Author's Notes: Hummel & Oates
By: elfinder

Prologue

~New York: 1975~

No matter where one went, there were always young rebellious teenagers out testing boundaries. Things such as law enforced age limits were often easily bypassed, with a little knack, know-how and a boat load of reckless but often misguided courage. This could not be more true than for one young seventeen-year-old boy, who was walking towards a building in Manhattan's East Village. He ignored anything and anyone around him, but since it was still early in the afternoon there wasnt much action going on. While it was often called the city that never sleeps, New York still winded down, usually when people were working their regular day jobs.

Only Kurt Hummel was sick of regular. Not that his life could be called that in any capacity because it was more tragic than ordinary. But Kurt, without any parents left alive to guide him to a better tomorrow, wanted desperately to discover a part of himself hed always held back. Until now and he hoped the building before him would hold the answers and possibly, the acceptance he was still longing for.

It wasnt a youth centre, but a gay club named Dare to Flare. Kurt had walked by the building before but had never dared to get that close. For one thing he was only a teenager and thus legally too young to step inside the place of drink. Also, Kurt had been in the closet about his homosexuality and had no plans to come out. Then his father had suddenly died from a heart attack. Losing his family had finally made Kurt realize he could no longer life in fear.

So he had a plan; Kurt would sneak into the place when security was lessened and hopefully find a spot to hide it out until the real fun began. Kurt wanted to experience a whole new way of life: that of an out gay man. The world seemed to think that gay people were sinners who were living on borrowed time, which was total bullshit of course. People always latched on to religion or any excuse they could use to validate their reasons for turning to hate.

Kurt was through listening to such utter nonsense, because from now on Kurt had his own agenda to to focus on. The way Kurt saw it, if he could make it to the 90s then hed be way ahead of the game. But for the time being, Kurts mind was more sent on reaching the next decade: the 1980s.

Of course when Kurt had finally made it to his destination, nobody was around to notice him coming onto the scene, but that hardly mattered. Considering what he planned to get up to, it was actually quite an idealistic scenario. Kurt gazed up at the neon sign before him with his hands on his hips. Hed picked the club on a whim, after hearing some guy go on and on about the place on the subway. Now Kurt just hoped he had made the right choice, for tonight at least.

“Okay Dare to Flare, show me what youve got,” Kurt said.

Little did Kurt know that once he went inside, his whole life would change into something much brighter and full of a whole lot more than just flare.

Chapter One

~Ten Years Later~

Ah, The East Village Manhattan, circa 1985. Could there be any better place to be? For one young hopeful performer there wasnt. For the longest time relocating from his home town to the Big Apple seemed nothing but a far off dream. But now, after a lot of scrounging, luck, newfound courage, and a nasty breakup Blaine Anderson had finally made it. Or he was trying to. It was easier said than done when the subway system made the new arrival feel like he was trapped in a labyrinth. The way Blaine was looking around with wide eyed wonder, one would think he was a tourist from the boondocks. Blaine Anderson was many things but not that. Blaine was a twenty-six-year-old who had many goals to conquer with coming here. The most important thing for him was to make enough money to survive but there was another desire that was on a far more personal level. New York might be the city of dreams and where Broadway resided but what Blaine really wanted to encounter was its famous gay community. Such a wish had lead Blaine to the East Village, where the chance of a job opportunity could kill two birds with one stone.

Blaine only hoped he looked the part, because fashion was all over the place in the 80s. Blaine had tried his best to go for the trendy approach. He chose bright turquoise pants, opting for a tight fit instead of the current baggy trend (because even Blaine had his standards). Since Blaine had a thing for nostalgia, hed chosen to wear a vintage print Queen concert t-shirt, hoping it would also give a positive hint to his own musical tastes as well. In a final attempt to jump on the popularity of Back to the Future, he was also wearing a puffy navy jacket, while Blaine hoped his white top sneakers with a matching turquoise trim fully completed the ensemble.

After asking lot of people and still getting nowhere, Blaine eventually asked a nearby drag queen and was personally escorted to the correct club. Blaine politely voiced his thanks and headed off again, but he needed to take a deep breath before entering building. In the light of the day the whole area looked very dead and inactive but considering the place was a night club, that was understandable. He even bet the few people still lingering around were just finishing their night time activities.

His arrival at such a place had come to pass thanks to noticing an inconspicuous ad in a local newspaper. Soon Blaine would find out what the job entailed and he hoped taking his clothes off wasnt part of it.

Blaine Anderson was about to enter his very first New York gay club. At the top of the main doors was a neon sign, just like the countless others hed seen since arriving in Manhattan. Only this one caused him to shake his head at what the club was called.

“Dare to Flare?” Blaine said with bemusement. He supposed the name worked well for the clubs targeted clientele, considering there was little chance to mistake what type of establishment it was.

It was still the early afternoon so that meant the club was closed for business but Blaine had been instructed to head to the side door for his audition. Blaine stepped up to knock and waited patiently for any signs of life. Then the door cracked open and a formidable looking man who clearly was a member of security eyed him warily.

“Uh, hi there, Im here for a job audition,” Blaine stuttered awkwardly; so much for acting professional.

