"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln
May
When Kurt hears gentle snoring, he slowly rolls off Blaine's body and heads towards the bathroom. He dampens a facecloth with hot water and wipes the streaks of cum off his chest. He quickly dresses, because he's not sure if he can control himself around Blaine with both of them fully naked. Although he's still a teenager, Kurt knows that climaxing three times in six hours is impossible.
Kurt prepares a second facecloth and returns to the bedroom to clean up Blaine's back. Kurt gasps when he sees the bite mark he made on Blaine's shoulder. He hadn't realized he had bitten Blaine so hard while having such an intense orgasm. He gently wipes the cum and massage oil off Blaine's body, careful not to wake him up. Then he lies back down and faces Blaine, who must be having a good dream, judging by the smile on his face.
The last 24 hours have been life-changing for Kurt. So much has happened that his brain is having a hard time keeping up. There's a whole different version of events that took place while he worked at Vogue and spent most of his free time with Blaine.
Kurt is still feeling a little bit angry with Blaine for not telling him everything about Sam all those months ago. Although he understands why Blaine did it, it still hurts that Blaine didn't trust him enough to tell him their secret. But Kurt knows that he's got to let those feelings go. What happened in the past can't be changed, and there is so much more in their future to focus on.
They've talked about important stuff over the past 24 hours, and sometimes it had been hard to say, and other times it had been hard to hear. Most importantly, they really listened to each other, and were able to push past the issues they had in the past. They still need to talk about that 'Klainegate' video and why Kurt joined Elle, but Kurt is confident that they'll work through these things as well.
When Blaine told him that he loved him at the Bellerose Boutique fashion show, it seemed as if time stood still. Judging by how closely Blaine stuck to him during the boutique's reception, Kurt knew Blaine needed special TLC. With only 24 hours left in LA, Kurt wanted to make them memorable and god, they certainly were.
Kurt thinks back to earlier that morning, when he lost his virginity fucking Blaine. Blaine made him feel so safe and connected, not laughing at his silly questions. Blaine certainly rambles when he's feeling good, and Kurt secretly loves this. It spurs him on to make Blaine feel even better and holy shit, was that was the best orgasm of his life or what? His father was right in one respect – once you start doing it, you'll never want to stop. Kurt can't wait to find further ways to turn Blaine into a babbling mess again.
Kurt looks at Blaine's wrist, with the rainbow bracelet. He moves his arm so that he can see both bracelets together. It gives Kurt a warm and fuzzy feeling that they have something to symbolize that they're together. Blaine was so sweet and excited about wearing it. He couldn't have picked a better first boyfriend. Kurt was rather surprised that Blaine confessed to not having a boyfriend before either. How was that possible with someone as wonderful as Blaine?
Boyfriends.
That one word means a lot to Kurt. It means being together, through thick and thin, and being an important part of each other's lives. When Blaine held him this morning after their amazing sex, Kurt had realized where he belonged. It certainly wasn't an ocean away in Paris. Although he loves living in Paris, it no longer holds the attraction it once did. It would never be home, not when Blaine is living in New York City. It was in that moment that Kurt had decided to quit his job at the Bellerose Boutique. Christophe had been very understanding about everything. It seems that this is the start of everything clicking into place for him and Blaine.
When Blaine had asked him to marry him, Kurt desperately wanted to shout 'yes' at the top of his lungs. But deep down, Kurt knew that Blaine was caught up in the moment, and that's not how they should be making decisions about their future together.
Kurt looks at every dip and curve of Blaine's body and wills his cock not to respond. Kurt knows he'll always have this reaction every time he sees his sexy and beautiful Blaine naked. His mind drifts to living with Blaine someday, and then marrying him, and having kids. Kurt wants them to be that elderly couple everyone coos at because they still look and act so in love. When his mind wanders to think about the family home they'll eventually set up, he's startled by the sound of the hotel suite's doorbell.
Kurt quietly gets up to open the suite's door and sees the room service waiter with a cart full of plates and a carafe of coffee. Kurt puts his finger to lips to indicate to the man that he should be quiet. Kurt closes the bedroom door, and while the waiter is setting up the snacks, he heads to the bar area for a few dollars as a tip. When Kurt remembers that he only has a 50-dollar bill in his wallet, he grabs Blaine's. In his haste, some photographs and receipts fall out of the wallet to the floor. Kurt takes out a few dollars and tips the waiter.
