Cooper tapped his pencil on the top of the clipboard, reading through the names. He didn't know anyone, but that was perfect. He didn't want anyone he already had a feel for. The part called for someone different, someone special. Ella, his producer, muttered something about getting the show on the road and Coop shook off the reverie, standing and smiling at the young men assembled on stage. "Hello there. I'd like to welcome you all to the auditions for A Walk in the Park. We're looking for fresh, we're looking for new and, in the interest of full disclosure, I'm not adverse to super hot either." The expected laughter bubbled up and then Cooper continued, "Seriously, knock our socks off. We're here to be wowed. If you'll take your seats... first up we have," he glanced down at the clipboard, "Cameron Hummel."

Butterflies took flight in his stomach the instant Cameron heard his named being called. He'd never really gotten over having stage fright--especially when it came to auditions--but he managed to steady his nerves, plaster on his most winning smile, and walk out onto the stage with an air of confidence. He introduced himself, and then announced, "I'll be singing 'You Have To Be There' from the musical Kristina." Cam's heart flip-flopped in his chest. It wasn't due to nerves, but something else entirely. Sitting there waiting to hear him perform was quite possibly the most stunningly beautiful man he had ever laid eyes on. Having focused solely on his career and dated very little, it was unusual for Cam to be distracted by someone as easily as this. Nearly forgetting the lyrics to the song he had chosen, he swallowed and regaining his composure, he began to sing,

You have to be there, you have to
My life I have placed in thy keep
And without you I am drifting on a dark and stormy sea
You have to be there, you have to
Without you I’d drown in the deep
Too far, too far from land
The waters drag me down
I reach for your hand

Cooper found himself rapt, staring at the man on stage as if waiting for more even though he knew that the song was over. Only a sharp elbow to the ribs from Ella brought him back, and he quickly cleared his throat and sat up straighter. "Thank you." As much as he wanted to rave over the performance and tell Cameron that he looked and sounded closer to an angel than anyone he'd ever seen, this wasn't the time. It wouldn't be fair to the other actors waiting in the wings for their turn. "Please be sure that we have your contact information. We'll definitely be in touch." Even that was really saying too much, but he couldn't help it.

El lifted an eyebrow and muttered under her breath, "Might wanna wipe the drool off your chin before the next guy comes onstage."

He shot her a half-hearted glare but couldn't help returning his gaze to the stage for even the chance of watching Cameron walk off of it.

Still thrumming with excitation, Cam thought his audition had gone fairly well. Okay, maybe not quite as good as he'd wanted it to. He'd never felt more flustered in all his life. And it was all thanks to the stranger sitting before him listening to him singing his heart out. Cam had never been the type to swoon over another man at the drop of a hat. He'd been the way his entire life, even when he was comfortably 'out of the closet' before his twin brother Kurt. His career had always been his focus--not quite as over-the-top obsessive as Rachel Berry--but a single-minded purpose all the same. So it rattled him to know that he could become easily distracted by a pretty face. And not just any pretty face, Cam reminded himself. //Definitely...// The word echoed in his mind, giving him hope that he would be hearing something back very soon.

Cooper was frankly proud of himself for waiting as long as he did. He managed to kill time until almost seven that evening before picking up the phone. He glanced at the resume in his hand, but he didn't need to. He'd read it more than a few times already, and it took only a second before the numbers were in and the phone was ringing. "Cameron Hummel? This is Cooper Anderson. I hope I'm not calling at a bad time. Do you have a moment?"

Cameron recognized the voice on the other end of the line almost immediately. He hadn't been able to get it out of his mind, and his heart lurched deep inside of his chest. His mind worked furiously, trying to weigh in the reasons for the call. Had he won a part in the play? Or was there something more? Now that, he told himself, was just silly. "No, not a bad at all," he laughed nervously into the phone. "In fact, you couldn't have picked a better time." Cam warmed over how flustered he'd become, and he tried his best to calm down and allow the other man a chance to speak again.

"Really?" Cooper perked up at that, glad that he wasn't intruding on the young man's evening. Even hearing Cameron's voice over the patchy cell connection sent a thrill through him. //Perfect.// "Look, I'm not going to keep you in suspense. You're exactly what I want - uh, what we want. The part's yours if you'll have it." Honestly since he'd first heard Cameron sing, no one else had even had a chance. Cooper had listened politely to every last audition, but he had barely heard a note. "Look, if you're not busy, maybe we could meet for coffee, talk ideas... that is, of course, assuming you want it?"