As if Blaine had uttered the magic password, the mans once harsh gaze softened. “Hey there kid, come right in... the manager's been waiting for you,” he urged. He grabbed onto Blaines shoulders and half dragged him inside the building, until Blaine was able to move on his own and fought to keep up with the man's wide strides.

The insides of the club (even the back portions) looked quite dazzling to him. From Blaines view point he could see the main club area off in the distance through an opened door. The exposed brick walls were splattered in multi-coloured neon paint, while equally colourful lines of what looked like Christmas lights hung from the ceiling. In the opposite side of the room, there was an epic dance floor where there were actually large metal cages that Blaine assumed hot men would dance in. Groups of chairs started farther back and off to the left was an impressive looking bar. What caught Blaines eye the most was the overall effect of room and if Blaine had to use one word to describe it, he would have to go with cutting-edge. He quickly got the feeling that this was no cheesy little back alleyway bar. Which made Blaine curious about how the place fared during its peak hours.

Blaine was shown to a small back room where a man in his late thirties (looking very classy in a purple blazer) was waiting inside. At Blaines arrival he looked up from the paper he was studying and the warm smiles kept coming. “Ah, here you are, Blaine right? Im glad you found the place.”

“Yeah, thanks to Wanda,” Blaine admitted with a cheeky grin.

“Well then, Ill tell her thanks next time I see her on the street,” the man replied. He stood up from his chair and walked over to Blaine, arm outstretched in greeting. “Im Stephan Manning, manager of Dare to Flare; land of the free, gay and fabulous,” he introduced.

“Im Blaine Anderson, someone who could use more flare in his life.”

The little joke was a good call and already Blaine was making the right sort of first impression. “Great, now we just need to see if you can bring it in the music department. Before you go and sing for me, I want to know a bit more about you, Blaine.”

It was not the type of interview Blaine was used to but he welcomed the more relaxed atmosphere as he took a seat at the table. “Id be happy to,” he replied.

“So tell me what are some of your favourite types of music and groups? Honestly too, dont think you need to list only current trends now,” Stephan prompted.

Blaine furrowed his brows in thought, though he didnt want to wait too long with his answer. “Oh geez... where to begin... theres so many to list. My love of music spans over various genres and eras... but if I were to pick my all time favourite. That would have to be Queen, Freddie Mercury is who inspired my wanting to perform the most. Im really into disco music too though, I grew up listening to it so it was hard not to. Theres nothing like jamming to some Bee Gees to get the day going, I dont think anyone could resist grooving to Stayin Alive. What else... um, oh well I am a big fan of Wham!, Hall & Oates and the Bangles. David Bowie too, naturally...” Blaine rambled as new groups popped into his mind. “Wait! How could I nearly forget Michael Jackson!” he shouted. Blaine suddenly remembered he was trying to get a job and flashed Stephan a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I tend to get really passionate about music...” he explained.

Stephan laughed, “Actually, I find your excitement very refreshing. Okay that answers my first question. Onto the next... I take it youre new to Manhattan?”

Blaine blinked, fingering the collar of his jacket absentmindedly. Were his attempts to look good totally off? Hed tried so hard, maybe he should have gone for the professional look after all. “Does it show that much? Im originally from Oregon, but was living in Nevada for the past six years before moving here... oh, about a week and a half ago,” Blaine confirmed. Had it really been that long? It had gone by in such a blur and that hectic time had been split between unpacking boxes and looking for work. He hadnt even ventured out to experience the beckoning night life or the gay community that was far more out in the open than other States.

“Only because Ive seen many young men walk through here like you – myself included – and I, for one, never left,” Stephan said.

“Oh, well thats encouraging then,” Blaine said with a smile.

Once the questioning portion of the interview was over, Blaine went onto the audition part where he pulled out all the stops. Blaine had Stephan pick a song and without any prep, sang the number like a pro. Four songs later and Blaine was still going strong, only there was no longer any need to sway his audience of one.

“Well Blaine, I wont put you through the run-around, not with a voice like that. Needless to say, youre hired. I was going to wait until my co-manager saw you before finalizing but now theres no need. Im quite sure hell be equally impressed with your talents, Blaine, youre exactly what were looking for!” Stephan exclaimed.

Blaine was grinning to from ear to ear. “Great! Just... what am I being hired for exactly?” he asked.
_______________________________________________________________________________

“You cant be serious! A cover band?” a high pitched voice shrilled through an empty hallway.

“No need to go octane on me, Kurt, cover bands are all the rage! Arent you always telling me we need to keep things up to date at the club? Wait until you hear the guy I just hired today! Hes really something else, he has just the range I was looking for. Gave me the whole idea to have him and the other new hire perform as a cover band,” Stephan explained to his younger co-manager.

If Kurts day wasnt bad enough now there was this to deal with. But his foul mood might have something to do with the terrible week he was having that was going from bad to worse. Kurt quickly glanced in the mirror to make sure the foundation he applied was hiding his new bruises well enough. Because if word got out that Kurt had gotten gay bashed and nearly hospitalized by a local gang of teens, hed never hear the end of it. All of his friends and co-workers would be concerned of course, but there would be no forgetting it. Even worse, they might try to get him to press charges and be the one to take a stand for gay rights. Why did Kurt have to become a gay martyr just to make everyone else feel safer on the streets? His friends werent fools though and he got the feeling they wouldnt exactly buy his emergency explanation of tripping down subway stairs. Maybe because Kurt seemingly had perfect balance and walked like a model wherever he went.

