Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“ Why are you informing me of this now?”

Kurt was trying to be calm at this point. But he was screaming in his head. What the heck was this?

“We don't have any choice, Kurt. I can only think of one person with the same physique as Marshall, “ the voice at the other end of the phone said to him with a panic about the unforeseeable future. This was Adrian, the executive manager of the annual Autumn fashion show, showcasing the exclusive Autumn collection of clothes from the very famous clothesline: La Vanité Chic. 

The Autumn Showcase collection was one of the most anticipated fashion walks of all time. Every famous magazine and newspaper from all over America was eager to cover this event every year. This year was no different. The stage was set huge and top models from various parts of the world were training along with their coaches for the event. It was not a competition exactly but it was a prestigious event to showcase the talents bestowed upon the models. It was easily one of the most pressure-laden events for the models as well as one of the shows that provided liberty to the models to enjoy themselves on the ramp.  This event had a very special feature similar to the fashion walks of "Victoria’s Secret": famous singers performed as the models performed.

Kurt was no stranger to this setup. He was a very renowned male fashion model before he turned into a world-class ramp walk trainer. Although his name had faded as a male model in due course of time, he was still very popular among the models. He was one of the top choices for aspiring models to get trained in the world of fashion walks and modelling. Kurt had done a few ramp walks on the shows similar to Victoria’s Secret and he had an idea of how these kinds of ramp walks walk.

“What the heck, Arden? Do you think ramp walking is easy? Like eating a cake on a sunny spring day? I don’t do ramp walking now. You know that. On top of that, this is really short notice. In four fucking days?”

Kurt was practically yelling into the phone as he pulled his boxers up. His yelling startled and scared the crap out of the body that was laying beside his side, in his hotel room. Kurt was on a well-deserved break, spending his time in Paris and London. He was done with London by this point and he was spending his last 3 days in Paris. This was the morning of his last day and he was there, almost naked on his hotel bed. The head beside him raised and watched amongst the glare of sunlight beaming through the windows of the room. The man beside him was very concerned.

“Tout va bien, mon cher?”

(Is everything alright, my dear?)

Kurt didn’t hear his voice as he was yelling into the phone. The man shrugged his shoulders and waited for Kurt to complete his talk (rather, his yelling). Kurt was supposed to be there with Marshall as his trainer. Kurt was his coach. Both of them had similar physiques and they almost looked like twins. Except Marshall was half-Chinese. But Kurt was in desperate need of this break and one of his assistants had to step up. And now, Kurt was really pissed. 

“I am very sorry, Kurt. But we didn’t have any choice. Besides, Marshall is your student. So we thought there would be no harm in contacting you.”

Kurt was rubbing his forehead as he got up and walked away from the bed in his boxers. The man in his bed was staring at Kurt like a prized possession. 

“I took a break for a reason, Arden. I needed this break. Why can’t you even leave me alone in my break? I couldn’t fathom the fact that the fucking show is in four days. This is a big fucking show, you bastard!”

Arden was one of Kurt’s best friends and associates in the modelling circle. Arden and Kurt started to climb the ladder of modelling together and now they remained as trusting friends with good words. But now, Arden’s words were like a nail on the chalkboard to Kurt.

“Kurt, please calm down! I understand that you are on a break-”

“Yeah! “Understand” my ass. You wouldn’t be on your fucking phone if you understand me.”

“Kurt, please! Will you stop yelling? Calm down!”

Kurt gave a big massage on his face and sat on the chair near one of the windows. 

“Okay. What now? “ Kurt’s tone was still on the high end of the rage but a little bit down. Even though Arden was his friend, he knew that he was not supposed to speak like that. 

“Look… I know I am pestering you now and you don’t deserve it but I’m really put under pressure right now. Do you think I would ever want to do this to you? After all the things you went through? I certainly don’t. But you have to consider this. I don’t know much about ramp walking but one thing I know for sure: your ramp walk is one of the best. That’s why you are still up there in the choice of fashion walk training. It’s your own student who needs a replacement now. Who knew Marshall would get Pertussis?”

The other man took Kurt’s silence as the right time to ask him again. Kurt nodded with a short smile and went back to listening. 

“Wait, he has Pertussis? “

“Yeah. Got confirmed yesterday.”

“And you are saying this now? “

“I am sorry but I’m putting all of my energy into shutting you up for once, Kurt. If you would have listened earlier, I would have said.”