Cameron's pulse quickened as he listened, his heart beating painfully against his ribs. If he were totally honest with himself, he wasn't sure which excited him more: the fact that he was being offered a part, or that Cooper wanted to meet. "Absolutely!" he enthused into the phone. Again, he felt himself warming from head to toe. "Yes," Cam said a little quieter, "yes, I'd love to... and thank you for taking the time to call and let me know." Excited as if to burst, he almost forgot to make arrangements to meet Cooper. "When and where would you like to get together?"

"Perks? It's about a block away from the theater. My home away from home. Bit of a caffeine addict." Realizing he was babbling, Cooper drew in a breath and then let it out. "Half an hour?" As soon as he received confirmation, Cooper beamed. "Perfect. I'll see you then... and Cameron? Thank you." He knew it sounded a little strange thanking someone for taking a job, but he was grateful to have found someone so perfect, so ideal for everything he'd envisioned. //Not to mention fucking gorgeous.//

He ran to the bathroom and managed to make himself a bit more presentable before hailing a cab to the coffee shop. Cooper hated being late, but he hated being early too, and being fifteen minutes early when he was already on his way to shaking out of his skin made him crazy. Resigned to a wait, Cooper stationed himself at a table facing the door and poked idly at his phone.

Thrumming with anticipation, Cameron also took the time to shower and change, all while mulling over the possibilities associated with the meeting. No producer or director had ever asked for anything like this. And it gave an enormous boost to his ego knowing he might have impressed Cooper. There was something about the older man that was strangely familiar. Cam would certainly remember ever having met him before, even fleetingly. Whatever the persisting feeling, he pushed it aside and concentrated instead on getting himself to Perks.

It was times like this when he missed his twin brother Kurt. How often Cam would have liked to have reached for the phone, to call and share the news. But he and Kurt had grown apart. And it seemed as if the gulf that separated them would never close. Finn kept him abreast of things, and it seemed as if Kurt was doing alright for himself. Thinking of his brother created a storm of melancholy in Cam, which lifted the instant he spotted Cooper waiting for him through the window. He nearly rushed inside, but somehow managed to compose himself even if he was a little out of breath as he approached the table. "Hi, I'm sorry I'm a little late," he opened, taking a seat as he unraveled the scarf from around his neck. "Thanks again for giving me this opportunity."

"No one else was right for it, and that's the truth. You fit," Cooper answered with a warm smile. He nodded toward the board of choices boasting everything from smoothies to plain coffee to fancy foreign tea. "What's your poison? On me, of course." Once he was in line, Cooper found himself trying not to look back as often as he really wanted to. With his cheeks pink from the chill wind outside and a smile on his lips, Cameron was almost painfully lovely - which really didn't do a lot toward his goal of keeping things proper and professional.

He returned to the table with Cameron's choice and a frothy, whipped cream-topped concoction for himself. "I save these for special occasions because, let's face it, this is enough calories for a week." After a moment of comfortable silence, Cooper ventured, "Look, I feel like I should be up front about something if... do you mind if I'm blunt? I tend to be, and I've been told it's off putting."

Tossing surreptitious glances over his shoulder at Cooper, Cameron felt that nagging sensation of knowing the other man from somewhere again. There was no sense of recognition on Cooper's part, and that only served to confound him that much more. Cam didn't want to come right out and ask, so he settled for concentrating on his starring role instead. When Cooper returned to the table, he smiled and thanked him for the drink. Then, the other man took him by surprise for the second time that day. "No, I don't mind at all," he replied, taking off his gloves and reaching for the flavored coffee. "In fact, I appreciate bluntness very much."

"Thank god for that," Cooper answered before taking another steadying breath as he curled his fingers around his own cup. "Look, you are... I'm guessing you know this, but in case it's escaped your attention, you happen to be gorgeous. Seriously. Painfully attractive. Normally that would be a positive, but I try to keep myself from being a total douchebag by never hitting on people I work with. See, that's where this becomes an issue. Because the second we're not working together, I really, really want to ask you out for a drink, and I really, really want you to say yes. But," he added, lifting one finger in the air to stay any commentary for a further moment, "first I need you to know that you're not getting this part because you're painfully gorgeous or because I really, really want you to say yes when the time comes. You've got the part because it's yours. It was yours when I wrote it, I just didn't happen to know you then."