“Its so cheesy, Steph, youre gonna regret it...” Kurt whined.

“Then its a good thing that I have you around to put it right, if and when they go wrong. Until that happens, just give my idea a chance,” Stephan coaxed.

Seeing as Kurt really had no choice but to give in for now, since Stephan was his boss and the actual owner of the club Kurt had helped become all the rage since his last promotion. He might have put ten years into the place, starting from being nothing but a cage dancer and working his way up the ladder, but Stephan still called the shots. “Fine, let them go up on stage tonight as planned. Ill be there to watch the reception with eagle eyes... and there will be notes for you to read,” Kurt said with a sigh of defeat.

“Youre a peach, Kurt. Youll come around, just you wait and see,” Stephan chimed and hung up on the other end.

That was just great. Yet another thing that could put his hair in a twist, which was reaching amazing height already. But when he was a hair dresser by day, Kurt had an image to uphold and his knack with hairdos was well known at Do it To it. So he wasnt some illustrious hairstylist to the stars, where he dolled up the likes of Cher, Madonna and any other gay icon that came to mind.

Kurt was high in demand when it came to his skilled hands doing wonders for any type of hair. With a can of hairspray in one and a comb in the other, he could work real magic shaping and sculpting those locks of hair into a sight to behold that would make Cyndi Lauper proud and maybe even a little jealous. No matter how much Kurt enjoyed his day job, even that couldnt lift his dark mood and it showed the instant he came into view.

“Oh watch out, the fur's gonna fly...” a sassy voice teased, albeit playfully as Kurt came around the corner.

“The only thing thats gonna end up on the floor is shorn hair, if you tread lightly. I might be in a bad mood but I am still a professional, Justin, please,” Kurt scoffed as he went over to his station and started his usual set up.

The first customer of the day ended up being a very familiar face to Kurt, one hed known since he was thirteen. When the short brunette that was pretty much his sister in every way but blood waltzed in, Kurt was both happy and annoyed to see her. “Rachel, right on time, step on up and let me work my magic on you,” he urged despite his hidden trepidation.

His concern was quite justified and all it took was one look at Kurt for Rachel to know something was up. She rushed up right in front of him, clutching the sides of his cheeks and causing Kurt to hiss in pain and flinch away. “Kurt, whats happened, are you okay?” she asked with worry.

“Not now! Well talk about it later,” he hissed back as he pushed her towards the chair.

“Kurt...” Rachel warned.

“Dont Kurt... me, just sit back and dont make me want to give you a buzz cut out of spite.”

“You wouldnt,” Rachel accused, calling his possible bluff.

With scissors in hand and Rachel seated in the chair, Kurt spun her around and gave a malicious grin. “Wouldnt I?” he taunted.

Rachels resulting hairdo didnt cause her to let out a painful scream at all, instead she was now flailing from pure delight. “Oh my god Kurt, I look amazing!” Rachel squealed as she touched the end of her new springy perm.

Kurt was proud he could still manage a believable laugh.“Naturally, now thats how you do a perm Kurt Hummel style. As thanks you can save the interrogations until tomorrow. Ive got way too much on my plate to deal with right now. Stephan's got some hare-brained idea to have cover artists at the club,” Kurt tutted as he shooed her to the cashier so she could pay.

“Only if youre just pissed and not hurt...” Rachel argued.

It hadnt taken Kurt long since the start of their friendship to know when Rachel wasnt about to back down. He still refused to tell her the main reason for his foul mood but it probably wouldnt hurt to vent to her about the more trivial things. “If you really want to know you can join me for my lunch break and hear all about it. Just dont say that I didnt warn you...” Kurt offered as he finished cleaning up after her hair cut.

True to Rachels habits, as soon as the pair were seated in the hair salons break room, she was back to asking questions. “So what else aside from the cover band thing at Flare has got you looking so bummed?” Rachel urged.

Kurt let out a tired sigh, “Where to begin... well, seeing as were both here right now... Ill start with whats been going on at the salon. Two days ago, when I was trying my best to save some snobby trophy wifes hair from a bad dye job... the bitch started shouting that Id ruined her hair for life! Then, when I tried to explain to her that she couldnt be more wrong... which wasnt easy to do whilst remaining polite, she called me a faggot! Right to my face!” Kurt exclaimed.

Just the memory of that day was making Kurt angrier by the minute and his voice was getting louder as well.

“No way!” Rachel gasped in surprise. “I sure hope she was immediately banned.”

Kurt nodded. Whenever anyone uttered that offensive word at the salon, it meant an instant ejection. “Oh yes, but she didnt have to pay me for the job... so I dont count it as a win,” Kurt explained. He knew he had gone too far with his back talk but he just hated that word so much. He could never seem to escape it either, not with how he lived his life in an age where daring to be different was dangerous.

“Anything else?” Rachel asked.

“Peter never called me back. He was the first interesting guy Ive met in months!” Kurt answered.