Fair point. Kurt didn’t let him talk much. The look of guilt slathered on his face and he continued to listen.

“Alright, I’m asking you for one last time, Kurt.”Arden was practically begging by this point. He had to take at least two deep breaths to hold himself down from yelling back at Kurt. He understood Kurt.

“Okay?”

“We have almost no choice now, Kurt. Marshall’s costumes are ready and we cannot change anything about that. Marshall is really sick and I feel very sorry for him. But I am on the verge of literally banging my head against the wall. I have tried to contact other models but either they are not ready or the costume won’t fit them. You are our only hope, for now, Kurt. Now we can ask them to cut Marshall’s part from the walk, but the singing of the celebrity singer won’t go in sync. And you know how catastrophic it would be.”

Kurt knew it. Once they tried to do it in a rehearsal and the singer was really pissed off. Kurt wouldn't want that to happen.

“Take your time, Kurt. Take a day. I hope you deliver good news”.

Kurt couldn't let his friend in the flood of pressure.  He didn't want to do it. But he would for Adrian and Marshall. 

“No wait. I… I'll do it.”

“Wait, really ??”

“Yeah”.

Kurt heard a shrieking voice that threw Kurt's soul out of his body. Adrian talked in a gibberish manner as if possessed by a joyous ghost and Kurt was not ready to hear all of it. He hung up the phone and took a deep breath. He had to prepare for the worst now. His flight back to LA was this afternoon, fortunately.  But now he had to book a flight from LA to New York. Tedious job but he had signed his fate.

His attention turned towards the man on the hotel bed. He was staring back at him too. This man was no less handsome for a one night stand. You see, Kurt Hummel had a past. A very horrible past that almost broke him. It had been quite a long time since the past and he took much time in healing from that. But he was sure that he would not get back into dating anytime further. He was not yet ready to invest his mind and heart in a relationship. Two incidents wouldn’t let his heart save some space for someone. He checked the time on his phone. Oh shit!

He hastily got up from the chair and approached the guy. The guy did know Kurt was going to fly away soon. But not this sooner. Not at least before breakfast. Kurt pulled the guy’s face hurriedly and placed a final kiss on his lips.

“Merci pour ton temps. Je suis pressé”. (Thank you for your time. I’m in a hurry).

Kurt tumbled into the bathroom and got himself ready for the crazy days ahead. Everything was set. He could book a ticket from LA to New York at the airport. One last check and he was ready. At least he pretended to be. 

“Pouvons-nous nous rencontrer à nouveau si vous revenez nous voir ?”  (Can we meet again if you visit (here)?)

The younger man said for the last time. He knew who Kurt was and he did hold the respect for his position.  Kurt was already out by then.

******

Blaine’s schedule was crazy as heck, as always. Being a famous international sensation was no joke anyway. Although he loved the attention he was receiving from his audience and the type of sensation he was, he was working on caffeine. He felt like a Zombie and he was trying to conserve his energy just for the rehearsal that was scheduled later that day. 

Every famous pop star had to take part in some crazy events for the promoting purpose. They were a walking jukebox in the eyes of the world. Blaine’s manager reserved his spot on one of the shows by  La Vanité Chic. Everyone expected something extraordinary from these shows and they never failed to cater for the needs of their audience.

It would be funny for Blaine to recall his childhood memories of how he was obsessed with the spotlight and the models walking on the ramp. So classy, so elegant in their wildly incredible outfits. Especially the male models, though not much of male representation in the industry, back in the day.  Blaine wanted to do that too. At some point in his life, he used to dream of wearing these outfits and walking across his room, flaunting as a model. Those days were gone, though he still would be able to wear exotic outfits and go up on stage. 

Blaine was not out to the world on his own terms, yet. Yes, he was sensational and people would accept him for who he was. He was even considered a queer icon by some people. Nonetheless, he was not ready to open up about his personal life in his career. He knew he was born to perform regardless of what he was. He did embrace himself being gay but that was not for public display. He saw himself more as a performer than a gay icon. 

Blaine was given a one-day rehearsal with the models for the Autumn walk, just to see the alignment and sync of his singing with the models walking down. He watched both men and women showing their skills in looking graceful and majestic with their walk, though they were not in their costumes yet. Two rehearsals were done with the models and Blaine was now sitting in one of the audience member’s seating which was yet to be designated, sipping on his strong black coffee. Medium drip was his favourite but he could have it another day. Maybe after two days, when the show was done. 

