Chapter Two

The test shoot ended up being a bit of a blur, full of camera flashes and the manhandling of the would-be models into seven different poses, causing Blaine and Kurt to get very close and personal. Despite their physical proximity during the shoot, there had been no chance to get a word in, aside from whispered apologies for hands going places accidentally. Thanks to everything they had learned in school, the performers inside the pair stepped up and took over, giving the term, ‘making love to the camera' a whole new meaning. Each had felt the natural chemistry between them, which had occurred right from the start and was still growing. The fast-paced activities were finished far sooner than the boys could've anticipated, as this was new territory to cross. When the shoot was finished, they were rewarded with compliments from the photographer on a job well done, especially for first-timers. The boys headed back to their temporary dressing rooms to strip off their wedding wear, without getting a chance to say a word to each other before being split up. Their connection had been undeniable all afternoon and both were left wondering where to go from here with no real guide as how to conduct themselves from this point. The only thing both knew was that neither Kurt nor Blaine wanted that day to be the end.

Dressed back in his normal attire, which was still impressive and flattering if not as formal and form fitting, Kurt was a man on a mission. He needed to see Blaine again. No, he had to. How else could he try to understand what he was feeling now, aside from confusion?Blaine was an enigma, as was the pull Kurt felt since their eyes had met. What was wrong with him? Love at first sight was a romantic notion but it seemed like too much of a fairy tale to be true. Lust at first sight, on the other hand, was far more believable … but Kurt liked to believe his connection with Blaine was more than just lust. Four years of collegeand his time spent living in LA had given Kurt a little experience in asking a guy out, but it still made him more than a little anxious. As he made his way to Blaine's dressing room, Kurt tried to stop overthinking things. Trying to act like he was supposed to be there, Kurt had planned to lie in wait by the door and when Blaine came out, act like the perfect timing was nothing but a fluke. That plan went down the drain when he walked around the corner and narrowly missed crashing into his target.

Shuffling their feet, taking a few back steps to regain their balance, Blaine beamed at Kurt, not able to hide his delight at running into him. Considering he had been heading off to find Kurt himself, meeting like this was a pleasant surprise. “Why Kurt, fancy running into you here!”

“More like crashing, but I'm happy to ‘run into' you too, Blaine,” Kurt replied, making air quotations with his fingers and causing Blaine to laugh. Was it just him or was Blaine's smile the most wonderful sight in the world?

“Can I tell you a secret? Our meeting wasn't entirely by chance,” Blaine admitted with a coy expression on his face.

“I must admit, I'm guilty of the same. I refuse to leave things to fate,” Kurt admitted, his cheeks flushing a bit with the confession.

Blaine was glad to see he was not alone in his feelings. He got the sense Kurt was enjoying the playful air between them, as well. Encouraged, Blaine brought his arm out in offering to Kurt. “Actually… if I were to be just as honest… I was hoping you'd accompany me…”

Letting out a pleased giggle, Kurt accepted the gentlemanly offer, choosing to grant Blaine the honour of being his escort. Kurt slipped his arm through the crook of Blaine's elbow and they were off. “Where are we going kind sir?” Kurt asked, allowing himself to get a little flirty.

“Um… I haven't gotten that far yet, out of the building at least,” Blaine admitted, shattering the illusion of his grand romantic plans and bringing them back to reality.

There was no danger of the mood being ruined and Kurt made no move to let go of Blaine. Still, no matter how swept up in the moment the moving pair were, Kurt still felt nervous and a little flustered. Here he was, romantically strolling with a guy who was very charming but had been a stranger only a few hours ago. There was no castle, no white horse waiting for them outside of the building, ready to gallop off into the sunset. Kurt was quite familiar with the real world and what his life up until this point had been. Just because there had been no prince didn't mean his life was over or boring, but it had been lacking any romance lately. Kurt was excited at the realistic possibilities of a relationship with Blaine, but did not want to get ahead of himself.

“So I'm trying to think what could happen next…” Blaine admitted, choosing to be honest yet again.

“I'm not sure… but I know what I don't want to happen. For us to go our separate ways at this point,” Kurt said truthfully.

“Should we go on a date right now or something?” Blaine asked nervously.

For once Kurt chose not to define everything in his life and go the simple root. “Let's not fuss over what this exactly is, leave off the pressure. We're already under stress from waiting to hear back about the modeling job,” Kurt offered instead.

“I could go along with that, it still means we'll get to spend some time together.”

“Where we'll focus on talking for now? Until there's a better time to go on that possible date?” Kurt asked in confirmation.