“Well, thats his loss then,” Rachel scoffed in dismissal.

Even after Kurt continued to tell Rachel every annoying detail he could think of, he didnt feel much better. So much for venting out his frustrations then. Whoever this new crop of talent at the club were, they had their work cut out for them.
_____________________________________________________________________________

As Blaine studied his features in the mirror in the tiny dressing room at Dare to Flare, he hardly recognized himself. For one thing Blaine had never been a fan of moustaches, on himself or any guy he wanted to kiss. Now seeing himself with one plastered above his lip, his opinion was only further confirmed. Then there was the matter of his outfit, or costume rather because a look as wild as this could only work up on stage. To Blaines amazement, his pants were zebra print and his white tank top had a hot pink design on the front. Though he had to hand it to whoever was in charge of wardrobe, his outfit was an exact copy from the bands Out of Time music video. “I dunno about this...” Blaine grumbled to no one in particular.

The young man standing at his left, dressed in Halls iconic leopard print suit, rolled his eyes as he adjusted his own hair, which was an obvious wig. “You look awesome dude, just like John Oates himself,” he assured.

Since that was the band he and his new musical partner were trying to impersonate, Blaine supposed that was a good thing. Still, this wasnt exactly what hed pictured when hed applied for the position at the club. It could be worse; at least he wasnt doing a strip routine or anything. “Thanks, youre a pretty righteous Daryl Hall, uh, what did you say your name was again?”

“Its Sam, youre Blaine right?”

“Yeah, so uh... is this what you expected youd be doing to pay the bills?” Blaine asked with an awkward chuckle.

Sam in turn let out a long mocking laugh, “Oh heck no, in fact, just between you and me...” he began, beckoning Blaine to get up nice and close. But before Blaine could admire his luscious lips for long he continued, once he made sure no one was within earshot. “Im not actually gay, I'm straight but I have no problem being around gay guys for the record. I just need the money really bad, my family's living in a cheap motel right now. I dunno if I gotta be gay to work here so keep this to yourself okay,” he whispered.

Blaine was very surprised by the news but he quickly nodded. “Of course, youre secret's safe with me... I know all about keeping those. But... what if you get hit on, or propositioned?” he asked.

Sams response was to shrug as he finished putting the touches on his wig and tried his best Daryl Hall impression. “It comes with being a hot guy with a killer bod, so Ill just have to wing it,” he dismissed. He wasnt as nearly as convincing as Blaine but as long as he had a good voice then there wouldnt be a problem.

“Whatever, its a good thing Im already well versed with Hall & Oates songs to begin with. Please tell me you are too?” Blaine questioned.

Sam nodded with excitement. Blaine had never met someone who was straight and so keen on performing in front an entire room of gay guys. Sure this was East Village Manhattan and not someplace far less open-minded, but Blaine was still pleasantly surprised.

“No duh! Of course I know their songs, they rock! But I sure hope well get do some other bands too,” Sam said.

“The boss said we can make suggestions. I totally wanna sing some Wham! songs!” Blaine exclaimed.

“Or how about Duran Duran?” Sam added.

Blaine was getting hyped up from the fact that so far every band Sam had mentioned was one he equally loved and couldnt wait to sing on stage. Maybe this cover band thing wouldnt be so bad after all. Not that hed thought it would be horrible in the first place and with Sam as his partner, the job was looking brighter already. In fact as they walked together towards the rehearsal area and started their mic test he decided to try to strike up another conversation. “Are you from New York?” he asked.

“Yeah, lived here all my life, not in the best neighbourhood but you take what you can get. Really all things considered I cant complain, and its thanks to music that I kept off the streets and away from drugs. I was in band in high school, played guitar in restaurants for pocket change, not a life of high finery but yeah, thats basically my story. How about you?” Sam answered.

This was what happened when Blaine spoke before thinking, because he never liked talking about his home town, as it held too many bitter memories. But he needed to say something or bringing the subject up would seem really stupid. “Oh... I wasnt born there but I recently moved from Nevada. I needed a new start after breaking up with my boyfriend,” Blaine explained.

“Yeah... exes can do that to you, my girlfriend just dumped me,” Sam said.

“And youve decided to give guys a try now?” Blaine teased, hoping he wasnt overstepping.

Sams laughter quickly put his new friend at ease and he cuffed Blaine on the shoulder. “I think you and I are gonna be best buds pretty quick. I tell yah what, if any dudes hit on me Ill send em your way,” he offered.

