Not Like the Movies
Knightlycat
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Not Like the Movies 'verse

Not Like the Movies: Chapter 3


E - Words: 3,272 - Last Updated: Dec 31, 2021
Story: Complete - Chapters: 24/24 - Created: Sep 18, 2012 - Updated: Dec 31, 2021
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Reminder! Make sure to put your tumblr riot gear on Thursday night. Kurt's going to be on 'The Tonight Show'.

Does anyone know if there will be a live stream for this?

Asfhfdhsfhsd I can't wait! [My_body_is_ready.gif ]

#He is perfection #if you think otherwise you are wrong

*Sigh* yes perfect man is perfect

I LoVE it when that man is on my screen. Instant LADY BONER #and my boyfriend loves being the beneficiary #I mean #what

=^..^=

The next few days were uneventful as Blaine and Kurt tried to find a rhythm for their uneasy co-habitation. Kurt had a week off from filming a supporting role in a new movie, so he used the time to read scripts, sign photos of himself to be sent as replies to fan mail, catch up on fashion magazines, and watch TV locked away in his room. Blaine could appreciate how hard the situation must be for Kurt, for he could already tell that he was someone who liked — who needed — his personal space, but he couldn't help but be a little frustrated at their lack of interaction. Things would only get more comfortable between them if they were able to move onto being more than polite strangers and that was difficult to do with Kurt finding a million and one things to do other than talk to Blaine. There was hope, though; Every once and a while Blaine would catch Kurt watching at him, looking as if he wanted to say something, but he always glanced away quickly and pretended to be busy with something else.

There was an advantage to Kurt finding projects to occupy himself with. It was during those times, when Kurt would sit quietly in a chair for hours, reading or wearing out a Sharpie signing autographs, that Blaine was able to take his time and really observe him. It was interesting to see how the real man differed from Blaine's preconceptions of him. On screen, Kurt was ethereal and almost delicate, the light illuminating his pale skin to the point where he almost seemed to glow. His performance in 'Defiance' had been surprisingly vulnerable and raw, with every thought, every emotion, playing out on his face. Given the performances and interviews he had seen, Blaine had expected Kurt to be energetic, warm, and open with an engaging sense of humor and he was definitely all those things at times, but he more often tended to be low key and aloof, observing those around him with a wary eye. The sense of humor was definitely there, but it had a harder edge to it, a cynicism and judgmental core, that Blaine hadn't expected.

In person Kurt was even more beautiful, each turn of his head exposing a new angle, a new flash of color in his eyes that fascinated. He was thinner and taller than he appeared onscreen and his chestnut brown hair was teased just a touch higher (if that was even possible). Perhaps the most unexpected thing about Kurt as a real person was how drawn to him Blaine was. He'd met famous people before and had never been really impressed, so he hadn't come into this job expecting to feel anything except dedication to a client, and perhaps, if he was lucky, friendship.

When he wasn't occupied with trying to analyze the mystery that was Kurt Hummel, Blaine read through the files on the stalking case that had been put together by the security agency Bev had hired earlier. He read the letters and looked through the photos, trying to get a handle on the mentality and motivation behind them. He familiarized himself with Kurt's upcoming schedule and messaged back-and-forth with a few other bodyguards that he knew had worked closely with actors who were having security issues in order to get any insights they might have. Finally he spoke with Steve, Kurt's 'official' bodyguard, to make sure they were on the same page and to talk about their strategy for the times when they would both be present at an event.

The short lull in activity ended on Thursday when Kurt began preparing for his appearance on 'The Tonight Show' that evening. Kurt didn't work with a stylist, so he spent the morning selecting the perfect outfit to wear. Blaine was reading in the living room when Kurt sailed in wearing the first of several options he had narrowed himself down to.

"What do you think of this one? I'm looking to strike the right balance between trendsetter and classically handsome. Although why I'm asking the opinion of someone wearing synthetic fabric, I'll never know. I might as well go ask the homeless guy that lives across from the McDonalds."