He continued focussing on the way models were practising and discussing with their trainers and with their fellow models until one distraction. He saw a man, carrying a little duffel bag on his shoulder, doing a little jerky run towards the stage as if he were in a hurry. Blaine couldn’t focus on the features of the man from his distance, but from what he was seeing, he was definitely sure that he had seen him before. Maybe not in recent times, but he had definitely been on stage. The newcomer was talking to the Executive Manager of the show, who was a friend of his manager. He choked on his coffee a little as he watched the man walk to the back of the stage and come back with just a tank top on. Wow! He had a really good physique. 

His flow of thoughts was disturbed by his manager. 

“Sir, there is a little change in the walk, now. You are needed to perform on the stage once again.”

Time to go!

******

He started to sing his song again. His new single called “The Trouble Fallout”, which was about a mysterious imaginary girl (or a boy) who captured Blaine’s attention in his mind and how this person was like a fallout from a meteor of trouble. It was one of the few upbeat songs that anyone could dance to. Blaine was glad that he was allowed to perform it on that stage.

Blaine, in his comfy top and trousers, held his microphone up and started to sing as they played the background track. The models walked in the same way and Blaine kept switching between his observation and his singing. Till the part where they added a few more seconds and expanded the music track so the models could walk more without him singing. Blaine was standing there, wondering at the new addition.

Just then, the new guy walked in, with a next level of professionalism. Blaine didn’t know much about ramp walk but he was sure by his first look that he was a real professional guy with a slim, fit physique. Blaine was also sure that he had seen him somewhere. With his stony-expression-laced face, he walked on the ramp and stood at the end of the ramp for a few seconds. Blaine could see him only by his back and he was waiting for him to turn back for a complete look. He turned in a very poised way and started to walk back.

“Kurt! You are not supposed to walk like this. This is a fashion walk for  La Vanité Chic. Where you can smile and look joyous. You don’t have to be stiff,” the director of the show spoke into his microphone from down the stage. This new guy, who was apparently called “Kurt”, looked a little embarrassed. Of course, calling out a professional model in front of everyone was not for everyone. It was definitely not for this guy. He got down the stage and he was apparently speaking to the director ( Blaine knew the guy was pissed so there must have been some yelling too).

The director talked into the microphone again. “That’s it, guys. Good job. We’ll have a grand rehearsal in the evening.”

Huh! If this guy was so powerful to stop the practice, then he must be a big deal. Blaine suddenly felt a feeling of being sucked into a black hole. He was only able to watch the new guy’s movements. He was so mesmerizing and enticing in his looks and his demeanour. His attitude elevated his hotness and spiciness for Blaine. Blaine was definitely going to know about him. He would.

“Sir, time for your next appointment,” reminded his manager. Shoot! The world gave him very little time for the colossal change in him. They would meet again. Blaine knew it. Blaine had a feeling that he had met his trouble fallout.

*******************

Chapter Text

The next two days put Blaine on a wild ride of twirls and twist like a cloth in a washing machine. Blaine had a meeting to initiate the talk for his next work; he had a dress fitting session; he had a separate rehearsal off-site for the fashion walk and he had a couple of interviews. He was instructed to hold a model’s hand and walk down the ramp with them during the expanded music time when he was not singing. He would have some time to charm his audience more as well as to be merry by himself. This also meant that he would get a chance to have a few more seconds with Kurt. If they haven't changed anything by this time. 

It was all about timing. And yes, since that day, his mind had been chanting Kurt’s name and the little moments on the stage flashed when they could in his mind. He was not expecting to get into a pleasant trouble like this. Never in the last six years. They hadn’t started a conversation, yet Kurt was consuming his mind. Blaine did google about Kurt in his little spare time and skimmed roughly through the websites.

Kurt was a model turned fashion walk trainer and his last performance was at the Victoria’s Secret "Winter Angels" show where they introduced male models for the first time. Apparently he was a little hard to work with now but his quality would never get compromised. Blaine was able to find a clip of Kurt walking at the Winter Angel show, where he was wearing bedazzled white shorts which were more of underwear, a sliver- white crop top exposing his well-toned torso, white glitters all over his eyes, a pair of white boots up to his long legs and a pair of two large white wings. He was really looking like an angel. His cheery face and smile warmed Blaine’s heart like a mug of hot chocolate.