Blaine rolled his eyes playfully and took hold of the mic.“Gee thanks but for now lets try not to make fools of ourselves up on stage. We still need to impress the co-manager and the word around the staff is he's quite the hardball,” he warned.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Blaring music, sweaty bodies packed close together, hook-ups, men giving come-ons, plus enough liquor to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool, these were the things Kurt saw on a typical night's work at Dare to Flare. Back when Kurt was a wide-eyed and reckless seventeen-year-old seeing the world he longed to join but new knew nothing about, such sights had struck terror in his naive heart. But those days were long gone and now, a little over ten years later, Kurt was nearly pushing thirty and he wasnt really sure what the payoff was. Okay, yes, he was lucky enough to own a nice apartment in Chelsea, but that was from his inheritance and not from his yearly earnings. Nor was there anyone special in his life to share his cozy little flat with anyway. When it came to his image at the Flare, Kurt liked to act professionally and use a little sass when needed. Around the club he was merely known as Hard-Ball-Hummel, a name hed taken and made his own. It sort of fit anyway; not only was he ballsy but he was also very hard to land sexually. It was sort of a test of wills and perseverance that many club goers were keen to try their luck with, for the desired bragging rights and the amazing sex of course. But few who tried succeeded and those who did often enjoyed the rewards too much to gossip. Kurt knew how to work every eager guy who came his way and more often than not, it was to shut them down ruthlessly.

But Kurt was no longer in high school, he was an adult and this was his community. Hed never allow himself to use tactics such as as cruelty or harassment. He was more than willing to let his snark out if need be but he always drew the line when and where it was needed. For all Kurt could tell, his popularity had gone unchallenged over the past decade, but he was sure people still had plenty of unkind things to say when he wasnt around to hear them. When it came to the staff, Kurt looked after his own and never allowed them to be harassed or manhandled, unless they wanted to it happen and it was done on their own time.

At the moment it was his duty to assess the two new workers who would form Stephans crazy cover band idea. As he scanned the crowded dance floor of another full house (like most were) Kurt kept his posture cool and collected. He made his way up to the bar and the bartender instantly placed a vodka tonic in front in front of Kurt before he could order. Kurt flashed him a smile and took a sip. He kept to a strict two drink rule when he was on the clock.

The DJ was rocking and the dance floor was full of eager young men who wanted to let loose and have a good time where no one would judge them for their preferred company. Where else could one go and make out with a guy in plain sight without it being a fire starter? Kurt hadnt even been locking lips with anyone when his band of trouble makers started tailing him, shouting derogatory insults. All it took was dressing fabulously enough to flag himself as a homosexual to become an open target.

Kurt was too lost in thought to notice the flirtatious stares and men batting their eyelashes at him, all hoping to catch his eye. Whenever the co-manager came onto the scene he always pulled focus and became the centre of attention. Even in this case, when he was oblivious to the attention because of his bad mood, it was a good thing.

“So Hummel, word is youre not that happy about the new hires,” the bartender, Sebastian said.

The question brought Kurt back down to earth and he shrugged indifferently. “Its still too early to tell if Stephans foolish idea to hire cover band boys will work,” Kurt scoffed.

“I caught some of their rehearsal in the back earlier and in my opinion theyre doing great so far. The crowd around the stage seems eager to hear them too, ” Sebastian replied.

“Thats because theyre something new... and the novelty could easily wear off in a day or two. But if they bring in more customers in the long run, Ill gladly eat crow,” Kurt assured.

“Care to make that an official statement?” Sebastian taunted.

Kurt placed the now empty glass back on the table and gave him a stern look, which dissolved as the pair cracked into light laughter. “Just do your job and make the cocktails hon, Ill worry about the new boys and if theyre any good.”
______________________________________________________________________________

Back behind the stage Blaine was trying his best to battle his anxiety and Sams seemingly relaxed state wasnt helping. “How can you be so calm?”

“Cause I know how to sing and look good, what else do you need? Come on bro, lets rock this gay bar something fierce!” Sam cheered as he ran off when the music started.

Blaine shook his head, trailing after his musical partner and stepped out to see bright lights and a cheering audience. The place was packed and full of guy after guy, more than Blaine could count, even if he could only see half of them through the near blinding stage lights.

“Now for your entertainment, boys and boys: the sounds of Hall & Oates!” the announcer shouted and quickly left the stage.

From his viewpoint up in the rafters and away from anyone who could divert his attention, Kurt watched the stage below with sharp eyes. Hall & Oates was an interesting choice to go with but then they did have some good hits, a number of which Kurt adored. The first song of the night by the club's new cover band turned out to be none other but Kurts all time favourite, Maneater. He had a sinking feeling the song choice was Stephans attempt to butter Kurt up but he wasnt about to take the bait. “Okay... show me what you got boys and it better be your very best,” he urged, even when they couldnt hear him.

He wasnt so convinced on the guy who was clearly meant to be Daryl Hall, but his voice wasnt half bad. Unlike in the original song the vocals were split down the middle between the two men on stage and when the Oates of the duo started to sing, Kurt switched his attention to him. Even from this distance Kurt instantly noted the real curly locks that nearly matched Johns iconic do but the moustache was so obviously fake it looked ridiculous. Still, both guys were quite easy on the eyes and that was very clear from the cheering group of men forming around the stage. By the end of the first song Kurt was warming up a little but wasnt quite convinced yet. It would take more than good looks and parlour trick dance moves to win him over.

During the performance Blaine tried his best to remain in the zone and in character to pull off the illusion properly. By his judgement he and Sam were doing pretty well and the crowd sure seemed to like their efforts. When their second number was done he used the quick break to search for any signs of the elusive co-manager he had been told about. Since he had no idea what to expect or even what to look for, his search came up empty handed. “Any idea where the co-manager is?” Blaine whispered to Sam.

