"Kurt, I need to talk to you."  Rachel strode into the sunny room of Kurts primary works room.  Kurt looked up from where he knelt in front of a mannequin.  Blaine, curled up on the padded window seat, put down his homework curiously.

Hed been taking online college courses from a local university in Kurts name.   Blaine could never officially get a degree, but he was still thrilled with the chance to be learning again in any capacity.  Most of his classes were pre-reqs and electives while he decided what major he wanted. They had argued for a while about that one.  Kurt wanted him to choose whatever he enjoyed, but Blaine wanted to take business admin, or even advertising, something that would allow him to help Kurt with actually running his thriving business.  Blaine was considering photography as a compromise. He was loving the intro class plus it was something he could do to promote Kurt Hummel Designs.  The cost of materials for Photography was prohibitive, but Kurt had no problem spending money on Blaines education.  Blaine had agreed only after Kurt had his accountant show Blaine how much he typically paid his models.  If Blaine was actually paid for his work, even at the lowest fee a model of that level commanded, he would easily earn most of his tuition in a year.

"Of course, whats up?" Kurt stopped what he was doing, focusing on his giddy friend.

Rachel sat on one of the chairs. "My three week showing of Wicked was hugely successful, as you know."  Kurt nodded. "Ive heard you mention that once or twice," he teased.  Blaine chuckled from his seat  Shed been the understudy for Elphaba when, three quarters of the way through, the lead had gotten mono. Rachel had risen magnificently to the challege, taking to the role like she was born for it.

"Yes, well. Several investors decided the show should go on the road, and they asked me if Id go." 

"Rachel thats fantastic!"  Blaine enthused, rising from his spot to hug her after Kurt finally let go.

Rachel grinned. "The best part is, they didn"t ask Sandra."  It was no secret that Rachel held no love for the uppity starlet shed replaced.

"So, thats it? Youre her? The Wicked Witch of the West?"  Kurt couldnt have been more delighted if hed been cast in the roll himself.

Rachel nodded, beaming at her friends.

"We definitely need to celebrate!" Kurt announced brightly.  He turned to Blaine, "would you see if Jacque is working?"  Jacque was ma”tre de to a local high-end restaurant. He had no problem with Kurt bringing his unusual boyfriend with him for a date.  And he never failed to make certain that the couple was attended by servers who were more interested in the size of their tip then in Blaines collar.

"That sounds amazing, and Id love to, but thats not what I really need to talk to you about."  Rachel told him while Blaine checked the website to see which chef was working at the restaurant.  She sighed.  "Im contracted to be with the show for six months. Theres no way I can do Wicked and still model for your next show." 

Kurt, while saddened, wasnt surprised. The Winter Carnival Fashion Show was several months out and he hadnt even started on Rachels clothes yet.   Hed always known he couldnt keep her forever but hed miss his friend, not to mention the way the petite brunette owned the catwalk.

"Thats fine. I totally understand. Dont worry about me, you have much bigger fish to fry."

"Jacque isnt on, but he just texted me that he called the manager and theyre fine with me," Blaine told them, smiling warmly at Rachel.  "I booked us for 7p, if thats okay." 

Perfect, Kurt agreed and Rachel nodded.  "So, this gives you plenty of time to design my gown for the celebration after my first performance, right?  It wouldnt be a show if I wasnt wearing my own Kurt Hummel original design."

Kurt grinned.  "As if Id allow you to wear anything else.  No one else is good enough to show those posers just how gorgeous Rachel Berry is.  Just make sure to name drop me a few times."

Rachel nodded,  her smile nearly larger than her face.  "Okay, well, I need to go tell more people the fantastic news, but Ill meet you at seven," she hugged Kurt one more time before trotting away.

"Finns in the pool," Blaine helpfully called out to the retreating form as Rachel bounced away, not doubting who Rachel really meant by more people.

Kurt sighed, watching her go. It was always hard watching friends leave, especially someone who was as close to him as Rachel. But he couldnt be upset, this was a massive opportunity for his friend.

"Um, Kurt?" Blaine asked tentatively.  "If youre in need of a petite, spunky, gorgeous brunette, I might have a suggestion."

-----------------
Santana walked through the hall, trying to hide her exhaustion. She wasnt a spring chicken anymore and harsh use had aged her body prematurely. At 24 years, she was the oldest service slave on the roster. The new blood called her Grandma when she wasnt looking, she knew, though never to her face. At least she still had her reputation as a scary bitch if nothing else.