Once Kurt has closed the suite's door, he gets on his hands and knees to retrieve the fallen papers. When he glances at a photograph he's just picked up, he freezes and just sits there open-mouthed. It's a photo of Blaine and Sebastian, smiling, with Sebastian's arm around Blaine. It looks like it was taken a while ago, but they look so happy together. Kurt's head spins as he tries to make sense of this.
What if Blaine and Sebastian aren't really rivals? What if they are something more than meets the eye? Why were both men so interested in getting him to sign a contract for their respective magazine last September? Why did Sebastian give a substantial donation to the Monarch Foundation only yesterday?
Oh. My. God. I was part of a bet!
Kurt doesn't doubt for one moment that Blaine loves him – his heart-eyes don't lie. But to what lengths would Blaine go to win a bet with Sebastian? Kurt finds it difficult to breathe. The suite feels like it's closing in on him. He tears the photo in half and leaves it on the bar counter, then quickly writes a small note on the pad of paper next to the phone, before he rushes out of the suite. What the hell! How could you use me in your and Sebastian's twisted games?
Blaine rolls over and reaches out to hold Kurt, opening his eyes when he can't find in him bed. He glances over at the clock on the night table and realizes that it's 5 p.m. He's angry at himself that he hasn't woken up in time to say goodbye to Kurt before he left. He had planned to have one last dance with Kurt, then kiss him senseless before sending him on his way.
Blaine rubs his chest and realizes that it's caked with remnants of his dried cum, and it feels itchy and horrible. He heads to the bathroom and takes a shower. When the hot water pours over his body, Blaine wishes that Kurt was there with him. Kurt had promised him a memorable 24 hours and he certainly delivered. Blaine hopes that Kurt will join him in New York City sooner rather than later. He wants to reciprocate with another special day… Maybe a weekend… Maybe a long vacation…
Blaine dries off and puts on the fluffy bathrobe Kurt has been wearing – it makes him feel as if Kurt is still wrapped around him. He walks into the living area to grab a mineral water, thinking about what he can buy Kurt for his birthday in a few days' time. He stops in his tracks when he sees the torn picture of Sebastian and himself, with a note from a very angry Kurt.
Blaine isn't exactly sure what Kurt thought when he saw the photo, but it obviously wasn't good things. Exactly what kind of games did Kurt think that he and Sebastian were playing? Blaine figures out that Kurt must be waiting at the airport departure gate and grabs his phone to call him.
"How could you!" Kurt cries out when he answers the phone.
"I'm not sure what you mean."
"You promised me you would be honest about everything with me. How could you not tell me about Sebastian?"
"There's nothing to tell, Kurt. Honestly, that photo was taken back in high school. It…"
"Stop right there," Kurt interrupts. "I hope you're happy with Sebastian's donation to the Monarch Foundation. When he handed you the check, I couldn't believe that Sebastian would donate such a large amount of money to your pet project. But now I know that it was only because he lost the bet. When did you two decide to bet about me? The only loser in this is me!"
"We didn't bet about you, Kurt. You've got to believe me."
"Look, I've got to go. The gate is about to close. I love you, Blaine, but nothing makes sense anymore."
When Blaine hears the line go dead, he drops to the floor, holds his knees and rocks gently back and forth, tears streaming down his face. He can sort of understand how Kurt thought that he and Sebastian and he made a bet about which magazine would get him. Sebastian's donation to the Monarch Foundation only added fuel to the fire. But why didn't Kurt wake him up and ask him about it? Why did Kurt jump to his own conclusions? Did Kurt think so little of him and his love?
His body racks with sobs at the thought of losing Kurt after only 24 hours.
"Happy birthday, kiddo," Burt says when he sees Kurt stumble into the kitchen.
Kurt smiles when his dad hands him a cup of coffee. It's been three nights since he's slept well – three nights since he slept holding Blaine tightly. Kurt hasn't accepted any of Blaine's calls or listened to the countless voicemails he's left. He wants to calm down before they talk again. He can't let his fiery temper loose on Blaine and lose him for good.
"So when are we leaving for the garage, Dad? It'll only take me ten minutes to get ready."
Burt puts down his newspaper and stares at Kurt for a few moments. "When are we gonna talk about this? I like the extra help around the garage, but I can't help feeling that it's you avoiding what's really going on in your life."