"Well, if you don't want my opinion…" Blaine trailed off, looking back down at his paperwork and pretending to lose interest in Kurt.

"No, no! I'm sorry. I'm just usually not so indecisive about fashion. My ability to put together an amazing ensemble in two minutes flat is one of my many talents, so this is kind of throwing me. It's my first late night talk show and I guess I'm kind of nervous and when I get nervous I tend to compensate by upping the bitch factor. I really want your opinion. Please?" Kurt bit his lower lip slightly and gave Blaine big, sad puppy dog eyes.

Blaine looked closer at the black shirt Kurt was wearing. "I saw an interview last week with the cute guy from that new med school show and he was wearing the same shirt."

Kurt gave a squeak of horror. "No no no no no. They'll feature me on 'Bitch Stole My Look' and that is sooo not the way I want to get on 'Fashion Police' for the first time."

Blaine had a hard time containing his laughter at the look on Kurt's face as he imagined the people on Eonline voting on if he or the other celebrity had worn the shirt better. He was still chuckling to himself when Kurt returned from his room in a new outfit and struck a 'ta-da' pose. Suddenly, things weren't so funny anymore. Blaine was glad for the poker face he had perfected as a bodyguard because, damn, Kurt looked good. His blue jacket with straps and metallic accents was edgy, but not over the top and the textured black pants were so tight that Blaine nearly choked on his tongue. "That…" he cleared his throat to clear the frog that had taken up residence, "that looks great. You should always wear blue. It makes your eyes look really…um…blue." Blaine mentally face palmed at his inability to speak articulately (so unprofessional Blaine, get it together), but thankfully Kurt didn't seem to notice.

With his outfit decided on, Kurt returned to his room to wrap it up in a suit bag and put together the rest of his supplies.

Lynn, Kurt's publicist, arrived in a limo around one o'clock to take them to Burbank for the taping. Kurt gathered up his messenger and suit bags and headed to the door, turning back to snap his fingers at Blaine to speed him up. Blaine felt his hackles rise slightly at the gesture and mentally started a 'topics to discuss with Kurt' list in his head.

The ride to the studio went quickly, with Kurt and Lynn going over the list of stories and anecdotes Kurt had put together for things to talk about on the show. Lynn helped him pare the list down to a few options to present to Jay and also confirmed that a video they had prepared had already been sent to the show's production department. Blaine just sat back and listened, fascinated by his first real exposure into the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry.

After they arrived at the television studio they were met by a production assistant who showed them to Kurt's dressing room. Christine, the hair and make-up artist Kurt had been using since he arrived in Hollywood was already waiting for them there. She did his make-up ("Honestly Kurt, if you get any paler you're going to blow out the white balance on the cameras.") and had just finished sweeping his hair up even higher than usual when the host, Jay Leno, stopped by to greet them. He and Kurt discussed a quick skit they were going to shoot that would be used on a later show and then headed out to the parking lot to film it.

Because the show taped in front of a live audience, who were already waiting in line, Blaine kept a watchful eye out as they filmed. Public events, where an announcement was made ahead of time indicating where Kurt would be, were the ones that concerned him the most from a security standpoint. Blaine made a point of keeping his eyes off of Kurt, instead sweeping them over the surrounding buildings and the people who had gathered to watch the proceedings. Now was not the time to become distracted by the man who had proved to be more interesting that Blaine had ever imagined.

With about an hour left before the taping of the show itself was to begin, Blaine joined Kurt and Lynn in the green room backstage, where they met the other celebrity guest and the musical performer. Just as he had done at the party the week before, Kurt stayed mostly to himself after politely greeting everyone. He took a seat on the chair furthest from the conversation and pulled out his phone. A few moments later, Blaine felt his own phone vibrate and he pulled it out to see a Twitter update from Kurt.

