Kurt was glad to see Isaac again. As promised, he would be working with Kurt and his model, and the girls as well. The four of them sat in front of mirrors while Isaac gave them pointers and suggested things they might try. He reshaped Marisol's eyebrows, making her eyes stand out more. "One of these days, I'm going to tame those caterpillars that Blaine insists on wearing," Isaac threatened. He talked Jen out of the bright tones she was using and into more of a rose pallet. Although she was reluctant at first, when Isaac showed her the result, she was quite pleased. It was fun listening to the conversation -- there was Annie's clipped accent and British-isms and Isaac's Caribbean cadence, and Marisol slipped into Cajun patois, just for fun. The hairdressers were also available for the designers if they chose to use them, which led an awkward moment when Isaac suggested that Annie might want bangs before she realized he was proposing a haircut and not making lewd comments.

"Marisol, you and Annie could put together a comedy act with your accents and different word meanings," suggested Kurt, only half in jest. "It would be a big hit at the talent show."

"Are you performing, Kurt?" Blaine asked. "Is there anything we need to get you?"

"I thought I'd sing You've Got a Friend if I can find a karaoke version."

Oh, I love Toy Story! "Randy Newman?"

"No, that's You've Got a Friend in Me. I'm talking about the song Carole King wrote. She and James Taylor both recorded it in the 70s. Her version is piano, and his is guitar."

"Which one do you want?"

"Neither one is really in my key, but I'll work with whatever I can find. I love the song, and I think it's appropriate. We're going to become sort of a family by the time the twelve weeks is up and we'll need to support each other through all the stress."

Should I offer? I'd really like to spend more time with him. "If you want, I can accompany you and we can transpose it to a key that is comfortable."

Kurt was delighted. "That would be great! Piano or guitar?"

I can't wait to hear him sing. "Either, actually."

"Really? I'm impressed! In that case, I'd prefer guitar. Acoustic, if you have it."

I impressed him! "Perfect. We'll need to practice. Do you want to get together this evening? I can come back after supper. Maybe about 7:00?"

Kurt smiled warmly. "It's a date!"

A date? Oh, I guess he doesn't mean it like that. "I'll see you then."

"Would you like to join us for supper, Blaine?" Annie asked. Despite her comment about focusing on the contest, she still wanted to get to know Blaine a little better. "A few other people are coming and we aren't having anything fancy -- just stew and cornbread."

"Hey!" Jen objected. "I'll have you know my cowboy stew -- that's 'served to' and not 'made from', by the way -- is very fancy! And my cornbread is to die for! We'll be eating about 6:00."

Blaine laughed. "In that case, I'd love to."

When they got back to the apartment, Kurt settled in to finish going through the packet he had abandoned the previous night. He read Lars' biography and discovered that his model was into extreme sports, particularly bungee jumping and skydiving. He didn't know if they would have any time to converse, but if they did, at least he would know what to talk about.

The next paper was the blogging guidelines. Blogs weren't required, but Kurt knew that the blog was a good way to get audience support and that if scores were close, the producers would be more likely to retain the designer who was popular with the audience. Besides, Kurt enjoyed writing and it was fun to think people might read what he wrote. He got out his new computer. He hadn't memorized his password yet, so he located the paper with the log on information. He stared at it, puzzled, trying to create a mnemonic. There was something in the back of his mind, but he couldn't quite bring it forward. What does it remind me of? 'bA<3kHN&f' He let his mind go blank, relaxing and closing his eyes. Puck. It's something to do with Puck. Oh, it's that song he wrote 'big Ass Heart'. That took care of the first four characters. The rest was easy. kors, Heidi, Nina and fashion. Got it! He logged on, cancelling the dialog box that was offering him the chance to change his password, and began to type. He wrote about the lunch the girls had fixed for him and speculated about what the first challenge might be. He started a list of things he learned in New York, with 'Shepherd's pie is delicious' as the first item. It wasn't long before he had filled the space allotted.