Kurt lets out a deep sigh. His dad's right. He's been avoiding thinking about Blaine, figuring out what direction he wants his life to go, and wondering how this mess will ever be resolved.
"It's about Blaine."
"I thought it might be. Timmy's opening the garage today. I've got time, so tell me what's going on."
Kurt talks and talks and talks. He tells his dad about his thoughts before leaving Paris, the LA boutique opening and seeing Blaine again. He relates all but the most intimate moments of their 24 hours together. Kurt tells his dad about quitting his job and his plans to return to New York City, and how he wants to get into fashion design but isn't exactly sure how. He then relates discovering the photo of Blaine and Sebastian, and his theory that he was part of a bet. After 30 minutes, Kurt stops talking, feeling absolutely exhausted.
"Wow, seems like a lot happened there in LA."
"You're telling me."
"I don't believe for a single second that Blaine would make a bet with Sebastian about you. That doesn't sound like the Blaine I know."
"Now that I've thought about it, I can't believe it either. I'm sure there is a perfectly logical explanation for the photo. And I know he loves me. That's not fake."
"What did Blaine have to say about it?"
"He said that there was no bet and that the photo is from when they were in high school. I don't know much more. I… umm …. I haven't spoken to him about it," Kurt admits.
"You mean you didn't ask Blaine about it before you left LA?" Burt asks with disbelief in his voice. When Kurt shakes his head, Burt huffs in frustration. "How could you not ask Blaine? You just thought the worst about what could have happened and made up a bet theory in your head? Kurt, a relationship is about asking those tough questions and really listening to the answers. You just told me that you and Blaine had plenty of heart-to-heart talks in LA. Why was this different?"
"I don't know. I guess you're right - I should have woken up Blaine and asked him about the photo so it wouldn't have come to this – me in Lima wondering what had really happened."
"That's only half the story, Kurt. How do you think Blaine's feeling alone in New York City with you not accepting his calls and not answering his texts? Pretty miserable, that's how."
Kurt drops his head in shame. He hasn't really considered Blaine's feelings the past couple of days.
"So what are you going to do, Kurt?"
"Everything feels so overwhelming. I'm not sure where to start sorting things out – with Blaine and what I'm going to do with my life."
"When I get a car at the shop that needs a complete overhaul, I like to break the job down into manageable pieces. Once I work on one thing – say the engine – then I can set my mind to other bits, like the panel work or the interior. What I'm saying is: break down everything that's going on in your life into pieces and work them out one by one."
"Like what career I want and Blaine?"
"You got it. Can I suggest something else?"
When Kurt nods, Burt continues.
"Go call Blaine and apologize for jumping to conclusions without listening to him first. You'll feel better about things with him and stop rehashing events in your mind. Then you can focus on figuring out what you want to do. Once you know who you want to be, you can talk further with Blaine and work out how your lives will fit together. It might be better if you have your priorities sorted out beforehand."
"I know that I want to return to New York City and pursue fashion behind the scenes. I can't stay in Paris – not when Blaine is here. I wouldn't be happy."
"What about the Broadway dream?" Burt asks.
"Oh, I'm totally over that dream. Being in the limelight isn't all that it's cracked up to be. It's hard work, and the downtime is lonely. You're scared of doing what you really want to because the media is always trying to find ways to exploit your fame. And look what happened to Rachel Berry – her star soared then was destroyed by one wrong decision."
"Don't write Rachel off just yet. Did ya know that she's taking the McKinley glee club to Nationals next month?"
Kurt shakes his head sheepishly. He hasn't called once since he arrived in Lima – what a bad friend he's turned out to be.
"I know I want to study fashion design and really learn the tools of the trade."
"So maybe instead of doing lube jobs at the garage, you should be researching fashion programs and applying?"
"Yeah, you're right."
"I'm going to head into the shop now, bud. Take the day off and do something you enjoy. Buy some fashion magazines, reorganize your closet or do some of that research stuff we were talking about."
Once Burt heads off, Kurt takes a shower and gets ready for the day. He slips on the shirt that he had borrowed from Blaine in LA. It's all wrinkly but he loves the smell of Blaine that still lingers. He sits down at the computer and starts researching fashion design programs in New York City. After a couple of hours, he looks out the window and decides that it's much too nice out to spend the whole day indoors. Besides, it's his birthday after all.
