesday, they work through more advanced tricks like the Z-seat, the Spinning Straddle, and the Diamond Cut. Kurt has never been so grateful for his yoga training, because the pole dancing uses every muscle in his body.
"You're a natural, Kurt. You could be a pro."
"Thanks, Viv… I think? You know, this is a lot more fun than I thought it would be. I'm really impressed with how physically fit you need to be to do even the basic moves."
"Don't give up your day job, tiger. Take that back – I'd be very interested in a private lap dance later," Sebastian smirks as he enters the studio.
Kurt rolls his eyes and gives Sebastian his trademarked bitch-face. "Do I look like a stripper?"
Sebastian bumps his shoulder against Kurt's. "Just messin' with you. But speaking of strippers, I thought we should go to Eastern Bloc's tonight to catch the action on the pole. You might learn a trick or two."
"Okaaay. I've never been to a strip club before. Is the club… umm… sleazy?"
Sebastian shrugs his shoulders. "I wouldn't call it sleazy… Maybe interesting is a better word. We'll be fine going on a Tuesday night. I'll be right with you the entire time, princess, don't you worry."
Kurt agrees, and arrangements are made to meet later. Kurt quietly laughs to himself because there is no way he's going to bump into dapper Blaine at this sort of club.
And New York is full of all sorts of experiences, right?
When Wednesday's photo shoot is done, Kurt is aching all over. He rubs the balls of his feet after he's taken the red kinky boots off. His legs feel like jelly and his quads are literally shaking, and he doesn't feel he can lift anything heavier than a feather because his biceps are so sore. Thank god Robin gave him the rest of the week off. He plans to spend the whole time soaking in the tub.
Last night, at the Eastern Bloc Strip Club, was interesting to say the least. Kurt did get some ideas for poses from the professional pole dancers and appreciated their performances even more after his sessions with Viveca. The bartenders only wearing speedos definitely got his attention. When Kurt noticed men leering at him, he stuck close to Sebastian for the rest of the night. It was as if Sebastian couldn't help saying sleazy pick-up lines to him, and it was exhausting having to come up with retorts after a day practicing on the pole. He left the club by 11pm, while Sebastian was arranging for a private lap dance with one of the dancers.
After Kurt has changed into his own clothes, he goes to the techies' area to see the shots taken that day. Kurt puffs out a deep breath when he sees the images of himself on the computer – he's never seen himself look like this before. The outfit, with the make-up and hair, make him look like he's ready for a racy night out on the town. The various positions on the pole make him look masculine, with bulging arm and leg muscles. He has a sultry pout on his lips and his expression conveys that he's in charge and can get any person he wants.
Kurt likes the look, but it doesn't feel like it's the real him. The photos are entirely different from the ones taken at Vogue, with his smiling face and sparkling eyes – conveying a message of hope and innocence. With him dressed up like a Broadway part, it feels like a copycat idea from Vogue's Hamilton-inspired spread - and just a bit tacky.
"But you've gotta give me a job. Vogue fired me! With no reference, I have nowhere else to go!"
Sebastian sees Chandler pacing back and forth in his office, unable to control his frustration. "I don't have to do anything. You got the money for your services, now scram."
"Blaine Anderson knows you were behind it… He forced it out of me. He's going to go after us and I need your protection."
Sebastian is pleased with the small confirmation that Anderson definitely knows. Sebastian figures that Anderson had already worked it out for himself.
Chandler continues to rant, "You can't treat me like this. I'll tell the press what you've done!"
Sebastian sympathizes with Chandler's predicament, but there's no way he's going to hire him. If Chandler was a mole inside Vogue, he could become a mole inside Elle. Chandler has proven that he isn't a trustworthy person.
"Oh, please - save your sob story for your mother. If Anderson was planning to go after me, he would have done it weeks ago. Do you really believe that the press will believe you? There is nothing that traces me back to the video. When the press reports that you were behind it, Anderson won't have any choice but to start legal proceedings against you. I suggest that you go back home to Ohio. If you get lucky, you can work for Wilson and be surrounded by beefy football player look-alike models."
"Don't tell me you're not into basketball. I would have thought you would like ogling tall man in shorts," Sebastian remarks, and he dips a chicken wing into the blue cheese sauce.