“Sounds good to me, so why don't we go get a cup of coffee then? Where we can talk and share more about ourselves?” Blaine added. Kurt's face scrunched up at the mention of coffee, like he had a weird taste in his mouth and Blaine started to worry they had crossed a line. “Um… what's with the face? Having second thoughts?” Blaine asked warily.

Kurt shook his head vigorously, “Oh no! Not at all! It's just… I work at a coffee shop so I made a rule that I never drink any when I'm off the clock,” he quickly explained.

Blaine was relieved that Kurt's reluctance was not due to anything he'd done. “Ah well that's understandable… then how about we go to a juice bar or something?” he said.

“It is typical scorcher in LA and I happen to know there's a Jamba Juice about a block away.”

“Now that's an idea, shall we then?”

“Well shall,” Kurt flirted.

Neither of the would be models wanted their little trek to the said Jamba juice to be silent, so they filled the time with conversation. No longer attached at the arm but still walking aside one another, Blaine was the first to try to learn a bit about Kurt.

“Are you from California?” Blaine asked.

Kurt shook his head, “No… I came here for university, I just graduated this year,” he explained.

“So did I! What school?”

“ULCA, how about yourself?”

“CSULA.”

“Small world but not small enough I guess,” Kurt said cutely.

“We're making up for it now at least,” Blaine pointed out.

“Very true,” Kurt agreed.
_________________________________________________________________________

A few minutes later they found themselves situated in the nearby Jamba Juice Kurt had brought them to, with drinks in hand, sitting across from each other at one of the small tables inside. Blaine and Kurt both were on board with whole “taking their time and getting to know each other” plan. They had spent their walk from the Provision offices telling each other more and more about their own lives, helping to fill in the picture each held of the other in their minds. It was clear that each was becoming more smitten by the minute.

“You know, while I'm used to waiting for calls about jobs… it's never been like this before. How in the world am I supposed to wait for the call back?” Kurt groaned.

“I'm not worried, we'll get the job,” Blaine stated matter-of-factly. He wasn't sure where this sudden confidence came from, but something about Kurt just brought it out in him. Never before had Blaine met someone who felt like his true match, someone who seemed to anticipate every move he made and dished back each witty comment.

“How can you be so sure? You said you weren't a model,” Kurt challenged.

“I'm not… but I have been through enough auditions to know when it's a done deal,” Blaine began. He was bluffing a bit but he was pretty darn sure. “I mean, think about how that shoot went. We nailed it. You sure know how to work a camera and I muddled along somehow. In fact… I bet they're getting the paperwork for our contracts together as we speak,” Blaine announced with confidence.

Collecting his thoughts before making any remark, Kurt paused to take another drink of his berry booster. Knowing his usual track record, Kurt was long overdue to end up putting his foot in his mouth, or wanting to so he would shut up. Kurt kept asking himself how Blaine was even real. Was Holly Holliday some celestial match maker who went undercover as the president of a modeling agency? How else could someone as wonderful as Blaine come his way by fate alone? It hardly seemed possible even when the proof was right in front of him. “I do admit we were pretty good but… it's not like we're the only photogenic people in this town. The first thing I learned since moving here is rejection is a constant thing.”

“Oh, I'm well aware, believe me. Just not this time,” Blaine dismissed.

“I sure wish I had your optimism because I want this job so bad it hurts! I'm not even talking about the money aspect! Or how handsome my co-star is…” Kurt began to ramble, blushing a little at his unexpected honesty. “I'm talking about the ad campaign. I'm not a politician but I want to do my part and this is my shot at that.”

“This isn't just me being too hopeful. You need to trust me on this, Kurt,” Blaine assured.

“Okay, if you insist. Let's talk about something else then, to keep my mind off of it all. You know I work at a coffee bar… how about yourself?” Kurt asked.

“I do extra work mainly, though I've gotten a few small parts,” Blaine answered.

Kurt whistled. “Impressive, anything I would've seen?”

“Um, well, in ‘High Fighting Fun' at the 12:30 minute mark you can see me standing off in the corner and I bump into the main character. I get to show my acting talents by muttering ‘excuse me',” Blaine admitted proudly, as if it was an impressive fact.

“Wow I had no idea I was sitting before such a star,” Kurt teased. “I've done a bit of extra work myself but, sadly, most of the time you can't really make me out.”

Their flirtatious banter wasn't stopped by nerves or the fear of overstepping boundaries but by Blaine's phone vibrating on the table. Blaine and Kurt froze, looking down at the screen and when they both saw the name Holly Holliday appear, their mouths fell open in response.