There was a clip of his last performance where he noted a guy from the audience, making a heart with his hands and sending flying kisses. Something in Blaine didn’t settle for what he was watching.  

******

“Come on, Kurt. You shouldn’t have done that.” Arden was visibly vexed yet he tried to not stir up the pot more. He knew about Kurt.

“That bastard would insult me in front of everyone including that goddamn singer and you want me to be silent. He could have at least told me after the rehearsal!”

Kurt was pacing back and forth and the conversation was hanging in the air. Arden got up from his seat and placed his hands on Kurt’s shoulders to stop him from pacing.

“Look Kurt. You have to calm down. Here, sit down and hear me out.”

Kurt closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He was going hard on himself and that director.  Of course, it was fair on the director's part to instruct his models. It was not confronting exactly. 

“I'm listening,” Kurt let him know.

“Okay,” Arden looked into Kurt's eyes diligently, “ See, I understand that you were in a bad situation and I'm really proud that you have come a long way. But that doesn't give you an excuse to be hard on yourself. You are not realizing this but in the process of letting your mind engulf your past, you are being stone-cold towards everyone.”

Kurt knew it. He was not being intentionally rude. Kurt had a mixed reputation in the modelling and fashion walk industry. Though he was extremely professional and chic for a trainer, he was notorious for his attitude. He always believed that a little up-toned approach wouldn’t hurt his students. He knew it was not fair but it’s the way it always was. 

“I hope you get what I’m saying, Kurt. You have to consider others too.”

Arden gave Kurt a few seconds to absorb his talk. Kurt gave a smile laden with guilt. He had to change, but he didn’t know how. 

"Although, I can’t believe that you didn’t notice, let alone, check out that singer.”Arden started to tease Kurt on another subject.

“Whom are you talking about?”

“You really don’t know who Blaine is? “

“Was I supposed to know?”

Arden gave a dramatic Pikachu face on hearing Kurt.

“Oh my god! The whole world is going crazy on this guy and you are asking who he is? He is a sensation in today’s pop world. He is not open about it but I’m pretty sure he is gay. Every guy and girl are drooling and dreaming of this guy.”

Kurt scrunched his nose, giving a quizzical look. 

 “Seriously, Kurt. You are really living under this rock. Get your software updated. Up your game. Google is your friend. I suggest you check him out. At least, you can update your current affairs if not for “hitting on” purpose.”

This was weird on Arden’s part. Arden did try pushing Kurt into the dating pool multiple times but it felt weird this particular time. Arden did have ears in this industry and any industry for that matter, and it had been sure that Arden had more knowledge about Blaine.

“You are funny, Arden. Very funny,” Kurt mocked.

“Trust me, buddy. I think you both have a shot.”

******

The day of the event was at least sophisticated to say. Every camera and eye were focused towards the stage, buzzing in anticipation and high expectation. The news of Kurt walking on the ramp for the first time after a long time had added fuel to the buzzing anticipation. Kurt felt his chest tight, just like his very first time. He could blame it on his jitters or the tight red corset with an elegant design with the black neck band containing customized gathered lace. 

He wore an eye-catching corset in a rich blood red, the luxurious fabric shimmering slightly with every movement. A delicate pattern of light grey flourished pattern sprawled across the surface like intricate vines. Two black trim lines on either side traced a subtle, graceful curve from the bottom of the corset up to the armholes, framing and accentuating the slender taper of his waist.

The front of the corset was fastened with polished silver clasps set against a strip of black fabric. The neckline plunged into a dramatic deep V, only partially covered by a black frilly jabot. In the centre of the jabot, just above his Adam's apple, was a brooch: a bold, shimmering piece of red and white in the shape of a mouth. 

On his wrists were ruffled lace cuffs that matched the jabot perfectly.

His face was framed by a black lace Masquerade mask, the pattern around his eyes resembling outstretched wings. The lace hugged his features tightly, the fine detail drawing attention to the sharp angles of his cheekbones. He was an embodiment of a sexy snack for humanity.

Everyone getting ready for the walk was a snack on their own. But Kurt was extra special. He had a dip of posh professionalism considering the advantage of being a trainer himself. He just had to let loose. He had it in him, as always. Continuous run-over commentaries, pre-show jitter talks and guards and show organizers updating the status into their walkie-talkies were filling the already dense air of the backstage. Kurt couldn’t decipher much from what was happening, but he knew one thing: The air was dense because the singer was late. Huh! Professionalism, indeed?