Cameron was grateful he managed to retain a firm hold on his coffee cup, otherwise he might have spilled it all over himself. Being told you were gorgeous was one thing, but being told by a man who happened to be the most beautiful creature he'd laid eyes on was another entirely. "Thank you," he whispered, barely able to hear his own voice. His gazed shied away, and Cam felt heat blazing off his face. His pulse hammered; it wouldn't have surprised him in the least if the entire shop could hear his heart beating. "It's my turn to be honest with you." His voice quavered, but it was a little louder this time. "Although I've been out and proud ever since high school, I haven't really dated all that much. It's not that I haven't wanted to, it's because I've been so focused on pursuing a career on Broadway." Cam gave a little shrug of his shoulders, while a bashful smile lit up his face. "Maybe it's time I started thinking more about it. I mean, it's not every day you meet the world's sexiest man alive."

"Flattery will get you everywhere... but you don't need flattery to get that," Cooper answered with a bright smile. "And you should definitely think about it. Not that I want someone sweeping you off your feet before I get a shot, but... you should definitely be out having fun. Be on the market. Enjoy it. Besides, you might want to go after a hot piece of ass your own age." He knew there were probably close to ten years separating them, and that wasn't something that appealed to everyone regardless of any other chemistry. "Now that the the pleasure portion of the evening has been covered and you haven't run screaming or accused me of sexual harassment... I'd really love to know what you think of the play."

"Oh, I think it's absolutely brilliant," Cameron gushed, somewhat relieved to have a change of topic. Although it was indeed a rarity to have someone as drop-dead-gorgeous as Cooper complimenting him, it was more in his comfort zone to talk about the stage. "I was really impressed when I read it, and I'm not just saying that. I'm truly honored to be a part of it." Cooper persisted in making him blush like a Cheerio being asked out by the star quarterback. "You know it's funny," he started, leaning in closer. "But I swear it feels like I know you from somewhere." Cam felt a little foolish for bringing it up. "We haven't met, otherwise I would have remembered. So, any ideas?"

"There are a few... I did a little modeling, but that was mostly local in LA after I headed out there. There was a painful and unfortunately popular credit rating ad that's the most likely culprit, some plays here and there once I realized that screen was not my forte and perhaps least embarrassing, a lot of work at rallies and congressional hearings for equality and awareness. Anything ringing a bell?" Cooper searched the younger man's face, trying to ignore the fact that it was just enough closer than before that he could begin to imagine closing in the last of the distance between them so that he could find out if those lips tasted as good as they looked. //Restraint. Patience. You're working together. So not yet.//

Cameron could feel Cooper's smoldering gaze burning right through him. Being noticed by a man as unbelievably gorgeous as Copper had knocked him for a loop. It was a new experience for Cam, mainly because he'd been so focused on his career that he hadn't given himself the opportunity to become close to someone. Now that he was the focus of Cooper's attention, he didn't know how to react. Thankfully, there was the much-needed distraction of placing where he had seen the other man before. "Were you... in a production of Sunset Boulevard?" It suddenly dawned on him! How could he have forgotten? "Oh my God, you were amazing!"

"Oh my god!" Cooper responded, floored at anyone recognizing him from the piece, let alone remembering it. "That was... that was before I left for LA." It felt like another lifetime, a separate reality that got fuzzier and farther away all the time. The look of pleased shock on Cameron's face mirrored his own. "Oh, god, I wasn't, though, I was awful! It was my first part out of school and... oh, god..." He buried his face in his hands for a moment and then resurfaced, chuckling and shaking his head. "Thank you. You're crazy, but thank you. I... not even my family saw that." Not that they'd seen much of what he'd done, with the exception of Everett, who tried to turn up whenever his own touring schedule allowed.

If Cameron thought Cooper was handsome before, then the man beaming before him was absolutely stunning now. Cooper's gorgeous eyes were fairly radiating awe, and the smile threatening to split his face in two was enough to melt anyone in their tracks. His modesty over the performance only served to make him that much more attractive. "You don't have to be embarrassed," Cam reassured him. He actually had to hold himself back and fight the temptation to reach out and touch Cooper's hand. "Really, you were wonderful. I don't know how I could have forgotten, but it all came flooding back." Although he had encountered a few famous names while pursuing his career, no one had made him feel as starstruck as Cooper made him right now. "You were absolutely magical on the stage. I couldn't take my eyes off you for a minute."