First time on The Tonight Show! I hope I don't pass out. Wish me luck #talkshowvirgin

Finally, show time arrived and Kurt was given his five minute warning. Blaine followed him from the green room out towards the stage, where they were stopped in a holding area. From his location, Blaine could see up into the studio audience and he scanned the faces carefully, trying to catalog as many as he could so that he could start to pick out people who showed up to Kurt's events over and over. When he was done he turned his attention to Kurt, who was waiting patiently for his cue. He was standing just out of view of the audience, quiet and not really looking at anything in particular. Blaine could see a tightness and unease in Kurt's eyes, a vulnerability that he found ridiculously attractive and that called out to his protective nature. Then Jay called Kurt's name and a transformation occurred. Kurt stood up straighter, the tension melting away from his face, and within seconds he was 'Kurt Hummel, Hollywood 'It' man'. He strode confidently around the corner and out onto the stage, the star everyone expected him to be. But Blaine couldn't forget the glimpse he'd had of the more vulnerable Kurt and he suddenly had hope that they'd be able to make their whole crazy situation work.

The crowd cheered wildly when Kurt stepped out onto the stage. He waved 'hello' to the audience and greeted Jay, who thanked him for appearing on the show before diving into their pre-arranged questions.

"So, big hit movie and the critics loved it. I hear some awards might be in your future."

"Oh, I don't know about that. You never make these things thinking of awards, you know. You just want to do a good job and entertain the audience." Kurt said modestly.

"You've come so far in just five months. How did you get such a juicy role your first time out?"

"I always knew I wanted to be a performer, so I applied to NYADA in New York after high school, but I didn't get in." The audience interrupted with cries of disbelief and protests. "I know, right? Boooo! I didn't get in, but I decided I wasn't going to let that stop me. I went to New York anyways and set about auditioning for every role I could find: Broadway, Off-Broadway, singing waiter, you name it. Eventually I got signed on for a small role in a workshop that was being put together. The workshop went on for over a year and just as we were about to open on Broadway one of the other actors left, so I was promoted to a featured role. To everyone's shock the show was a big hit and we received a bunch of Tony nominations. No one was more surprised than me when I won. Then, about a year ago they started casting the movie and I was one of the original cast members that they asked to participate. It's been kind of a whirlwind, as you can imagine."

Jay laughed and winked at the audience. "I bet you have a few choice things to say to the NYADA selection committee now, huh?"

"Oh, gosh no. I'm actually really grateful I didn't get accepted. I wouldn't be where I am now if I had been. Besides, one of my best friends graduated from there and got a great education, so nothing but love for them. It just wasn't meant to be."

"How did it feel to win the Tony? And for your first time on Broadway at that."

"It's still kind of hard for me to believe. I mean, just a few years earlier I was just another kid at the bottom of the high school food chain and there I was accepting the award in front of some of my biggest heroes. I sometimes think it might have all been some big mistake and someday there'll be a knock on my door from someone looking to get the statue back. But they'd better not. I'll fight them for it."

"I'm sure everyone here has a hard time picturing you as unpopular in high school." There were a few shouts of agreement from people in the audience. "Were you in theater, student government, anything like that?"

"I was Tony in our senior production of West Side Story. I never ran for office though, I was so off the radar that I would have gotten creamed. There's no way I would have embarrassed myself like that."

"You had to belong to some clubs, right?"

"I was in glee club. We were National champs my senior year," Kurt reported with some pride.

Jay smirked at him and gave him a knowing smile. "Glee club, huh?"

"Oh no, you have a video, don't you?" Kurt looked out at the audience with an expression of embarrassment mixed with resignation.

"We might have received a compilation of your greatest hits from an old friend."

The video began playing, starting with an obviously much younger Kurt in a black leotard doing a dance to 'Single Ladies.' The "awwws" from the women in the crowd at the adorableness of young Kurt filled the studio and Blaine saw that Kurt was caught off guard a little at the reaction. The video played through clips of Kurt performing '4 Minutes' while dressed as a cheerleader (item number two now on Blaine's 'topics to discuss with Kurt' list) and him singing a duet with a pretty girl with long brown hair (Judy Garland, eat your heart out), before ending with him doing a split jump while singing 'ABC' by the Jackson 5.