“Hes up in the rafters, look,” Sam answered back, trying to be discreet when he nodded upwards to where he was perched.

But there was no time to try to sneak a peek when the third song launched off and Blaine had to focus on bringing it on stage. Eventually when Sam took over on the vocals he quickly looked upwards and caught sight of the co-manager. To Blaine he looked like the phantom of Dare to Flare. He always found the idea of a mysterious musical genius who kept to the shadows in an opera house rather romantic (despite him being disfigured and insane). It was a shame that he was too far away to get a good look but it wasnt like Blaine had the time to anyway. The only thing he gathered from his stolen glances in between singing and dancing was the guy sure dared to flare all right and had very high hair which looked exactly like Daryl Halls from their Maneater music video.

At first Kurt thought he was warming up to the performance but his inner demons refused to let up. So halfway through the number Kurt headed back down to the main area. Hed save deciding if the new guys were good enough to get his approval for another day, when he would hopefully be in a more agreeable mood. In fact, before Kurt started his usual rounds, he decided to make a momentary escape to his office so he could calm his frazzled nerves. Only, as usual, Kurts presence had already been noticed and he wasnt about to make a scene by bolting. Lord, I really need a cigarette, Kurt thought to himself. Too bad hed promised never to smoke again and he wasnt about to break that vow for such a trivial reason.

“There you are Hummel, pretty gnarly entertainment tonight huh?” a regular named Eli said.

Kurt relaxed slightly at the sight of him, since he was quite familiar with Eli but not in a sexual way. Though the group of men he had in tow meant he wasnt about to fully drop his guard. “What are you Eli, a surfer now? This isnt some LA beach,” Kurt groaned.

The catty remark was nothing new and Eli laughed at Kurts dry wit, his friends joining in. “Dont nitpick, its not attractive. Not that you need any more good looks. Back to the talent, whats your verdict? You gotta admit theyre pretty smoking... Halls got a rockin' bod and Oates looks as good as he sings,” Eli remarked.

Kurt rolled his eyes in response this time. “Please, we have more than enough gorgeous men to go around as it is. Im still not sold on Stephans cover band idea. We already have a DJ so I dont see why putting copy cats up on stage is necessary.”

“Their vocals sound pretty sweet to me,” Eli countered.

“Sure they can sing decently enough... but I dont think the crowds reaction is entirely due to their vocal talents,” Kurt said.

“Wow Hummel, who got you all pissed off and raging?” Eli questioned.

Kurts first instinct was to avoid the question all together and move on, but he had so few genuine friends as it was. At least male ones who he hadnt slept with or shut down, so he couldnt really afford lose any. “Dont ask...” Kurt said with a tired moan.

Eli placed his arm around Kurts shoulder and turned him towards the stage, where the two up there were taking their bows after a job well done. “Come on... Oates looks just like your type Hummel, you should go hit that.”

“I dont fuck the staff, Eli, you know that... its hardly ethical work practice,” Kurt reminded him.

“Which isnt always the case, even for you. So I say, as long as you have the guy's consent... go for it, if the inspiration strikes you,” Eli urged.

Kurt planted his hand over Elis face, pushing him off and he shoved him back towards his friends. “Go dance off your energy or something, leave me be... I have work to do and I dont mean the staff!” he barked and stormed off into the crowd.

“And yet hes still so popular here,” one of Elis friends commented after Kurt made his dramatic exit.

“Well with an ass like that you can put up with a lot of snark I guess,” a second guy added.

Eli didnt join in on the discussion, because none of them really knew who the real Hummel was, heck barely anyone at the club knew his first name. Those who did (like Eli), knew to keep that secret to themselves because it was quite the honour and one not to be taken lightly. Those who were in his favour wanted to keep things that way and not for the reasons most people would think. Because Kurts sexual talents were as good as people said but gaining his loyalty was the best reward by far.

As soon as Blaines work obligations were done, he very much wanted to hear what the boss thought. Only since Stephan was off for the night Blaine had expected his second in command, someone named Hummel, to show. After waiting a while Blaine decided to take matters into his own hands and go looking for him in the club. He really wanted to know if he had a steady job or not. There were too many bills to pay and not enough money in his bank account and his credit card was already maxed out from buying food.

“Hey Sam, any idea where the co-manager went?” Blaine asked, catching his new friend before he was planning to leave.

“Naw, sorry man, I know hes out there somewhere but I wouldnt worry about it. I think we did really well, you heard the cheering right? I wish I could stay and see what its like out there but I gotta go watch my little brother and sister for the night. But its not like you need me anyway so dont let my absence hold you back. You should go out there and strut your stuff and get back in the game. I hear sex is super easy to come by here, lucky for you... go nail someone... or whatever you're into,” Sam urged.

The encouragement to go look for sex instead of hearing how the job had gone felt a little weird but not creepy, so Blaine just shook his head. “Uh, no thanks... Im good, for tonight anyway, maybe later. Ill see you tomorrow night I guess.”

“Until then, Oates, keep it real!” Sam shouted and darted out the back door and out into the cold night air.

