"Kurt, I think this would be really good for you! You'd get a chance to practice your craft and you love working with young people! Plus, you have to admit that you miss the theatre. I know you do."

"I get what you're saying, Rach, but isn't the director that guy you've been trying to set me up with for months?" Kurt saw right through her.

"Well, yeah, maybe....” Sure, Kurt may have caught on, but Rachel wasn’t giving up so easily. “But-but that isn't the point! Look, they just really need someone to volunteer to do their costumes. You remember what it was like to be in a show in high school!" Rachel pleaded.

"I don't know. I guess it could be fun, but I'm already pretty busy writing my monthly column for Vogue, and-"

"Don't you even want to know what the show is before you turn it down." Kurt could hear Rachel smiling through the phone as she asked.

"What is it?" Kurt sighed, knowing that once she told him what the show was he'd get a million ideas and probably not be able to turn it down.

"The Mckinley High musical this spring is the Disney movie and Broadway classic, Beauty and the Beast!" she crooned as if she was announcing this to a crowd of adoring fans.

Earth-toned frocks for French peasants, a sweeping ball gown for Belle, and a dramatic Beast costume flew into Kurt's mind instantly.

"I'm in." Kurt hung up before he had to listen to Rachel squeal in triumph, as she once again got her way. What am I getting myself into?

"Blaine!" Rachel shouted into an almost empty teacher's lounge, causing Blaine to almost throw his half-eaten apple into the air in shock.

"Oh, hey, Rachel. What's up?" Blaine answered from his seat at one of the round tables without even looking up from the essay he was grading. She usually didn't have very important news. Well, at least news that people other than her found to be important.

"You know how you said you were looking for someone to do costuming for the musical? Well, I got you someone!" Rachel was practically beaming.

Blaine's eyes lit up in surprise as he smiled looking up at her. "Wow, that’s great! Who?"  

"It's my friend, and brother-in-law, Kurt Hummel. He graduated from Parsons two years ago with a degree in fashion design and he is also an expert on everything Broadway,” Rachel made a big gesture with her hands, as if to mimic the big lights and grandeur of the New York theatre scene,  “so I think he'll be perfect for the job! He has a flexible schedule because he works from home writing a column for Vogue." Rachel beamed.

"He sounds perfect! Like, too good to be true! What the hell is he doing in Lima?"

"Well, he grew up here and his family is here. He graduated in my class here actually."

"Well, I can't wait to meet him. Could you tell him to stop by a rehearsal sometime this week and I'll talk with him there?"

"Yeah, sure. I can do that. Oh, and Blaine?" a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Are you still single?"

Blaine's eyes went wide, like a deer in headlights.

"Uhhh, yeah.. But Rachel, you know I don't, uh.... You're not my type." Blaine sputtered. He broke eye contact, rubbing the back of his neck in obvious discomfort.

"Oh, no," Rachel laughed, "that's not why I was asking. I'm married, remember?" she motions to the ring on her left hand, "And I know that you're gay." Rachel explained.

"Right, right. Of course." Blaine recovered, feeling stupid that he assumed that was what she'd meant. Rachel turned and began to walk towards the door. "Wait, Rachel. Then why did you ask?"

She kept walking but looked over her shoulder and said, "Sorry, can't stay and chat. I'm late for Glee club rehearsal, that kids will be waiting for me."

"Um... Ok, I guess." Blaine said to no one, seeing as how the teacher's lounge was now empty, the door having closed behind Rachel. He sat there in confusion for a few moments longer, then got back to grading the essays of his Sophomore English students.

This cannot be good

Two days later, Kurt pulled into the all-too-familiar McKinley High School parking lot and wondered how on earth anyone had persuaded him to go back there.

It's just for the musical rehearsals. None of the teachers would be there. He didn't have to see any of his classmates, they were long gone. Besides, he was an adult now. He should be able to handle this. Deep breaths.

He approached the stage door around the side of the school. As soon as he opened it he smiled at the familiar darkness of the stage wings. He could hear the students on the stage playing Belle and the Beast running the scene where Belle teaches the Beast to read. It was still pretty early in their rehearsals from what Rachel had told him and as he walked forward to peer onto the stage he could see that they were still on book. They were good though. The girl playing Belle was very pretty, but a natural blonde so she'd need to be wigged and the Beast was well-built, so he'd pull of the costume nicely. Kurt watched for a few long moments, then took the door that lead to the steps into the auditorium.

And ohmygod, there's the director, and ohmygod he is gorgeous.

Stay calm, Kurt. Remember to breathe.... What is air again?

“Uh....I... ummm.” Kurt sputters as words evade him.

“Oh, hello! You must be Kurt.” Blaine puts down the script that he was following along with and stands up to shake Kurt’s hand. “It’s so nice to meet you!” Kurt’s knees go a little weak at just how genuine that sounded. Blaine turns to the students on the stage, “Let’s call it a night you guys. Alice, you’re doing great. You have all the grace of a Disney princess. Theo, I can see that you’re more comfortable tonight, it really shows. Awesome job! I’ll see you guys tomorrow night. Mrs. Hudson will be here to work on choreography.”

The students thanked Mr. Anderson and left the auditorium. Blaine turned back to him with a smile. Kurt attempts what he thinks is a smile back, but to be honest he’s a little flustered and he’s not exactly sure what his face does.

“Why don’t we sit down?” Blaine motions to the auditorium seats.