The video ended and the audience yelled their appreciation. The camera returned to Kurt, who groaned out loud before sarcastically adding "I'm so glad someone saved those recordings."

Jay snickered and made a joke about Kurt's flexibility that sent another ripple of screams through the women in the studio. Kurt blushed wildly and seemed at a loss for words, so Jay came to his rescue and changed the subject to the new movie Kurt had coming out the next month. A minute later the interview was over and Kurt was done for the evening.

=^..^=

That evening proceeded along the same lines as all of the others since Blaine had arrived, with a quiet dinner, a little bit of reading in the living room, and Kurt saying goodnight and retiring early to watch TV in his room. As the broadcast time of 'The Tonight Show' drew closer Kurt found he was a little restless and couldn't put his finger on why. It had been a good day and he was about to watch his first appearance on a major late night talk show. What could be wrong? He could hear the sound of Blaine puttering around the house through his closed door and suddenly realized what was bothering him. This was another big milestone in his career, something that would only happen once and there he was, about to watch it all alone with no one to help him rejoice in his success or help him mark the event.

Kurt picked up the remote and turned the TV off with a determined click. He slid a deep purple silk robe over his matching pajamas and squared his shoulders before opening the bedroom door and striding out into the living room. He found Blaine sitting on the sofa, reading something on his laptop. He looked up when he felt Kurt's presence and sent him a questioning look.

"Will you think me a complete narcissist if I watch my interview when it comes on?" Kurt asked, cursing the slight waiver in his voice.

"What, are you kidding? Of course you want to watch it."

"Would…would you like to join me?"

"I wouldn't miss it. I'll make the popcorn!"

Before Kurt knew it he and Blaine were sitting before the large flat screen TV with bowls of popcorn in their laps. As the show time drew closer Kurt felt more apprehensive. What if he came across as uppity or arrogant? He knew that he sometimes had the tendency to veer into those not so attractive areas and he had been trying to work on it.

The show started and Kurt waited impatiently through the monologue and the interview with the first guest, stuffing his face with handfuls of popcorn. Finally, he heard Jay call out his name and he preened a little at the cheers that erupted when he came on stage. He looked critically at the way his outfit appeared on camera and decided with a satisfied nod that it made the exact statement he had been going for. He watched the interview unfold and was very happy with the way it went. One couldn't always tell how something was going to come across on tape; Sometimes interviews that felt the best in person came across as dull or stilted when seen through the eye of the camera.

Kurt watched happily until the video montage of his glee performances came on screen. When the video started he sunk down in his seat and buried his face in his hands. "Ugh…Why did I let Lynn convince me to show that? So mortifying."

"It was adorable. The crowd ate it up." Blaine nudged his shoulder against Kurt's supportively.

The interview was over all too soon. Kurt kept the TV on to watch the rest of the show, but more from a desire to not appear completely self-involved than from any real interest in the other guest. As the credits began to role he picked up the remote and turned the set off.

"You did a great job," Blaine said encouragingly. "Really relatable. You should be really proud. I bet all the other shows are going to beat your door down for interviews now."

Kurt could feel a blush heating up his cheeks. "They just like anyone who's willing to humiliate themselves on national television. Oh well, anything for applause, right? Well, I'm off to bed. I'll see you in the morning. Don't let the bed bugs bite!"

Kurt fled to his room and collapsed against the door as soon as it closed. Bed bugs. Smooth Kurt, real smooth.


Comments

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I find this fascinating and am really really hooked. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Another awesome chapter! I love the direction you've taken this story and can't wait for each update!

This is amazing, I love it!

Wonderful story! I hope you plan to update quickly as I can't wait to read the next chapters! I really love famouse Kurt and am looking forward to his family..Papa Bear Burt, Lame Finn and Adorable Carole...to the picture. I love the famous twist, but the somewhat Glee story line...xoxo

So cute! I love how Kurt checked with Blaine about his clothes, and how Blaine was both in awe of Kurt and being protective while he did his job. I look forward to reading more!