******

“He’s coming inside. Over, over.”

The air attained its peak when the news of Blaine arriving buzzed around. Everybody, including the models, except for Kurt was so hyped about it. Kurt made a mental note of surfing about this Blaine person after the show because apparently his current affairs level was less than his IQ. The buzzing only got louder and louder until he saw Blaine in person. 

He was wearing a cropped black tuxedo jacket and a fuschia tulle skirt with flower details in black. His hair was more gelled than the day of rehearsal ( if he remembered) and he was adorned with a single-strand thick silver necklace hanging a little low from his neck. Kurt might be a strict critic of the fashion aspects but it was indeed a bold choice. He hovered through the buzzing crowd surrounded by two black cats and positioned himself on the stage.

Blaine had pre-show jitters and it was an understatement. He really wanted to get out of this costume and run out of the auditorium right this moment. The ramp was not lit for the pre-show moments but he could see the spontaneous flashes of light that were ready to prey on their feast and the subtle talks of excitement buzzing around. Blaine took a deep breath and went through all his moves. He was supposed to stand in the mark, maybe move a little around as he sang. At the time of the extended music playing, where he didn’t sing, he was supposed to walk twice with the same model. He didn’t know who it was but he desperately hoped that it was Kurt.

The show started and the announcement of the show being live and introducing Blaine echoed. His heart galloped like a sturdy horse but he was ready. The music track played and Blaine started to sing his song. Blaine had a good view of the models starting to walk in. Blaine knew he had much liberty to interact with the models and he was not going to waste that. 

The models stopped fantasizing and drooling about Blaine ( again except for Kurt. Kurt couldn’t understand what kind of professionalism it was but he wouldn’t preach about that now. He had to focus) when the song began and everybody was getting ready for their turn to rock the stage.

The models walked according to the hyped beats of the song and Blaine subtly teased every model with a little hand holding, a cheery smile and pointing at them gesturing that they were all gorgeous and his song lyrics would fit everyone ( although he knew it was not true).

The song continued but Blaine’s eyes were vigilantly searching for the potential trouble fallout he was waiting for. His nerves were getting on him every time a model walked on the ramp. He just hoped that Kurt was reserved for the extended music time.

The song was nearing the extended music time and Blaine’s hands were sweating profusely. Blaine gently glided in his skirt, lest he should trip, fall and get embarrassed, to the beginning of the stage and waited for the walk as he continued singing. The model walked in as the piece of music started and Blaine shifted his mic to the left hand, quickly wiping his hand on his skirt. The model was there beside him and he extended his hand for the model to talk. He knew the guy didn’t look at him but Blaine took a quick look. A double take indeed. 

Lo and behold, it was Kurt. Blaine did a quick scan from top to bottom and to say, he was stunned. Kurt was an absolutely delicious treat for the evening. It didn’t take a sand of grain time in an hourglass to notice that he was wearing a corset and his physique was margined meticulously with the tight pants and outfit. Blaine was definitely getting excited down there. He was just thankful that his skirt could hide his boner. But not for long.

They walked down the ramp together. Kurt was still maintaining his professional walk, not looking a bit at Blaine. But Blaine was almost screaming on the inside. It felt as if he was granted a lifeline. Blaine was barely trying to not trip over in his long skirt but Kurt was walking in a poised and almost stiff manner though he managed to smile a bit. Might be a little improvement from the rehearsal day?

Both were instructed on what to do throughout the whole course. Blaine and Kurt had to walk down the ramp two times till Blaine got back to singing the rest of the song. The first time, Blaine had to walk with his skirt on and the next time, he had to walk in his tight black pants with a gold zip in the middle.

Blaine was grinning from ear to ear as they walked and Kurt had to increase his eye contact with Blaine as he remembered and chanted in his mind to do so. Their hand grips were strong for strangers and so were their camera clicks and the thick anticipation in the crowd, which was almost invisible under low lighting, around the ramp.

They came to the end of the ramp for their pose. Kurt did it swiftly and Blaine had to copy him with a little modification (although he could never match Kurt in any way). A few seconds for clicks and they were about to turn when Blaine tripped on his skirt. Kurt, in his instinct, held Blaine by his waist which was not covered by the tuxedo.