"If I wanted to see tall men's legs, I'd watch swimming. Speedos are more my thing," Kurt snarks back. His cheeks redden at the image of Blaine in his tight-fitting red bikini pants. Yes, a much better image than sweaty men running back and forth for the sake of a ball and a hoop.
They are with a few of Sebastian's friends for their usual Monday night get-together. Kurt takes a look around the GYM Sportsbar, touted as the friendliest gay sports bar in New York City. It's got a relaxed atmosphere and Kurt understands why Sebastian likes hanging out here with his friends. There are loads of TV screens dotted around the bar, but Kurt notices that nobody's paying attention to the game – they're too busing watching each other.
"Did you check out the blond at the end of the bar? He's going to be mine later," Randy whispers, who is sitting across from Kurt.
"Okay, but I've got dibs on Mr. Cowboy Boots over there. He can ride my cock anytime," Woody retorts.
"So, Kurt, who do you have your eye on? Or are you saving yourself for me?" Sebastian asks.
Kurt coughs as he tries to swallow down the bite of his shrimp tempura roll in his mouth. The guys around the table are laughing, but Sebastian pulls his chair closer to Kurt.
"Hey, I'm only joking. Kurt, you've got to loosen up a bit. We've gotta get you laid. Tell me who you like the look of and I'll get him over here to join us."
Kurt is thankful he doesn't have to answer Sebastian because just then the bar explodes with cheers when Hassan Whiteside scores a goal during the very last second of the game.
Randy immediately signals the server to bring them the bill. "The game's over. Man, the Heat were on fire tonight. Now let's go down to the locker room and turn up the heat ourselves."
Whilst everyone at the table takes a final look at the guys in the bar, Kurt leans towards Sebastian and asks, "This place has a locker room?"
"It's the name of the room in the basement that has good music to dance to. It's got soft lighting, making it easier to get close and personal," Sebastian replies, waggling his eyebrows.
"I think I'll take a rain check. I'd like to go home now. It was a long day at the photo shoot and I have to be back on set by 8am."
"Okay, princess. I'll just text Dick to come pick you up."
Sebastian swiftly moves to the front door, and Kurt races to catch up. By the time they get to the curb, Dick has arrived with Sebastian's car. Before Kurt can open the car door, Sebastian has already returned to the bar.
"No wonder you call him princess. What's up with him?" Randy asks when he sees Sebastian enter the locker room.
"Lay off him, guys. He's 19 years old and a cherry-boy. I give it six months hanging out with us and he'll be hooking up with guys left, right and center."
"But hasn't he been in New York for almost a year? He's so uptight," Woody remarks.
"He hasn't kept the right sort of company. You know how dorky and uptight they are over at Vogue. The Elle factor will rub off on him sooner or later. Now enough talking… the brunet pale-faced twink over there is mine tonight. He looks like a screamer."
Kurt slumps back into his seat in the car and closes his eyes, trying to block out the rap music blaring from the car stereo system. He knows that Sebastian is really making an effort to have him settle into his new life at Elle. Sebastian's friends are smart, sophisticated and confident. They are friendly towards him, and Kurt can tell they make an effort to try and keep their conversations relatively PG when he's around. But in spite or because of their efforts – he doesn't know which - Kurt has certainly learnt a lot about the gay scene in New York.
Sebastian and his friends are the type of guys who throw themselves around in a series of one-night hookups that never seem to end. They're proud of it and like nothing better than to boast about their conquests the next day. It's been a learning experience, but Kurt thinks it's been a valuable one, for as much as he can admire their dedication to the cause, Kurt knows it's not the lifestyle for him.
Hayley is no longer his PR agent (she was fired by Sebastian, who said Kurt didn't need a PR agent, and certainly not an agent connected with Vogue), but Kurt does remember how she stressed that each public action does have consequences and he needs to make his personal life work with his values and beliefs. So, no, he's not going to have random hookups. The Klainegate video has already proved how fast things can escalate.