God, she hated the plain brown walls. And the endless doors. And the clients. Yeah, she pretty much hated everything.  After waiting out an agitated gurgle from her empty stomach, Santana knocked on yet another neutral door, waiting for the call to enter.  She hoped to finish this call quickly, she hadnt eaten in a few days and knew shed start with the shakes pretty soon if she didnt get food.  The door was propped open and she entered when prompted by a light voice from inside.

She walked in; striking her usual sexy pose and pasting a sultry look on face. "You called for me, Sir?"

A young man sat on the bed; legs crossed wearing an exquisitely tailored and tastefully elegant suit. "I did, indeed. Youre Santana, right?"

Santana sized the guy up, from his perfect clothes to his angelically boyish face, wondering who the fuck he thought he was fooling calling for her.  Maybe the guy was just seriously delusional. Not her problem, it was his $50, he could blow it anyway he wanted.

"Yeah, thats me. How may I please you, Sir?"

"Actually, its not me I called you for, exactly.  Its for my friend."

Well, that made much more sense. Santana smiled enticingly.  "Its my pleasure to satisfy whomever youd like."

"Hold that thought, hes in the bathroom."

Santana tried to hide her impatience.  God, this was going to take all fucking night.  The toilet flushed and a handsome young man in an equally well-styled and expensive outfit emerged. His eyes lit up when he saw Santana and he lunged for her, locking his strong arms around her shoulders, hugging tightly. Startled, Santana forced herself to relax into the strangers embrace.

"Its so good to see you, Satan!  I was really worried that when we got here itd be too late.  Ive missed you so much," a familiar voice spoke into her ear.

Santana yanked the young man to arms length, staring wide-eyed. "Poodle?" she whispered, stunned.  There was no way the hot young man in front of her could be her old friend.

"Of course its me," Blaine told her, smiling brightly.  His golden eyes met hers with the same sweet openness that had made her take him under her wing in the first place, before the other bitches in the stables ate the poor kid alive.   Shed watched him change, that spark all but dying under consistently brutal use and starvation.  The look was back in his eyes, brighter then she ever remembered seeing it. He positively glowed with something shed never seen with him before.  It took her a minute to recognize the emotion shining in that gaze...it was happiness.

After she got over her initial shock, Santana took a wary step back, eyeing her friend and the Client sitting calmly on the bed, in confusion. "Whats going on, Blaine?"  She ran her gaze down his body appraisingly.

Blaine looked good, great even. Hed gained weight and radiated a confidence shed never seen in him.  He wore his expensive outfit like he felt at home in such finery and an elite leather collar encircled his tan neck perfectly.  Blaine glanced over at the man on the bed, raising a manicured eyebrow.  "Well?"

The guy made a show of looking her up and down.  Reflexively, Santana struck a pose, waiting to be told what exactly the fuck was going on and what was expected of her.  The man nodded after a moment, smiling warmly at Blaine.  "Shell do." He stood and headed for the door.  "Take your time."  The smile turned impish.  "I think I"ll just go downstairs to the bar and see how many people offer to buy me a drink." 

Blaine quickly stepped forward, catching the young mans arm and tugging him back for a deep, possessive kiss.  The pretty man responded to the gesture with interest.  "Be careful, okay? Call me if you need help getting back. You have your phone?"  Blaine asked.

"Of course.  Take all the time you want with your friend.  Just text me when I can come back up."  Kurt left, leaving Blaine and Santana alone. They stared at each other for a minute.

"He seems..." Santana began.

"Nice?"  Blaine interjected in amusement.

"I was going to say fuckable but sure, well go with that." 

Santana walked over and plopped on the bed.  Blaine was about to join her when he heard a knock at the door. Gesturing for Santana to stay put, he answered it warily. A minute later he returned with a goofy smile on his face, carrying two pizzas.

"These are for us," he informed his old friend, setting the boxes on the bed, unconcerned about grease stains.  Blaine whipped out a smart phone, his fingers dancing expertly over the keys.

Santana snorted, breaking into the pizza without hesitation.  It was a meat-lovers, not that she cared; it was food.  Something about the pizza had Blaine laughing to himself but she had bigger concerns. "Im sure your probably aware of this, but you look fantastic," Santana told him around a mouthful of hot, cheesy perfection.  And holy shit, bacon.  "And youd better start answering some damn questions.  Whats with the posh outfit?  Is that the guy who bought you? And most importantly, just what in the seven fucks is going on, here?

The former service slave plopped down beside the Latina, taking a slice of pizza.  "I am fantastic, yes, he is, and thats a long and very dramatic story.  Ill tell it all to you later, I promise.  First things first though; I have a question for you."  Blaine grinned at his friend.  "What do you know about fashion?" 

THE END.