Both of them bent to get into a romantic position with Kurt firmly holding Blaine and Blaine instantly swinging his hands to clutch onto Kurt by his shoulder. That was the first time when both of them, Kurt especially, looked into each other's eyes. Blaine almost forgot to breathe another breath and Kurt didn’t know what he was feeling. None of the cameras didn’t want to miss this moment as they finally found a photo for the cover page. Kurt firmly held him, feeling his bare skin on his fingers and palm, staring into Blaine’s honey-drizzle eyes, which made him feel like diving into an infinite realm of dreams.

It was an instant feel of electricity; an unexplainable hit of emotions in both of them. They didn’t leave each other until Blaine heard the backstage people yelling into his ear-in monitors.

“We have to go,” Blaine notified Kurt. Not once in Kurt’s life had he messed up in such a way. But it was a mess that he was willing to do again. Both of them turned back swiftly and walked back together. Blaine felt an unexplainable stiffness in Kurt. He didn’t know what it was but he could sense that Kurt was troubled. Kurt was his troubled fallout. They reached the back of the stage and Blaine let his assistant help in quick changing. Meanwhile, he decided to talk to Kurt.

“You were really good, Kurt. Real good. But you have to loosen a little bit. Smile more and enjoy the environment even if you don’t like the music.”

Kurt would have picked up an argument to lose a head if it was someone but Blaine was doing some magic with Kurt. Kurt couldn’t open his mouth. He felt rather relaxed in his voice and was ready to loosen up a bit. He gave a warm smile and held his hand for Blaine. Blaine was now in the skinny leather black pants and he was looking absolutely stunning. 

They held hands, and walked together again, although a little faster and Blaine made sure that Kurt enjoyed every bit of it with some little dancing as they walked. Kurt even pointed at his bare chest at the end of the ramp and Blaine made a little bow. Kurt was visibly enjoying the music as he nodded to the beat and they walked back. They were going to make a headline, that was for sure. And the show continued with Blaine going back to sing the rest of his song. 

Something in Kurt had changed . A moment ago, Kurt was not bothered about anything except the performance. He was not bothered about Blaine. And now, he put a smile on Kurt. Kurt was intrigued by this individual. What made him special? What made him penetrate Kurt’s cold and closed heart?

Oh, by the way, how did Blaine know he was Kurt?

The show was over and Arden had to personally escort Kurt back to his dressing room and then to the airport because he had an important meeting scheduled in L.A. Kurt wanted to wait and meet Blaine. But fate was playing with him. He was being dragged from something he had actually desired for once in a long time after the incidents.

******

Chapter Text

Blaine couldn’t sleep that night. Although he was tired as heck from all the swirls he had been in last week, he couldn’t sleep. Kurt’s eyes were not getting out his eyes and his head. Some kind of unexplainable heaviness in his chest; some kind of fluttering butterfly in his stomach. He was much smitten by the whole presence and even a glimpse of Kurt. Blaine searched for Kurt after the performance to talk to him. He wanted to know what bothered him that his body was rigid.

Blaine touched the small of his back where Kurt held him from time to time, reliving those moments again and again in his head. The way Kurt held him, he felt a sense of trust, genuinity and protection in his arms. He felt a sense of déjà vu; a feeling of familiarity. Kurt was like an insatiable fruit with a burning passion for Blaine.

He wanted to meet Kurt. Atleast to get to know him. Blaine exactly knew what to do.

******

Kurt wasn’t functioning properly either. Ever since he left the venue and travelled to the airport, his Google tabs were all opened about Blaine. Kurt went into a rabbit hole of Blaine-o-philia and searched everything about him. He listened to almost all of Blaine’s songs on the aeroplane. Some of them were cheery, some of them were sad, some of them were pure blues and some were pop and campy. Kurt was so absorbed in Blaine’s music and voice by the end of the trip that he didn’t sleep much. Kurt took a cab straight from the Airport to his studio, carrying Blaine in his heart and the meeting in his mind.

The headlines of Blaine slipping into Kurt's hands and Kurt holding him gracefully were all over and everybody was buzzing about it. Kurt had to hide his face partially with a cap to buy a newspaper and he was glad he bought it. He kept staring into the cover page photo of them together all through the day. Kurt was becoming crazy for Blaine.