Kurt is grateful that Sebastian never mentions Blaine, Vogue or the video. It would be so awkward, and Kurt wouldn't know what to say. In spite of keeping busy at Elle during the day and in the evenings with Sebastian, he feels nostalgic for the days at Vogue… and for Blaine. He longs for the comradery at Vogue and how everyone truly cared for him. If he's honest with himself, he misses Blaine even more – the shy smile that Blaine reserves only for him, Blaine's excitement when they are doing something new on the weekends, the small thoughtful things Blaine does for him each day... Kurt wonders what Blaine is doing now. Blaine is probably stretched out on his sofa, watching the Gilmore Girls Revival on Netflix, laughing at Lorelai's whip-smart remarks, picking up the little jokes and obscure pop culture references.
Kurt knows that there's no going back. He has burnt his bridges with Vogue and with Blaine when he made the decision to work for Elle. But that doesn't make the heartache go away – it just leaves a dull ache thinking about what might have been.
"Amy, I'm home!" Blaine shouts as he sets down the suitcases. He gives her a huge hug when she rushes from the kitchen.
"You look fantastic, Blaine – so tanned and my god, your hair has gotten so long! India must really have suited you. I see that you have even picked up some new clothes."
Blaine twirls around in his new Indian Kurti shirt - a hand-embroidered tunic. "I had to buy another suitcase, I bought so much."
"I can see I'll be busy for days with the laundry. So, how was the trip?"
"It was fantastic. The first week was super busy attending events at Mumbai's Fashion Week and figuring out plans for the January issue. In spite of that, I loved every minute of it. I met so many different sorts of people and saw different designs and materials. It gave me so many ideas that went beyond the India-inspired issue."
"I'm glad that work went well, but I'm more interested in the last two weeks – your holiday."
"It was amazing. The sites were unbelievable – the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodpur, the fort in Jaisalmer… The list goes on and on and on. I stayed in the old Rajs' palaces that have been converted into hotels. Those Rajs certainly knew a thing or two about luxury. Half a suitcase is full of toiletries from the bathrooms for you."
Amy smiles broadly at the news of these little treats. Leave it to Blaine to think of others, even when he's taking a shower on holiday.
"That camera I bought before I left was the best idea ever. Every time I went out exploring, I felt all five senses come alive – the smells of the street food, the colors of the women's skirts and chunari, the constant noise of the busy street. Did you know that cows roam freely on the smaller roads? Well, anyways, I wanted to capture it all with my camera. India is also a country of contrasts, with extreme poverty and wealth. I was able to see this more clearly as I was taking photos."
"I'm glad that you enjoyed the new camera. So, when am I going to see the photos?"
"Maybe next weekend. I took so many pictures that I had to buy an extra memory card for the camera. I'll have to whittle down the 12,000 images to maybe a thousand for you to take a look at. I might have gone a little crazy taking photos of the little kids in the villages."
Amy's eyes widen, wondering how much time it will take to look at a thousand photos. She knows that it's so worth it, to see Blaine so excited again.
"Thanks, Isabelle. It looks like you've got everything under control. Are you still planning to be in New York over the holidays in December?"
"Yes, Blaine. Now go book that flight to Ohio so that you can be with your family for Christmas. By the way, those new ideas you have are truly inspiring. I can't wait to talk about them at the next management meeting. I'll catch you later," Isabelle replies, as she makes her way out of the office.
Even though it's the first day back to work from his India trip, Blaine feels really good about things. Isabelle has proved to be a good choice as the acting editor-in-chief because everything is smoothly humming along at Vogue. Sure, there are little things that need his attention, but they aren't so urgent and he can deal with them over the course of the week. Blaine looks over his calendar to see what events he needs to attend next month. His heart sinks when he sees the Whitney Art Party in his diary in a few weeks time.
The fundraiser for the Whitney Museum of American Arts is a must-attend as Vogue covers the event each year. It's a highlight in the City's art world calendar and everybody who's anybody attends – and that includes Sebastian Smythe. The Smythe family are known for their generous donations, so no doubt Sebastian will be at a high-profile table… with Kurt. There is no doubt in Blaine's mind that Kurt will be there. This will be the first opportunity that Sebastian will be able to publicly gloat in front of Blaine.