While Blaine had been to a few gay bars over the last few years, none were on the scale of the one he was in right now. Even by New York standards the building had to be pretty impressive for its immense size. Or did it just seem bigger when everything was in full swing? The music sure was rocking and it seemed like playing Madonna was en vogue and Blaine found himself cruising the crowds to the sounds of Crazy For You. Instantly Blaine got the feeling he wasnt in Nevada anymore and he was getting quite a lot of attention and already a few invites to be showed a good time. Blaine took the compliments, made polite replies and friendly comments for anyone who gave him acknowledgement and carefully declined the blatant sexual advances. He was a man on a mission and in his search Blaine found his way to the bar, which was a good place to start. As soon as Blaine arrived, an attractive looking bartender made his way over and flashed him an award winning smile.

“Hey there, gorgeous, you put on quite the show tonight,” he said in greeting.

“Thanks... thats nice to hear, Id like to keep my job...” Blaine stuttered in reply.

Right when Blaine was about to order a drink a second bartender came over and placed a delicious looking cocktail in front of him. “Compliments from an admirer over yonder. Good job, newbie,” he explained and pointed to the fellow, situated two guys down from the right.

Blaine looked over to the man who lifted his drink while winking over his way and he merely smiled back in acknowledgement. The guy was pretty hot but Blaine didnt move from his spot because he hadnt planned on hooking up with anyone on the first day. “That was quick...” Blaine muttered to the remaining bartender.

“Not really, new blood is a big commodity here and as I said, you made quite the entrance,” he explained.

“Right, okay... say... any idea where the co-manager is? Id like a word with him before I let loose tonight,” Blaine asked.

“Hummels around, as hes running the place tonight... so you should bump into him at one point.”

“Great, so uh... what does he look like?”

“Oh trust me, when you see him, youll know. He leaves quite the impression... so hes very hard to miss. Have a good look around and youre bound to find him, if he doesnt find you first,” he assured.

“Thanks...” Blaine replied, pausing for a name to be given, forgetting to say his own.

“Sebastian. Now Ive got paying customers to attend to so be on your merry way,” Sebastian shooed and abandoned him without any warning.

Luck was not on Blaines side and while hed met a number of impressive guys (plenty of which whom made his heart race and lower areas stir) no one with the name Hummel had appeared so far. Blaine decided it was time for a break and when a guy invited him to the dance floor he instantly accepted.

Word around the club travelled fast and it didnt take long for any news to make its way to Kurt. He had informants everywhere and plenty of people who wanted to get in his good graces to keep him forever on the down low. This time his source of news came in the form of a hyper but sweet young man named Chandler.

“So the word is theres some guy looking for you, whos new,” Chandler whispered into Kurts ear.

“When isnt there?” Kurt scoffed. There rarely was a night where some new hotshot didnt try his luck with Kurt and the only heat they usually got came from the sting of rejection. “Who is it this time?” he prompted.

Chandler was ready to give Kurt the details and he pressed up close to where he was leaning against the back of the wall. “Would you believe its the John Oates doppelganger who was up on stage earlier? Hes making quite the splash in the club and yet hes been asking around for you all night,” he explained.

Great, just what he didnt need, someone hed have to deal with on a regular basis. If Mr. Oates wasnt careful he would find out pretty quick how that would get him nowhere. If thats what was even going on. Kurt knew firsthand how half the gossip flying around the club was warped and overblown as it went from person to person.“Thanks, guess Ill look for this guy and find out for myself whats up,” he said and pushed himself off from the wall to do just that.

Meanwhile Blaine was on his third drink and was becoming less worried about finding Hummel and if his performance had been well received. Judging by the attention he was getting on the dance floor, hed done rather well. Though a number of the compliments he had received were about his good looks rather than his golden voice but he let it slide. Thank goodness he had bothered to change before heading out into the club, so there were no signs of his fake Oates persona.

“New boy, Hummels on the hunt for you so look lively, he is close at hand,” a guy to Blaines left whispered into his ear.

Snapped into awareness, Blaine scanned the area for any signs of Hummel and it didnt take much effort to find him. Sebastians short description of the man in question quickly came to mind and now he saw how it fit. He had to be the most attractive guy Blaine had ever seen in his life, starting with his amazing hair and going all the way down to his long athletic legs and and finally ending at his bulky combat boots. But there was no grazing past his striking face, because Hummel was handsome concentrated. Then there were his intense blue eyes that even in the darkness of the club were so vibrant it was hard to look away. Blaine couldnt think of anyone whod managed to pull off parachute pants so flawlessly until now. So entranced was Blaine from Hummels appearance that as he made his way over to him, he wasnt paying much attention to his surroundings.

People moved fast in a club and right when Blaine was closing in on his target someone came out of nowhere and shoved past Blaine, launching right into the line of fire, causing the full drink that was in Hummels hand to fling out and spill all over his body.

Kurt screeched when the cold beverage doused him and everyone nearby backed away like he was covered in blood. Now drenched and soaking wet, Hummel did not look amused. People gaped and gasped, waiting for the eruption and judging by Kurts enraged face it wouldnt be long now.

“Oh my god, I am so sorry!” Blaine blurted out with dismay.

The apology did little to help, since it was already too late. When Kurt's icy stare fell over Blaine, what he saw made him shiver. Hummels expression was no longer strikingly handsome but downright terrifying.