******

It was a pompous party for the models, thrown in honour of them for the spectacular show they put on, adorning his song more. It was a “thank you” party, at least for the attendees. Blaine knew this was partially false. His primary aim was to find and meet Kurt again and this time, he would love to talk with him. The attendees were dressed great and were arriving. Blaine’s nerves were getting on him, every time he saw someone remotely resembling Kurt. 

The party was well organized, a thank you speech was made and the party was easily one of the best hosted for the models. Blaine maintained his amiability throughout the party, interacting and thanking his guests while his eyes were actively searching for Kurt. Time passed by, and there was no faint hint of Kurt or any person from his studio. He was invited. He was supposed to be here.

The party was almost approaching the end and Blaine couldn’t wait any longer. Arden, being a very important figure in the fashion industry, was very much present in his party to his luck. Even among the hassle and chaotic nature of the show, Blaine did notice that Kurt was somehow connected to Arden. He was the only person to whom Kurt would actually have a conversation, without any smokey, judgemental eyes and not actively trying to pick a fight. 

Blaine picked a glass of red wine for Arden and he approached him.

“Hey, Arden.”

“Oh hey, Mr. Anderson,” greeted Blaine with a handshake and accepted the wine glass politely,” Thank you for the party. This is really spectacular and parties like these just prove that there are good souls like you.”

“I appreciate that.” Blaine was blushing with that compliment.

“Oh also, you were really good at the show. Don’t worry about the little slip. Although it’s really hilarious to see both of you making headlines for this reason,” Arden chuckled about it.

Blaine stood there in silence, just listening to Arden.

“I know. Kurt may not be a model now and he is really living his life in private but I’m sure he would be good about this. Although, there are hot debates on the chemistry between you two on that stage. Honestly, you set the stage on fire with that look in both of your eyes.”

That was weird. Who would have dreamt that Blaine would be hearing those words from an openly talking person who was remotely related to him? Wait, what did he hear? 

“Kurt is not a model? I thought he came back to being a ramp-walk model in this show!”

“Oh no no. Kurt had to replace his student, Marshall, on a very short time notice. Marshall was diagnosed positive for Pertussis four days before the show and we had to bring Kurt because they had very similar physiques and they couldn’t alter the costume much.”

He had invited the wrong audience. Shit!

“Where is he now?”

“Oh, love in the air, isn’t it?”

“I-”

“It’s okay. I had a feeling that you both would click in.”

“It’s not like that, Arden,” Blaine said with a little chuckle, though he hoped it was true at this point, “I just want to apologize to him. Also, he sounds… interesting.”

“Well, you’re out of luck,” Arden informed,” cause he’s not here.”

“What?”

“He returned to L.A. right after the show because of his schedule.”

Blaine was hurt to hear that he narrowly missed Kurt. Very narrowly. 

“So how can I contact him?”

Arden instantly pulled a paper which was supposed to be a bill, out of his pocket and scribbled something on the paper. Blaine gazed at him eagerly and curiously.

“Here, don’t tell anyone that I gave this. Even Kurt,” Arden talked in a low voice,” This is the contact number and the address to Kurt’s studio. Make sure that he is present at the studio because he usually has a very crazy schedule. You know, this industry is crazy as fuck.”

“I understand.”

“And fair warning: Kurt gets triggered easily by many things. I hope you don’t talk about any sensitive matters that might trigger him.”

“Why would I?”

“Just saying, Blaine. Just saying.”

Blaine thanked Arden for the big help and he rushed to his changing room. He had a ticket to book immediately. He would contact his office to find out when Kurt would be in his studio. He was not going to miss this chance.

******

Kurt thought it would get better as the days went by. It was a mere infatuation, at least that was what Kurt said to himself. He thought that it was just a passing cloud. Well, it wasn’t. In five days, Blaine became the fire to his cotton, burning inside him with intense passion. Blaine became his soothing pill and he was increasingly relaxed in his intense schedule. His harshness was down and he was more smiling. He found himself zoning out to Blaine in every available gap possible and he couldn’t help it.

Kurt really wanted to meet Blaine but his schedule was not letting him. Maybe he could ask Arden to help him? Maybe!

Kurt was back to the studio after a long morning and he was in his tight black tank top and jeggings: his usual outfit as a trainer at the studio. The students surprisingly found it easy to work with Kurt with less of his yelling and it was a smooth hour of practice.

“Kurt, we have a visitor at the reception.”