"I could say the same thing," Cooper answered earnestly. "The second you started singing today... I know I was supposed to keep an open mind, but the second you got up there, the auditions were over. The only thing I don't get is how you aren't already headlining somewhere." It seemed too good to be true that somehow he'd managed to snatch Cameron up before any other writer, director or producer noticed him. Leaning in despite the fact that they were already a little closer to one another than might be considered strictly professional, Cooper asked, "Where have you been hiding yourself?"

If Cooper insisted on complimenting him, then Cameron feared his ego would eventually run out of control. His body radiated heat like a beacon, and he had little doubt the entire coffee shop could see him blushing. "In a nowhere little town called Lima, in Ohio," he replied, his heart performing acrobatic feats inside of his chest. "I got out the day after I graduated high school." Suddenly he found himself recounting his life story, with an easy listener in Cooper. "I'd already set myself up with a job here in New York, and I've been auditioning ever since." Cam's smile lit up his face as he added, "It seems all that hard work's finally paid off."

"Sounds like we were neighbors," Cooper answered. "Westerville," he explained, jerking a thumb back toward himself and shrugging. "No wonder you caught me in Sunset Boulevard... I think that was the closest theater around without going all the way to Columbus or Cincinnati. I'd say it's too bad we never met, but there would have been serious jailbait issues. I think it worked out just right." Realizing he was descending into open flirting and losing sight of the prize again, Cooper forced himself to sit up and focus in on his drink a little. "This is going to sound entirely self-centered, and... okay, it is, but... this play's my baby. It's my story - or at least a version of it. I know I'm not the only person who's been through this, who's made a mess out of coming out and dealing with their families and the whole mess. I'll just be happy if anybody's willing to show up. With you headlining, I think they will."

Again, Cameron thought he could physically feel his head expanding to two times its normal size. Cooper worked wonders for stroking his ego, and it was only right that he returned the favor. "Thank you, you're very sweet," Cam replied, smiling softly. "Once people hear about how beautifully written your play is, I think they'll be flocking in to see it." He took another sip of coffee, his hand trembling slightly. "Gay, straight or whatever, it's going to touch a lot of people's lives. You've done a wonderful job, and I only hope I can do it justice." As heartfelt as his words were, it frankly amazed Cam that he'd managed not to babble like a complete fool. The excitement of the starring role, plus being flirted with by the most gorgeous man he'd ever laid eyes on, had all but fried every last brain cell in his head.

"You will. I know you will." Cooper smiled warmly along with the words and gave a slight shake of his head. "I'm sorry, I'm keeping you. I'm sure you've got things going on, places to be, people to - and I'm going to stop right there." He laughed aloud and gracefully tossed his empty coffee cup into the nearest waste basket. "Rehearsals start Tuesday. If you have any questions. Any questions, seriously, nothing too little, call me." Without asking, Cooper snagged Cameron's phone from the front pocket of his shirt and quickly input his number before passing it back. "For this to work, you need to feel comfortable. You need to feel like you're part of this. Just let me know what I can do to make that happen."

Several ideas on how to exactly accomplish that presented themselves in Cameron's mind. Only none of them would actually help to prepare him for the play. They would, however, give him a more intimate knowledge of Cooper. He flushed at the notion, especially as lusting over someone and not focusing on his career was a new experience for Cameron Hummel. "Thank you, I will," he replied, his fingers brushing Cooper's as he retrieved his phone. It sent a shocking thrill rushing up his arm, and he audibly gasped. "I think I'll have everyone's parts memorized by tomorrow." He laughed nervously, pocketing his cell. "So, I'll see you Tuesday, then?"

"If not before," Cooper agreed. He knew it was his own rule to keep some sort of distance, but he couldn't help thinking how nice it would be to spend a little more time with the young man anyway. The soft sound of the gasp hadn't been lost on Cooper, and he found his mind racing to entirely work inappropriate thoughts about just how little experience Cameron actually had and how hot it would be to be the first one who ever got to know what sort of sounds he'd make in a dark room. Before he could lose his cool entirely, Cooper shut that train of thought down. "There's a lot of me in this, and I want you to get it, so... ask anything you need. My number and my email are both in there. Don't be shy." //Although it's kind of hot when you are.// He offered another warm smile before reluctantly heading back out into the chill of the evening with decidedly more bounce in his step.