They had decided that each person should fix his own lunch of leftovers or whatever was in the kitchen. Kurt sliced an apple and made a sandwich, then returned to his computer. He reconfigured it as a tablet, got out the stylus and began sketching, not really having anything in mind other than to get familiar with the software and hardware. He drew a pair of pants, tight but not unprofessional, and a dress shirt with an asymmetrical closure, adding a few subtle details with top-stitching. He wanted the look to be distinctive but understated and classy. He left the neck open, deciding against a tie. He added a face to the figure, looked at it critically, then drew in curly hair and triangular eyebrows.

Sandy was going over the acts for the talent show. "Let's see, we have the jazz combo, and Andrew's stand-up routine. The instruments will be delivered this afternoon. What else do we have?"

"Kurt is going to sing and I'll accompany him, and Jen's mom is mailing her batons and costume. Jen says she has the song she'll use, but she needs to know how high the ceiling is and if it's okay to twirl fire." It doesn't matter what anyone else does. Kurt will steal the show.

"Thank you, Blaine. I'll check on the fire and get back to you. Lori, what about the models?"

"Lane is going to dance, and three of them have a skit they call Diva Designers."

"It would be nice to have at least one more act. Blaine, you said you were going to accompany Kurt. Do you perform?"

"I sing a little, and I play piano and guitar. Not both at the same time, of course."

"Perfect! Will you help me out and be the seventh act?"

I could sing to Kurt! Do I want to sing to Kurt? That's not such a good idea. I could sing to Kurt but no one would have to know that's what I was doing. I could pretend to sing to the girls. "Sure, Sandy. Whatever you need."

When the designers met in the lobby for the trip to Mood, Kurt was surprised and a little disappointed to find that Blaine was nowhere in sight. Instead, Jo was in charge of the eager group. Annie walked with Ernesto and Jonny, arguing over whether they could do justice to Adele, and Jen and Marisol were being regaled by Andrew's tales of being the only guy in his high school color guard, so Kurt took the opportunity to get to know Brenden a little better. Although Kurt wasn't in the market for a relationship at the moment, he was always interested in other people, and Brenden was giving off mixed signals, flirting shamelessly with Chris and Jo. Jo simply held up her left hand to display the rings. Chris blushed and stammered before opening his wallet to show everyone the photo of Bradley, his on-again-off-again boyfriend. Kurt slowed down a little, hoping Brenden would fall back as well so they could talk.

"I know," he said wickedly, "you want to ask me what that was all about, why I was flirting with both of them. It's fun and it's a good way to find out about people quickly. For example, both of them were flattered by the attention, but Jo wouldn't even consider a relationship with me. And it wasn't because I'm bi, it was because she doesn't cheat and she's a staff member. Chris wasn't interested now, but if Bradley breaks up with him again, he'll consider it. Probably won't do anything about it because I won't flirt with him again, but he'll remember that I was interested and it might make him feel better about himself. It didn't bother you that I'm bisexual, but you thought it was tacky of me to be hitting on both of them at the same time. However, I can see you realizing now that flirting with both at the same time insures that neither one will take me seriously."

"Okay, I can see that," Kurt said, considering, "but isn't that a little manipulative?"

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Brenden laughed. "We all manipulate people all the time. The key is to do it with respect and make sure the end position is fair to everyone. I'm manipulating you right now. I'm making you realize I'm smart and I'm honest. Later, I might ask you to help me, and you'll be more willing to do it because you like me."

Kurt pouted. "I don't know about that. I'm much cuter than Chris, and you didn't even wink at me. Maybe I'm offended and won't have anything to do with you, or maybe I'm even angry and just waiting for a chance to get revenge."

"Ah, you underestimate me, Sir. I watched the show and I'm observant. I knew Chris and Jo were in relationships, but when you talked about who you would miss if you made the cut, the only person you mentioned was your dad. You're single, and that means I don't approach you unless I actually want to be involved. I'm not a heart-breaker."

"Stuck on yourself much?"

"Not at all. I'm not saying you would fall for me; I'm just saying that I'm not willing to take a chance of hurting someone. Now admit it -- you find me intriguing and interesting and you think we could work well together." He preened playfully.

"Okay, I admit it. You're intriguing and interesting, but my interest is purely platonic. And I do think I could work with you. You communicate well, you aren't afraid to say what you're thinking, and you listen, all of which would tend to eliminate potential drama so we could focus on the job."