After eating a salad for lunch, Kurt grabs a sketchpad and drawing pencils and heads to the backyard. After popping earbuds in to listen to his favorite Broadway tunes playlist, he starts drawing designs. Kurt sees two butterflies chasing each other, flying separately but then always reconnecting. He rushes inside to get his watercolor paints. The butterflies have flown away, but Kurt takes inspiration from the colors in the flower bed and starts to paint.
"Kurt, there's a delivery boy here for you," Burt shouts when he enters the house after work.
Kurt drops his sketch book and rushes inside, where he sees a bouquet of red and yellow roses and a huge box.
"I'll put the flowers in the kitchen for you to sort out later. Is this Blaine's doing?"
Kurt nods and rushes into the living room, trying to open the box. He laughs when his father joins him with a Swiss army knife in his hand. Kurt slows down for a moment and carefully opens the box and takes out the items one by one.
There's a cheesecake from Eileen's, a half-dozen bagels from Black Seed Bagels and his favorite cronuts from the Dominque Ansel Bakery. There's an I Love New York mug and a bag of hot chocolate mix from Madison & Vine. Kurt then discovers VIP tickets for two to see Waitress in June, The Color Purple in July, and School of Rock in August. There's a gift certificate for a day at the M-Star Spa. The last item Kurt pulls out is a Ty plush dog with huge golden eyes, wearing a handwritten sign that says I miss you.
"Blaine seems to know all your favorite things in New York City," Burt comments as he eyes the loot.
"Yeah, he does. I think this is his way to lure me back there."
"Is it working?"
"Yes? Maybe? I don't know. Blaine makes me feel so safe, connected and loved. I'm ready to commit to him. But like we said this morning, I've got to figure out what I'm doing first."
Burt gets up from his favorite armchair. "When you call to thank him for all this stuff, maybe you should tell him that as well. I'm going to shower and change clothes. I've booked a table at Breadsticks for your birthday dinner for 7 p.m."
Kurt watches his dad climb the stairs. His dad's gentle prompting was exactly the push he needed to phone Blaine. Kurt spends the next five minutes running through what he's going to say to Blaine. He takes a deep breath and dials Blaine's number.
"Hello? Is that you, Kurt?"
"Hey… I got your package. Thanks for all the presents. Every item was so thoughtful."
"Happy birthday, Kurt. I'm glad you liked them."
"I know that I snapped at you when you called me at the airport a few days ago. I'm not sure how Sebastian fits into your life…"
"He doesn't!" Blaine interrupts. "There was no bet involving you. You've got to believe me, Kurt, I just want you to know…."
"Look, I've gone through this in my head a million times. I believe you – I really do."
Kurt can hear Blaine sniffling on the phone. God, he doesn't want him to be upset, but it's important that Blaine to understand what he needs.
"I feel as if my life is at a crossroads, with so many different directions I could choose to go in. I need to have a clear idea of what I want to do before I see you again. I need to figure out what I want and then go after it. Come to you as my own independent man."
"You will. Kurt, you're the strongest person I know."
"And I want to be strong for you, but I have to be strong for me first. I'm just not there yet. Even though I have to sort myself out, I miss you like crazy and … I want to be with you. You're still my best friend," Kurt says quietly into the phone.
"You're mine too," Blaine replies. "Can you come visit me in New York? I need you."
"Who else would I take to those Broadway shows? Just don't get tickets for Funny Girl. I've heard that Rachel's replacement is rubbish, and every Fanny Brice song and piece of dialogue are stamped inside my brain forever."
Blaine chuckles. "So we're really going to see each other next month?"
"Yeah. I'll be in New York City before the Waitress tickets. Look, I've got to go. My father's taking me to Breadsticks for dinner."
"Kurt, I love you so much," Blaine whispers.
"I love you too. And please believe me when I say that every version of my future includes you."
When Kurt gets off the phone, he sees his father waiting for him in the dining room. Burt walks over to him and gives him a big hug. It's comforting, and Kurt smiles, hoping that everything will work out in the end.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, Kurt hears the doorbell ring. His dad is upstairs, getting ready for the day, so he gets up to answer the door. Kurt finds himself standing face-to-face with an older man with thick silvery hair. He looks a little familiar, but Kurt knows he's never seen the man before.
"Kurt, at last we meet! I'm Michael Anderson."
The penny drops when he sees the huge smile and the triangular eyebrows. This is Blaine's father.