Blaine knows he will need someone with him – to support him throughout the event, but more importantly to help him out seeing Kurt for the first time since the diva-off. He immediately discounts Tina. God knows if he could get her claws out of Kurt when she sees him. Sam is definitely a no, although he's sure his friend would fly to New York to help him out. However, it would only fuel the media's interest in Blam and Klaine again. He doesn't want to ask his mother – although she would help in a heartbeat – as he would look like such a mama's boy after she helped him out during the New York Fashion Week last month. He then gets an idea whom to ask and picks up his phone.
"Squirt! You're back from India. I take it you're still in one piece? Any Delhi belly?" Cooper asks.
"Let's just say I'm not going to be eating spicy food anytime soon. Hey, I was wondering if you could come to New York in November?"
Blaine leans back in his chair, and explains about the Whitney Art Party and the extremely high likelihood that he would see Kurt again.
"No worries. I'm happy to help out. The Anderbros will rule the event!"
"Thanks, Coop. I'm so glad that I can count on you. I'll book your flights for that weekend and you can stay with me. Just one thing…"
"What's that, little bro?"
"It's going to be so awkward seeing Kurt again. Promise me you won't make a scene. No pointing fingers, no accusations – I want to keep things low-key."
"Don't worry about me, squirt. I'm a great actor and I know how to behave myself in public."
Blaine rolls his eyes at this last comment. Cooper's acting skills is exactly what he's worried about.
The next weekend, Blaine spends time going through the photos taken in India, reminiscing about all the great times he had on his trip. After dinner, he decides to watch '3 Idiots', a Bollywood blockbuster he picked up in Mumbai. Blaine frowns to himself when his phone starts to ring - he was really enjoying the impromptu dance performance. He pauses the DVD and eagerly accepts the call when he sees Sam's face on his phone screen.
"Sam! I've been trying to get hold of you for days."
"Sorry, dude. I've been catching the waves. What's up?"
"I took a look at those scans you sent me. You're too modest about your doodles. The comic is really, really good. I would totally read more of it."
"Really? I mean, even Mercedes likes it, but I don't know. What could I do with this?"
"Have you thought about starting a web comic? Who knows, it could get really popular and before you know it, some newspaper empire might want to syndicate it."
"Well, I like to mess about on my computer, so I could try to create it electronically. What do you think of the story?"
"The characters are fun and they get themselves into really interesting situations. I bet there will be Krian fans that get into this in a big way."
"That's a good idea. I'll think about it. Maybe post something on Tumblr. I'll send you a draft first so you can let me know what you think."
Blaine can hear Sam take a deep breath on the other end of the line. He knows Sam well enough to know that he has bad news, but doesn't want to say it.
"Look, dude. Mercedes and I have talked about our future lately. I'm not sure if I want to be a model any more. You know, when I met you ten years ago, I really wanted to be a country singer. But then I started hanging out with you and let you take pictures of me for your blog. Then everything snowballed with the underwear ad and the Vogue contract. I'm not sure what I wanna do with my life. I've got Mercedes now and we're thinking about starting a family. Maybe it's time to grow up and find a job that I can have until I'm old."
"I get it, Sam. I wasn't expecting you to renew your contract with Vogue. If there's one thing I've learnt this year, it's that exploring new options is a really good thing. You're crazy talented, man. Go perform at some local country bars and see if you enjoy it."
"Thanks, bro. It really means a lot to me that you're okay with things. So, what are you doing tomorrow night? Going to any Halloween parties? What are you dressing up as?"
"I'm going to Isabelle's for her infamous annual Halloween party. This year's theme is superheroes. I just got back from India and haven't had a chance to pick up a costume, so I'll go as Nightbird."
When they eventually finish their call, Blaine thinks that Sam is making the right move. Blaine might not like the decision because if Sam doesn't work for Vogue, he won't see Sam very often. However, he's determined to support Sam the same way Sam has helped him all these years. Blaine makes a mental note to research web comics tomorrow. But for now, he wants to get back to the movie. Those three guys are real idiots when they're dancing.
Author's notes
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.
Sunshineoptimismandangels, one of my favorite writers on this site, has started posting her new multi-chapter story, Callaway Place. I urge you to check it out. It's so good from the start.
Next up: Kurt and Blaine meet up at the Whitney Art Party.