The receptionist looked like she was almost going to faint. 

“Could they wait for an hour?”

“No. You really have to meet him.”

Kurt excused himself from his students and asked them to continue practising. Kurt walked through the long hallway connecting to the small lounge at the reception. The students and people were buzzing and whispering about something that had set them in an excited state. What was really bothering him anyway?

The receptionist almost squealed as he led Kurt to the lounge. “He is here!”

Inside the lounge was a figure, sitting with his dull leather jacket and a cap. He was almost unrecognizable. Almost. The man got up and held his hand for Kurt.

“Hello, Mr. Hummel. I had to chase you down after the incident in New York.”

They were privately secure in the safe sanctum of the lounge at the moment. But outside, Kurt did see some paparazzi lurking outside the studio. How he managed to come into the studio in one piece was beyond him.

“Blaine?” Kurt’s mouth went into an instant grin.

“Wow! You knew me?”

“Why wouldn’t I? You’re the one who came late to the event and slipped in front of all the people into my arms.” Kurt shot a stern look at Blaine.

Blaine fiddled with his fingers and looked with a hidden guilt and a hint of fright. Did he trigger Kurt in any way? Oh no!

“I’m sorry, Kurt. I know what I did was unacceptable and I put you in a lot of trouble. I know you’re the epitome of professionalism and I am here to apologize for whatever behaviour of mine that triggered you. Honestly, I don’t know what ran in my mind that I dared to advise you backstage. Fuck! Honestly, I’m really-”

“Sorry,” Kurt said as he placed a hand on his shoulder,” I know you are sorry. You don’t have to repeat it. Although I was a little pissed and a little judgemental about your professionalism, you actually made me feel better. You help me loosen up a little bit and I am really grateful for it.”

Wait, was this the same harsh, judgmental, “the greatest critic of your life” Kurt Hummel? His talk was nothing near to being a bitter medicine. 

“And honestly? I’ve been waiting to meet you someday.”

“What for?” Blaine’s face glowed with a beam of hope and curiosity. 

To tell you how obsessed I am with  you and to say how much I love your music  

“To… thank you!”Kurt punctuated his words with exaggerated hand gestures , “Yeah, thank you!”

“Oh!”

They continued to stare at each other, falling into an infinite depth of being mesmerizing. Blaine broke the silence finally.

“As a token of apology, I would like to take you somewhere for a meal. You know…just for an amiable gesture. I hope you won’t say no, because I flew right from New Year.”

“I  wasn’t planning to, Blaine,” Kurt replied as he blushed, “I wasn’t planning to. In fact, I wanted to ask you too.”

“Maybe for dinner? I have a friend who owns a small restaurant downtown. I don’t think paparazzi will let us live another day if we exit now.”

“That is true.”

The phone from Blaine’s pocket chimed and Blaine sighed, starting to look a little in haste. Blaine pulled his pen out of his pocket and tugged Kurt’s hand. He proceeded to scribble something into Kurt’s hand. Blaine had Kurt around his finger by this point without his knowledge.

“Here, this is my number. You can text or call me. I’ll be sending the location. Nice meeting you, Kurt.”

Blaine received Kurt’s nod and rushed out of the lounge, trying his best to avoid the paparazzi waiting outside. Kurt couldn’t decipher what happened in the short period. He hadn’t been this crazy over a person in a long time. This was new and this was definitely a pleasant trouble.

******

Kurt had to cut his schedule short and for once, he actively put effort into lighting up his presentation again. He spent all afternoon, rummaging his wardrobe and trying every combination to find the perfect fit for the occasion. He was finally seeing himself in the mirror. It was the first time in six years since he saw his reflection genuinely happy, excited and looking forward to a good time.

The news of the singer Blaine Anderson visiting the studio spread like wildfire and became the talk of the day. It wasn’t a surprise to Blaine but he wasn’t a fan either. He had his own share of experience to back up his hesitation. He was getting used to the recent fame and crazy fan base but to some extent, it was really exhausting. Conspiracy theories on Blaine's potential booking of the next project runway or a similar show like the Autumn collection one, Blaine being a potential friend of Kurt or Blaine being a ghost boyfriend behind the scenes were floating around everywhere.  

Honestly,  Blaine didn't want to get bothered by any of these theories. He just wanted to have a meal with this ramp-walk trainer. It was just a friendly gesture, right? Right?

******