“You fucking imbecile! Im soaked to the bone!” he bellowed. “You just made the list, buddy!” Kurt hissed and turned his nose up at his clumsy attacker and speed walked off in a huff.

“Oh, youre a dead-man now, honey,” a sassy voice from the crowd announced.

Blaine chased after the still dripping man like he had some sort of death wish. Blaine could barely keep up with his pace and for a second he ended up losing him. Then, finally he caught sight of Hummel again, just in time to see him disappear through a back door. Blaine ran a hand through his hair as he let out a frustrated cry. Now what? He had no idea what to expect if went through that door. Would trying to make amends save him his job or only make matters worse and ensure hed get the boot?

On the other side of the door was a Kurt whose rage was threatening to explode and whose loud swearing would have kept anyone at bay. Kurt hated getting drinks spilt on him, which dated back to him getting slushied at school, often on a daily basis. It hadnt helped that the beverage Kurt was just getting ready to drink was a daiquiri and so, full of strawberry flavoured slush. Fortunately Kurt always came prepared and in his office he kept a stash of emergency clothes. Any of the staff who were allowed to be in the back knew better than to approach Kurt right now so he was conveniently alone.

Kurt stripped off his soaked shirt first and took off his pants next, not caring if he was now standing dressed only in his boxer-briefs. He didnt bother to close his office door while he got ready to change. Suddenly Kurt heard a loud gasp and turned around to find the last man hed ever want to see gaping at him.

Blaine currently looked like a deer caught in the headlights but after seeing the most perfect ass in the world, he couldnt help it. Only once his ability to think came back his attention was quickly directed to something aside from the shape of Hummels amazing body.

At first Kurt didnt know why the intruder's eyes widened in obvious surprise, or why his expression looked so pained. Then it dawned on him. Kurt was nearly naked, which meant the intruder could see the countless dark bruises that decorated his body. Kurt instantly felt exposed and insecure. If anyone found out about those.... “What the fuck are you doing? Get out! Youve got some nerve walking in on me changing!”

Blaine stopped starting at the large bruise on Hummels left rib cage so he could defend his honour. “I didnt, how was I to know?” Blaine argued.

“Yeah right, this area is clearly staff only!” Kurt yelled back.

When the man started yelling at him, that sure snapped Blaine out of his trance. Any initial attraction (or concerned sympathy) Blaine might have felt for him was quickly rendered moot. Hummel was way too angry about something that was clearly an accident. “I am staff!” Blaine snapped. Wasnt he supposed to be watching Blaines performance on stage?

Kurts face deadpanned as soon as he realized who the guy was. “Youre the Oates singer?” he exclaimed in surprise.

“The one you were supposed to be checking with for how our show went? Yeah, Im that guy,” Blaine confirmed, his tone far from polite.

No matter if he was staff or not Kurt still didnt like the fact that Oates was sticking around while Kurt was practically naked. “Well sorry, I wasnt expecting someone who was newly hired to stumble onto me... wait, are you drunk?” he accused.

“No, Im not drunk! Ive had a few drinks but guys kept on buying them for me! What was I supposed to do?” Blaine said in defence.

Kurt rolled his eyes. “News flash, Oates, when guys buy you drinks... you dont have to take them. Or else you might be agreeing to more than you realize when you accept.”

“I wasnt on the clock or anything, and I gave up looking for you cause youre impossible to locate it seems!”

“I was trying to spare you my wrath, but seeing as youre still here when Im like fucking nude, that courtesy is long gone!” Kurt remarked, completely ignoring the battered state his body was in.

Blaine threw his hands up in the air. That was it then. Somehow hed managed to blow it and if all it took was him accidentally spilling a drink on a co-manager to get fired, maybe he didnt want the job so bad after all. Blaine fought to not pay attention to Kurt's lack of clothing, but, well, he wasn't a celibate priest. But right now Kurts abrasive personality and inability to remain professional cancelled out any points gained by his good looks. “Fine! I can take a hint, Ill grab my stuff... good luck finding someone else on such short notice!” Blaine shouted as he started to leave.

Any chance for Kurt to admit he was overreacting and being unfair was quickly tossed aside. “You seriously think I would fire you over this? Please! I would never, no, youre not canned. It was obvious that the crowd liked your show and Ill admit you have a decent voice. But you still have a lot to learn if you want to make it in the East Village. So you better march your sorry ass back here tomorrow and do your little song and dance routine to please our paying customers!”

For the first time in Blaines life, he was at a total loss for words and had no desire to be his normally charming self. “Fine by me! Ill show you Im no kid and unlike some people, Im also not a dramatic diva!” Blaine threw back.

Kurt let out an exasperated cry. He needed to end this before hed wound up doing something stupid. “Get out. Ive got a club to run and clothes to put on. I wouldn't suggest holding your breath about getting back in my good graces, though,” Kurt snapped and with that, he slammed the door to his office right in Oates face.

Sometimes when two people met it wasnt a magical moment where an instant connection was formed. All it would take was the would-be couple to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and bam, two very compatible people could come to hate each other in an instant.

“What a total jerk!” Blaine grumbled as he got as far away from Hummel as possible.