"Mr. Anderson, it's a pleasure to meet you. Won't you come in?"
Michael strides into the house and stands there, staring at Kurt.
"Can I get you a coffee or something to drink? I'm not sure why you're here… I wasn't expecting you."
"Burt and I are going property hunting in Lima today for the next Monarch House."
"Oh, yeah. Dad has mentioned the project loads of times. I'll go get him."
Kurt dashes to the bottom of the stairs and calls out to his dad that Mr. Anderson is there.
"Tell him I'll be down in fifteen minutes," Burt hollers back.
Kurt pours two coffees before joining Mr. Anderson in the living room.
"I didn't realize that the Monarch Foundation is ready to open a house in Lima," Kurt says as he sits down on a chair.
"Your father and I have been busy getting grants and donations. Your father is very special… and so are you."
Kurt is shocked that Mr. Anderson has even heard about him.
"You must be very special if Blaine has fallen in love with you," Michael adds.
Kurt clears his throat because he wasn't expecting Blaine's father to raise the subject. Kurt can see the sparkle in Mr. Anderson's eyes.
"The real question is whether you love Blaine too?"
Kurt feels totally unprepared for having this discussion with Blaine's father. He decides the best thing is to speak honestly from his heart.
"Yes… Yes, I do. I might be young, but I know what my heart feels. Blaine is the most special, amazing, smart, and caring man I've ever met. I feel so safe and connected when I'm with Blaine. I love Blaine very much."
Kurt feels self-conscious as Mr. Anderson mulls over his response. Did he say the right thing? Was it too much?
"So what are you doing in Lima? Why aren't you in New York City doing whatever you two do together?"
"I might know what my heart wants, but it's the rest of my life that's a confusing mess right now. I've enjoyed my time as a model, but the fame and media attention aren't right for me. Frankly, I hate that aspect of the job, Mr. Anderson."
"Call me Michael. I have a feeling we're going to know each other for a very long time. Sorry, please continue."
"I need to figure things out on my own before I go back to Blaine. I want to find a career that will blend in with my future dreams."
"And what are those, Kurt?"
Kurt takes a few moments to think about his reply. "I see a husband and children in my future. I want a family that I love and can grow old with. Any career that I decide upon would have to fit in with this, because family really matters to me."
Michael throws back his head with laughter.
"God, you and Blaine were made for each other. Last Christmas, Blaine told me the exact same thing. But, Kurt, I have some advice."
Kurt eagerly nods, curious as to what it might be.
"Don't wait too long. Wanting to approach your relationship with a firm plan shows strength of character, and I admire that in you. The thing is, though, I've learnt that plans don't always work out when you make them all by yourself, without making them with your partner. Besides, Blaine is a mess right now, worried that he's lost you for good. Come up with your dream, but remember that the best dreams are built up with the person you love."
"I don't want Blaine doubting my love or that we'll be together."
"Then talk to him, Kurt. Let him know what you're thinking. I know my son. He'll give you all the time in the world to sort out your professional plans if you tell him that you'll be together in the end."
Before Kurt can think of a reply, his dad walks into the room.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Michael. Let's get this show on the road."
Michael stands up and firmly shakes Burt's hand.
"The real estate agent is going to meet us at the first property."
Michael turns towards Kurt. "I'm glad that we finally met. I'm going to give you one last piece of advice. Before answering the door, look through the peephole. Cooper is very angry with you. Something about a promise broken?"
Burt gets a light beer out of the fridge and heads to his bedroom. There's a phone call he needs to make, and he doesn't want Kurt to overhear him. He and Michael looked at a dozen properties today and two looked very promising if the sellers accept the right price. Burt wishes that Lizzie was still alive to advise whether he's making the right decision about what he's about to do, but he needs to trust his instincts. When the phone connects, Burt starts to speak.
"Hi, Blaine. It's Burt Hummel here."
"Is Kurt alright? Has anything happened…"
"Kurt is just fine," Burt reassures him, touched by Blaine's obvious concern. "I hope I haven't interrupted anything."
"No, I'm just going through next month's Vogue issue, trying to figure out how to liven it up. My mind has been on other things and I let this one slip."
"I spent the day with your father and there's a couple of properties you should see."
Burt can hear the deep sigh across the telephone line.
"You know I can't come to Lima right now. Kurt would hate it. He's asked me for time and I'm going to respect that… as hard as that is. So, how's Kurt? Does he ever mention me?"