“Answer it!” Kurt finally hissed when he couldn't contain himself any longer.

Blaine grabbed the phone and hit the reply button. “Hello!” Blaine stuttered, but he barely got a chance to put another word in.

“Blaine! Have I got something to tell you! But first things first: a funny thing happened to me when I snuck off for my lunchtime taco run. I happened to see two young men, walking arm in arm down the street looking like a match made in heaven. How surprised do you think I was when I realized those two love birds were hand-picked by me? It's none of my business but… is Kurt still with you?” Holly rambled, not giving Blaine any time to respond.

Blaine turned to look at Kurt, who was pressed against Blaine's side so he could listen in to the conversation. “Uh… yes… he is. Is that a problem?” Blaine replied warily.

“Not at all! I'm not trying to mess with you two; just it saves me having to make another call. Now put your phone on speaker so that we can have a little three-way conference call,” Holly urged.

Blaine and Kurt crowded their faces around the cell placed on the table. Kurt glanced over at Blaine, his mouth tightly closed shut as he bit down to stop himself from squealing in delight. Blaine just mouthed ‘told ya' and Kurt rolled his eyes playfully in response. “We're all ears,” Blaine chimed.

“So I dunno if you two know how stuff like this usually goes but I've never been one to follow the rules, at least the stupid ones. I just got back from seeing the results of your shoot and I knew there was no way I was gonna torture you guys by stringing you along. I haven't seen the likes of you and your amazing chemistry in a long time! You're exactly the pair we were trying to find. So fresh and new and real! That's just what the campaign needs to catch everyone's eye. Needless to say… I sure you don't mind me cutting your date short or whatever it is you're currently doing…” Holly fished inquisitively. When it was clear by her teasing tone that she already had a good idea and wasn't trying to hide it much.

“We're sitting in a Jamba Juice, resisting the urge to jump out of our seats,” Kurt answered.

“Then would you both be so kind as to haul yourselves back here and meet me in my office?” Holly requested.

Blaine saw Kurt nod with excitement, already standing up and raring to go. “We'll be right there,” he confirmed. Blaine ended the call and sat there dazed for a moment, his heart pounding.

“We did it…” Kurt muttered is disbelief.

“Told ya,” Blaine replied cheekily.

Swept up in the moment and bursting with excitement, Kurt grabbed the sides of Blaine's face and landed a kiss upon him. When Kurt opened his eyes he saw Blaine's dumbstruck expression and a big dopey smile on his face.

“Sorry! I don't know what came over me I'm just so happy about getting the job.” Kurt stuttered.Blaine placed his hand on Kurt's shoulder, giving it an assuring little squeeze. “Don't apologize, I like your bravery and the kiss,” he assured, and he secretly looked forwards to the chance to make things even.
____________________________________________________________________________

Kurt was bouncing and he felt like he could run a marathon, or sing a whole musical. He was that happy and that was quite the understatement. How could this be happening? Was Kurt truly this lucky? After years of dreaming, of trying to achieve direction in his life, Kurt had been trying his best but still not getting very far. It wasn't easy to balance between staying hopeful and driven while learning to live with let down and setbacks. Rejection and recovery, that had been Kurt's life for the last few months since college graduation. It seemed unreal that Kurt would not only get a job but a possible boost in the social side as well. Now, beyond his wildest dreams, Kurt found himself sitting in front of a modeling big wig, sitting next to a man he had kissed a short while ago, watching a large contract be placed on the desk in front him.

“Here we are boys, the things dreams are made of! Now before I am forced to ramble off all of the legal boring stuff, there's one person who has yet to join this party… and here he is, right on time,” Holly explained as she gestured to the well-dressed man who had just stepped into her office.

Dressed in a dashing navy suit, the man walked over to the desk and greeted everyone with a charming smile.

“Kurt, Blaine, this is Carl Howell, he's the head of the ad campaign you'll be modeling for. One of our job partners who work exclusively with us to find the talent they need,” Holly explained.

“We like to call our models ‘representatives,' because as you know by now, we're not your average advertising agency. This campaign is a very important one for us, so I knew I could only trust Miss Holliday to find exactly what we were looking for. After seeing the shots from earlier today, I can confirm she and I both have good judgement. Nicely done, Miss Holliday, you couldn't have found a more real looking pair of fresh and attractive new faces,” Carl commented.

Carl shook hands with Blaine and Kurt. “Welcome to the team, gentlemen. Thank you for becoming our poster boys for marriage equality.”