"Good, because I think the same about you. So who manipulated whom? Or was it mutual?"

As part of his preparation, Kurt had studied the Mood floor plans provided on their website, so he already knew the layout. He focused on colors and patterns, and spent quite a bit of time looking at the notions. He planned looks in his head, trying to keep Lars' complexion in mind, and focusing on the details that would make his clothes stand out on the runway. Kurt had always subscribed to the theory that 'more' was 'better', but he had watched the show for enough years to know that the judges, particularly Nina, didn't agree with that philosophy and he would have to edit himself or risk elimination.

Since carrying large bolts of fabric around the store was impractical, they were allowed to swatch as long as they didn't take the swatches out of the store with them. Kurt had put together several looks in jewel tones, and he had even found a beautiful piece of fabric in his mother's favorite color that he planned to use on the show if at all possible. He was testing himself, thinking of something he wanted and seeing how quickly he could put his hands on it when he suddenly realized he was picking fabrics that would look terrible on Lars. They weren't the right colors for himself, either. It took him a few minutes, but he eventually figured out what he was doing. He went to look for Jo.

"Are we allowed to buy fabric today for personal use?"

"I'm not sure, Kurt," she hedged. "What did you have in mind?" After making sure they weren't being overheard, he told her what he wanted to do. "Let me make a phone call. I'm not too sure about this. No one's ever asked before, but I see your point. You're going to need access to the workroom next weekend, and I think I'd better get permission before you spend any money. Don't get your hopes up, but I'll try. Do you think one day will be enough?" When he nodded, she got out her phone and went through a door marked 'Employees Only'.

"Hi, Sandy. It's Jo. Is Heidi available? … No, no problem, just a question. … Hi, Heidi. One of the designers has a question. … Yes, it is. How did you know? … He wants to know if he could …"

Kurt looked at her expectantly when she emerged, smiling in delight when she gave him an OK sign. "Heidi said to be circumspect, so we're going to make this look like it's my purchase. I'll give them the order and come back later to pick it up. I might be able to talk them into delivering it under the circumstances; we are pretty good customers, you know. Either way, it'll be waiting for you in the workroom. Do you have the swatches? We'll work out the money later. Go over there and pretend to look at buttons while you text me your list. Here's my number. Heidi said you can use the workroom thread, but you need to buy any other notions."

"I think I'd better write it out," Kurt said with a smile. "I don't have a phone, remember?"

After supper, Annie left with Ernesto to meet with the rest of the band in the lounge. Blaine unpacked his guitar and began to tune it. "Sorry, I put on new strings yesterday, and they haven't settled yet. I'll be tuning a lot tonight." He started playing the opening notes. "What key would you like this in?"

"The James Taylor version is in A. Could we try it up a step, or does it make the chords strange to play it in B?"

"I use a lot of barred chords, so it doesn't make much difference. If I have to, I can use a capo, so we can do whatever key you want. Is the standard introduction okay?" Blaine started the introduction again, this time in B, and Kurt began to sing. I'm surprised he sings that low. His speaking voice is much higher. Blaine stopped playing when he realized Kurt was no longer singing. "Want to try it in C?" After some experimentation, they decided on the key of D, and settled down to practice in earnest. During the first run-through, Blaine was concentrating on the notes. The song wasn't in his repertoire, so he had listened to it several times during the day. He had it in his mind pretty well, but figuring out the picking and transposing it took all his attention. By the second time, however, he was comfortable enough to add percussive sounds by striking the deadened strings from time to time. It wasn't until the third time that he began unconsciously to sing background harmonies, his voice flowing below the melody, supporting and enriching the sound. When he realized what he was doing, he stopped playing. What is the matter with me? "Kurt, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I was concentrating on the song and not thinking."

"Blaine, that sounded amazing when you sang with me! Could we … I mean … would you think it was weird if we turned it into a duet?"

I'd love to sing with you! I'd prefer a love song, but I'll take what I can get. "Why would it be weird? It's a song about friendship. I'll come in with a harmony on the chorus."