"Kurt is doing okay. He's spending every morning on the computer researching fashion design schools. In the afternoon, he heads to the backyard with his watercolors and paints butterflies."
"Butterflies?"
"Butterflies. Go figure! God knows what goes through Kurt's head sometimes. And just so you know, Kurt talks about you all the time. He's in love, for god's sake. Look, buddy, the reason I'm calling you is because Kurt seems like he's in limbo, afraid to make the wrong decision. I think you need to do something to tip him over to your side and make him go to New York. Kurt is a boy – no, a man – who likes to be wooed."
"I'm the best wooer the likes of Wooville has ever seen."
Burt chuckles at how earnestly Blaine replies. After talking to Michael, he has no doubt that Blaine could knock the bobby socks off anyone if he puts his mind to it.
"Well, it's just a suggestion. Now, don't you dare tell Kurt that I called you. He already thinks I'm the biggest team Blaine fan."
Blaine roars with laughter. "I'm personally on team Burt. You're the most awesome dad ever."
Blaine puts down the phone and kicks his feet excitedly. Burt has confirmed that Kurt thinks of him… loves him. Now the biggest question is how he should woo Kurt. Blaine discounts a huge neon sign in Times Square – after all, Kurt is still in Lima. He also discounts the Goodyear Blimp, a presidential tweet, and serenading him with a full-piece orchestra outside the Hummel house. God knows what the homophobic assholes in Lima would do. He's even thinking about calling Ellen DeGeneres and getting a guest slot on her show.
"Mr. A, what time do you want dinner?" Amy asks as she enters Blaine's study.
"I don't care. I'm not feeling very hungry, there's too much on my mind."
"A problem shared is a problem halved."
Blaine takes off his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose. Maybe if he discusses his ideas with Amy, he can figure out the perfect plan.
"Okay, but let's go into the main room."
They sit down on the couch and Blaine kicks up his feet and lies down. There's no need for being formal with Amy.
"I just got off the phone with Kurt's dad. He suggested that I do something to woo Kurt back to New York City and me. I've got lots of ideas but for the life of me, I can't figure out what the best – no, perfect – thing will be. I feel as if I only get one shot at this, so I don't want to screw it up."
"So what ideas do you have?"
Blaine relates his ideas to Amy and why he's rejected them. She keeps silent throughout.
"You didn't look happy all afternoon. Is that the only thing troubling you?"
"I've been focusing so much on Kurt and the Monarch House, that I didn't get involved as I should have with Vogue's June issue. I've been looking at the articles, which focus on a summer cruise theme. Frankly, it's boring and not what our readers expect. The cover photo is awful, and I wouldn't buy the issue myself. The problem is that I don't know how to fix it, seeing as it's going to hit the newsstands in ten days' time."
"Have you considered killing two birds with one stone?"
"I don't understand."
"From what you've told me, you want to make a public statement about your feelings for Kurt. But your ideas are too New York City based or really difficult to set in motion. The June Vogue issue is humdrum and you want to perk it up. Why not use that issue in some way to let Kurt know how you feel?'
"How could I do that?"
"You know that the issue would sell like hotcakes if it contained an exclusive interview with its editor-in-chief. I'm sure you can work in secret messages to Kurt."
"Hey, you're on to something! Maybe the main article could be an interview with me?"
"Don't limit it to the main article, Blaine. You've got the right look to be on the cover."
Blaine giggles and replies, "I am so not a model."
Amy joins in the giggling. "Oh, yes, you are. I can't believe that you're saying that after the diva-off! You were so hot that you single-handedly raised an enormous amount for charity. And I saw the effect it had on Kurt."
"I can't believe you thought I was hot!"
"Why not? I'm a woman who appreciates a hot guy like anyone else. That doesn't mean that I want you like that. I know that you've got the right look and as they say, sex sells."
Blaine tickles Amy, who shrieks and pulls away.
"I'm going to add one more thing. Don't discount The Ellen Show – I'm sure that Kurt watches it. Doesn't she owe you a favor or two?"
"Yeah, she does."
"That's a wrap," says Frankie, the sound technician.
Blaine is at Smash Studios, having hired the music recording studio for the morning for Marley to cut a demo version of 'All or Nothing'. Blaine and Marley hold hands as they listen to the playback of the song.