Kurt tried to hide his nerves that had started to build since learning he had gotten the job. Judging by Blaine's intense expression beside him, his new co-star wasn't faring any better. It was one thing to really want a job and then another to get it. To come to accept how much work and responsibility would go hand-in-hand with the thrill of getting it was quite the wakeup call. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity, I won't let you down,” Kurt replied.

“This is a cause I really support, and I intend for that to show in my work ethic,” Blaine assured.

“Carl, you're going to scare them and it's a bit premature. There's a lot of paperwork to go over still. They haven't even taken a peek at their contracts yet. I was waiting for you to do the honours,” Holly pointed out.

“You mean the chore, but you're right. Since you're both new to the industry I'd better explain. Keep in mind what Holly said before: this won't be your average modeling gig. We're not an advertising company who sells ideas to the people wanting to sell something or create a message. We're directly leading the cause for marriage equality. We're on the forefront in the fight for gay rights. Don't get too worried, this all good for you two. It means your schedule won't be as hectic as most models have it. Mind you, it will be intense and a heavy work load but, after hearing Holly's praise, I think you're both up to it,” Carl explained.

Carl stopped to place a finger on Blaine's contract before continuing with his crash course. “These contracts are for a whole year. We will have exclusive rights to your image…” he began.

“Meaning you can't take any other modeling jobs, not that we'll literally own your faces. Besides, you won't really need to take any other jobs, modeling, acting or otherwise,” Holly interrupted.

“We'll be using all branches of media for this campaign in many different ways. You'll be working long hours as well, full of countless photo-shoots and waiting around,” Carl added.

“I'm well used to waiting,” Kurt muttered sarcastically. He worried he'd stepped out of line until he was rewarded with a chorus of laughter from all in the room.

“I knew I'd like you. You too, Blaine. So, anyway, moving this lengthy lecture along… now I know how bad you both want this job. It's a good one, one that pays well and will keep you challenged but above all I know you're both up to it. Before you sign those contracts, since you've never done anything like this before, I will insist you read the terms over thoroughly. Check and cross reference and come back tomorrow ready to sign or decline,” Holly told the pair.

Carl saw the worry creeping up on both of their young faces. “It's not that we don't think you two aren't capable. This is a serious gig and one that we need our models to be totally committed to from start to finish. We don't want anything you weren't clear on to add conflict or legal situations, so taking some time go over the contracts is a good idea.”

“I know I'll see you two in the morning with pens in hand, but if by some miracle I'm wrong, since it happens from time to time, I can assure you there will be no hard feelings. I might even be able to offer you future work elsewhere. But trust me when I say that this job is your best fit. You are the exact examples of who this issue is being fought for,” Holly said.

Kurt nodded. “We really are, and I know you don't only mean because we're gay…” Kurt began.

“You don't need to be gay to support gay rights or marriage equality, and hopefully the rest of the world will learn to understand that. Nothing is going to change if no one's willing to fight for it. I did some research on your association and this new marriage equality project. I think it's brilliant to use social media as well as the usual advertising tactics to relay the message,” Blaine added.

“Wow guys, you sure know how to impress,” Holly admitted.

“Anyway, as you can imagine I'm being kept very busy. Think it over and get back to us tomorrow. If you come back here to sign these then I look forward to working with you because the job will begin straight after that. There's not a moment to lose,” Carl announced.

A second round of handshakes was exchanged and, giving a little thumbs up to Holly, Carl left the room, leaving the three of them alone once again. “Well that went very well. I can tell he's impressed by the both of you. Take the contracts, read them over and call my assistant in the morning. Do you have any questions?”

Blaine shook his head and Kurt did the same. “I'm good, thanks,” Blaine replied.

“I'm fine too,” Kurt confirmed.

With contracts in hand, the young would-be models got up, expressing their gratitude too many times until Holly shooed them off, and headed out of building for a second time that day. This time Blaine didn't offer Kurt his arm to escort him out of the building. Romance was the furthest thing from their young and excited minds at that moment. Everything revolved around their careers and how this could be the start of something big, something amazing.

“So you were right,” Kurt told Blaine once they cleared the building.

“Never had a moment's doubt,” Blaine declared as he puffed up his chest.

“Really?”

“Okay, maybe a little, but I was pretty sure and still right in the end,” Blaine offered with a smile.

Kurt giggled softly. Setting thoughts on his career aside, Kurt wasn't about to forget Blaine or how instantly they had clicked since meeting. If Holly could see it then Kurt wasn't about to deny the likelihood, but there was the matter of priorities. Kurt found it hard to wrap his head around the idea that he wouldn't have to choose between love and career. That he could possibly get both was nothing short of miraculous and a bit overwhelming. First things first, Kurt had a contract to go over and while he was quite sure he'd be up first thing in the morning ready and willing to sign it, he needed to bide his time on the Blaine front. “So…” Kurt began awkwardly.