"No, I don't want you to back me up; I want to duet with you. I'll sing the melody on the first verse and you sing harmony below, just like you were doing. Then you take the melody on the second verse." They began again, Blaine singing harmony as directed through the first verse and chorus, switching to the melody as the second verse started. To his surprise Kurt sang a descant, weaving above and around the melody, going incredibly high but still using his chest voice. He's a countertenor! When they got to the bridge, Kurt took the melody again and held it for the rest of the song.

That was so much fun! At Dalton, Blaine had started out singing backup before he became the lead singer, but he had never sung a duet. He found the dynamic was completely different. It was a partnership, a give and take, and it was exhilarating. "Your range is incredible, Kurt!"

"Thank you. We need to run through it a few more times, but let's think about choreography for a minute. How much can you move with the guitar?"

"The cable's pretty long, so I can move around but I can't get too energetic. I could record the audio if you want. I've got a little studio in my apartment."

"I like the idea of live music. Let's see what we can come up with. If that doesn't work out, we'll go to Plan B. Can you do this?" Kurt leaned in, shimmying his shoulders, bending his back and bringing his face in close to Blaine's.

Blaine copied the movement. "For the chorus?"

"Yes. I think I should sing to you when I have the melody, and the focus should be on you during your verse, and we can sing to each other on the chorus and the bridge. Unless it makes you uncomfortable."

I could never be uncomfortable with you. "You said it that first weekend -- we're friends. It's not uncomfortable at all. This is a first for me, though. I've never sung a duet with anyone before. The glee club I was in at school always had a lead singer and a bunch of backup singers, but never two people singing together. I guess it was because it was an all-boys school. It was funny -- we sang quite a few songs that were meant for female singers."

"Our teacher forced us to sing some strange stuff, too. I've done a few duets, but I mostly sang backup."

No way! Not with your voice! "You're a countertenor. Did they not know how rare that was? You should have been featured."

"Unfortunately, the teacher didn't think so, but thank you."

They got back to work, running through the song several times, perfecting the harmonies and working out the choreography. They were so engrossed that they didn't realize Annie had come back until she spoke to them. "That sounds fantastic, guys! I really like the way you're using your guitar to simulate percussion, Blaine. I don't want to horn in on your performance, Kurt, but …"

"It would sound better with a real drum set!" interrupted Kurt. "If you're offering, we accept. Do you have time to run through it with us?"

"Sure. Just let me run to the loo and we can go downstairs." Annie disappeared into the bedroom.

"Is this okay with you, Blaine? I probably should have asked you first."

"No, it's fine. And this is your performance. You didn't need to ask me anything."

"It's our performance." He looked around and lowered his voice to a whisper. "I probably shouldn't say anything but Annie wants to get to know you better."

She wants to what? Now what do I do? I could come out to Kurt. It would be so easy right now, but it's better if he doesn't know. I could pretend to be interested in Annie, but I can't lead her on. That wouldn't be right. "She seems like a nice girl. I'd like to be her friend."

"Did you just 'friend zone' her?"

Well, yeah! I'm gay! "Given the circumstances, that's all that would be appropriate."

"Now that I think about it, she kinda said that, too." Kurt grinned teasingly at him. "I'm glad to see that you both have integrity. I like to surround myself with fabulous people, and integrity is an important quality. It's right up there with intelligence, sartorial elegance and musical talent."

It was late when Blaine finally headed home, tired but happy. The song was much better with drums and Annie was entertaining, but singing with Kurt was the most fun he had had in a long time. Truthfully, they had pretty much perfected the song in just a few hours, but Blaine wasn't about to admit it, insisting that he would be back on Sunday afternoon. I wish the talent show was a month away so we could practice more. Maybe we could do a second song! Each act gets ten minutes. As soon as the train emerged from underground and he had service again, he sent an e-mail to Kurt and Annie.

Now all he needed to do was pick something for his own performance, something that would express his feelings, even though no one would know to whom he was singing. He had a riff stuck in his head and he began to hum quietly to himself. The melody was bright very upbeat. He pulled out his phone and began to jot down lyrics.

I wake up in the morning
There's a big smile on my face.
I think about you baby
And my heart begins to race.

Never thought I'd feel this way,
Never thought I would
Never thought I'd find somebody
Who could make me feel so good.