"You sound absolutely brilliant, Marley. Now you can send this demo to the music labels to see if you can get a deal for an album."
"I can't believe this is all happening! Thank you, Blaine, for organizing this and paying for the studio time."
"I've got an interest in this too. After all, I composed the music to the song."
"You still have an hour or so of recording time left. Any other song you wish to record?" Frankie asks.
"I think we're good," Blaine replies.
"No, we're not!" Marley exclaims. "I love that song you wrote about Kurt recently. Why don't we use the remaining time to record it?"
Blaine shakes his head.
"Come on, Blaine! What do you have to lose? It'll be fun and I'll sing back-up for you."
Blaine thinks about it some more. Marley has already heard the song and has given useful feedback. He's had so much fun today recording at the studio. It has awakened dreams he had as a teenager - of becoming a professional songwriter. Could he really make a go of it? Could he balance songwriting with his work at Vogue? Blaine is aware that the clock is ticking and he needs to make his mind up fast about the rest of the recording time. He smiles at Marley and replies, "Okay, let's do it!"
Blaine takes his usual Saturday late afternoon run in Central Park. His legs are on autopilot as he mulls over Amy's idea. It's scary, planning to confess feelings for Kurt in such a public way, but hopefully Kurt will appreciate it. However, the idea still leaves Blaine feeling emotionally vulnerable. Blaine thinks that there is only one person who can understand and advise him.
When Blaine returns home, he quickly showers and puts on his PJ bottoms. He then slides on Kurt's shirt that he left behind at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Sure, the shirt is crumpled, but it still smells like Kurt. Blaine lies on his bed and hits #3 on his phone's speed dial.
"Blaine, I wasn't expecting a call from you until tomorrow. Burt and I went out viewing properties in Lima. There are a couple of potential places for the next Monarch House."
"That's great news, but that isn't what I'm calling about. I really need your advice about Kurt."
"I met Kurt this morning when I picked up Burt. He's a fine young man."
"Y-y-you met Kurt?"
"Don't worry, Blaine, I behaved myself. I have to say, though, he's hurting the same way as you. So, when are you going to do something about it?"
"Well, that's why I'm calling you."
Blaine talks through his plans to woo Kurt with his father, leaving no detail untouched. He's even taking notes of ideas he thinks of on the fly. When he finishes his ten-minute speech, Blaine asks his father what he thinks.
"I like it – it's got the Anderson flair. Can I make a few suggestions?"
Blaine nods and then realizes that his father can't see that.
"Yeah, I really value your opinion."
"Why's that?"
"Ever since you've told me how you wooed mom in university, I consider you the expert."
Blaine can hear his father roar with laughter.
"I guess I am. Let me close the door – if your mother hears this conversation, she'll be planning your wedding and spending way too much money on onesies for your babies."
After a few moments, Michael returns on the phone. "I cannot believe what I'm about to advise you. It's really out there, and so out of my comfort zone…"
"Trust me, Dad, this conversation is awkward for me as well."
"You looking prim and proper on the cover of Vogue isn't going to sell the magazine and win Kurt's heart. It needs to be edgy and risqué. Think of the reaction you got when you were a model at the diva-off…. Now think bigger. Show the world that you're proud of who you are – a young man in love, who knows what he wants. Judging by that video from last September, Kurt will love that too."
Blaine feels himself blush, thinking about his father watching that video.
"It won't embarrass you, Dad?"
"Are you kidding me? I'll be very proud. Now, your mother told me that you know some drag queens."
"Dad! I'm not going to dress up in drag! That's not who I am. How could you think that?"
"That's not what I meant. Here's what I'm thinking…."
Blaine listens to his father's ideas for the cover and article, and wow, he's impressed.
"Hey, Tina. I hope I'm not interrupting your evening."
"Maybe a little. What is it, Blaine?"
"When's the last possible moment that we can hand over the June issue to the printers?"
"Just a second."
Blaine can hear muffled voices over the phone.
"Friday noon, as long as Vogue is willing to pay overtime for the weekend work."
"That was a quick reply. Is there a certain someone there from the printers?"
"None of your business," Tina shrieks.
"Can you please call an emergency management meeting for 10 a.m. tomorrow? Make sure that you, Unique, Liam and Paul are there too. I know it's Sunday, but I'm going to change the cover photo and main article. The new plans will Blow. Your. Mind."
Author 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.
Next up: Vogue's June issue is released.