Blaine had reached the same decision. He had come too far and gone through a lot to get this opportunity. He couldn't allow an attractive face to distract him now when he needed to be very focused. That being said Blaine couldn't dismiss how Kurt pulled at him or how good kissing him had felt. He doubted there was a clause in the contract stating he and Kurt would be forbidden to date, going on how Holly hadn't reacted to them being together when she called. “So… I think we both know we should head home. We've got a lot of reading to do,” Blaine said.

“And most likely will have an early start tomorrow,” Kurt added playfully.

“Would it be okay to get your number? I mean we are going to be seeing a lot of each other. But on the odd chance of one of us not taking the job, I don't want you to get away,” Blaine asked sheepishly.

“That would be great, even if I have no intention at leaving you at the ‘altar'.” Kurt teased as he offered his phone to Blaine. “Text me in the morning when you've made your decision? I mean right now we're both pretty sure we'll sign but things can change,” he added.

Blaine nodded, taking Kurt's phone to add his number to his contact lists. “Done and done, you'll hear from me in the morning. I guess all that's left is saying goodbye…” Blaine began as he made a cute little pout.

Kurt couldn't help himself. Blaine was so irresistibly adorable that Kurt found himself unable to hold himself back. Smirking at Blaine he leaned forward and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “For good luck,” he whispered and took his phone back from Blaine.

“I do believe this is the start of a beautiful partnership, Kurt,” Blaine called out as they headed down the street.

“Do you mean romantically or strictly professionally?” Kurt asked with an impish grin.

“Right now… I think it could be both. Guess we'll find out, huh,” Blaine beamed back.

“Sounds like fun! ‘Til tomorrow Blaine!” Kurt called out as he rushed off to the bus idling at his bus stop. ___________________________________________________________________________

Blaine was halfway through reading his contract when Cooper finally came home later that night, advancing on his brother the moment he cleared the door. Cooper snatched the contract right out of Blaine's fingers, making him glad he had stalled on telling his brother how the second audition had gone. Of course he now knew his brother would make him regret it, but after the day's events Blaine felt up to going head-to-head with his brother for once.

“I was still reading that, you know,” Blaine pointed out.

“What do we have here? This looks like a modeling contract… and a very well paying yearlong one at that. The way you had gone into radio silence I had assumed you'd been politely rejected. Now I see how wrong I was,” Cooper sassed as he jumped back a few steps, stopping when Blaine made no moves to join in a game of keep away.

“I've been kind of busy today… if you haven't noticed by now,” Blaine threw back.

Cooper let out a loud laugh of delight; he loved when his brother rose to his level and it happened so rarely. Cooper skimmed through the contract, taking time to look at all the legal details and anything that caught his eye. Blaine allowed it since he knew letting Cooper give the contract a good look over was a smart idea since he was in the industry longer than Blaine. “Wow Blaine! This is actually a really good contract. No hidden traps or possible loopholes. It's pretty clear and more than generous. You'd get a whole year of work from them with bonus pay and other things and them wanting modeling rights during is more than fair. Speaking as someone who's done a number of modeling gigs over the years, my professional opinion is to take this job,” Cooper assessed.

“Oh, I was planning to. As you said, it's an incredible offer and the money's not even the best part!”

“But a pretty big part since I'm the one who pays the bills around here,” Cooper teased.

“At your insistence. Remember how many times I tried to give you some rent money! Anyway I'm afraid any chance of you whisking me away to go celebrate will not be happening. I need to finish reading the contract, go to sleep and then get up bright and early tomorrow go to back to Provision and sign it,” Blaine warned.

“We can save the partying ‘til tomorrow night then!” Cooper exclaimed as he handed Blaine back the contract.

Blaine paused. While no plans had been made yet, Blaine was planning to ask Kurt out so they could go on a date tomorrow to celebrate their contract signing. No matter what happened between him and Kurt, he was hopeful they could develop a relationship outside of work. Heck if he had met Kurt in any other scenario he would have made his intentions clear by now, so he was willing to wait it out for a little longer. They'd be working alongside one another, having photos taken where they needed to look like a madly in love young couple. There was lots of time to see what could develop when it came to their personal lives. But there was no way in hell Blaine was about to voluntarily tell his brother about Kurt. Instead he just gave his brother a cheeky grin, letting the excuse for getting an awesome job appear to be the sole reason for his current good mood.

“I'll have to check my schedule,” Blaine tutted.