Blaine decided to start with Your Song, since it had given him the idea. He connected his keyboard to his laptop and recorded the piano line, starting with a four-beat count-in that he would remove later. He would have preferred real drums and strings, but he knew he wasn't making a professional recording, and with any luck, Kurt wouldn't mind the electronic equivalents. He put on the headphones, set the first track to play through while he recorded the second, configured his keyboard and added percussion, repeating the process to add first violin, then cello. Finally he connected the other mic and recorded the acoustic guitar part. Blaine's original intention was to make the CD instrumental only, but after thinking it over, he decided to include backup vocals, despite the fact that the original was a solo performance, partly because Kurt said they sounded amazing together, but also because he wanted to imagine Kurt thinking of him when he played the CD. Although he didn't have nearly the range Kurt had, his was broad enough that he could add two or even three lines of harmony if the song called for it. He switched to the vocal microphone and recorded the melody. Like the count-in, he would remove it before he burned the CD, but hearing the melody made it easier to add harmonies. It took 30 minutes and several takes, but eventually he was satisfied.

For the second song, he recorded You've Got a Friend, exactly the way they had practiced it for the talent show, following it with Simon and Garfunkel's quirky The 59th Street Bridge Song, a favorite of his. I wonder if he's even heard of these songs. That last one is nearly 50 years old. They're classics, but still …. I wish I could get a look at his iPod. Marisol could get it for me, but I don't want to involve any of the contestants. It's bad enough that Phil and Heidi know about this, and maybe George, too. Wes could be helpful, but I don't know how to reach him. Maybe I could call Dalton. Mrs. Neid liked me. I wonder if she's still there. It doesn't matter -- even if she remembered me, she would never give out personal information.

Without exception, the designers were tired by the time 9:00 rolled around. There had been hot food in the break room earlier in the evening so they weren't hungry, but working a 13-hour day was a new experience for all of them. The short walk back to the Atlas was mostly silent. Ernesto and Kurt considered meeting in the fitness room at 5:00, but neither of them wanted to contemplate getting up that early, so they agreed to forgo exercise for the time being.

When they got to the apartment, Jen and Marisol collapsed on the couch while Annie went into the kitchen to make tea. "It looks like they delivered our grocery order. There's a box on the counter."

"Did they get the cookies I asked for? 'Biscuits' to you, I guess, Annie."

"There's a package of Oreos. And two bags of flour. Who ordered all that flour?"

Kurt jumped. "Oh, you weren't supposed to see that," he groused.

"We're sharing an apartment, Kurt. How did you think you were going to hide it? And why did you want to hide flour, anyway?" demanded Jen. "I could see it if you were hiding chocolate from us, but flour?"

"It was supposed to be your Christmas present."

"You wanted to give us flour for Christmas?" Marisol said with a smile. Kurt was adorable when he was annoyed.

"Well, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon …."

"Yum! Cookies!" exclaimed Jen. "But you must have thought we were really hungry if you ordered that much flour."

"I was going to make enough for everyone, all the designers and some of the staff, too. I bought some material at Mood to make gift bags. I don't know if I'm going to have time to get it all done, though."

"Kurt, that's a wonderful gift! Would you mind …" Marisol's voice trailed off as she realized she was including herself in his project without being invited.

"Do you want to help, Marisol? I'd really appreciate it, and then the cookies will be from both of us," Kurt offered generously.

"Hey, what about Jen and me?" Annie chimed in. "We'd like to help, too. Right Jen?"

"Absolutely. And if you're not set on any particular type of cookie, maybe we can each contribute a recipe. I make a killer oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips."

"Oh, I have a great recipe! It's called Molasses Cookies With a Kick. The 'kick' is cayenne pepper. They're Henri's favorite."

"That would be perfect! Annie, what about you? Do you have a favorite recipe?"

"I could make Christmas Rock Cookies, but they need to sit for several days before they are eaten. Will that work?"

Kurt considered. "We might be able to make them on Thursday, and we don't have to deliver them until the 24th or so. I think it would be okay. We need to figure out what else we need. Jo was helping me with this project, although she thinks the cookies are just for the designers. I can e-mail her about the additional supplies." He opened his Elitebook and logged on. Something about this password is bugging me. I wonder what it is. I'll think about it later when I'm not so tired.

Annie was still in the kitchen waiting for the water to boil. "It's going to be so much fun making Christmas cookies together! Tell me what you need and I'll see if we already have it." Working together, they made quick work of the list and Kurt sent the e-mail to Jo, adding a question about how much money he owed her and how he could pay it.

Marisol shrugged her shoulders up and down and lifted her arms above her head. "Man, I'm stiff. I'm not used to such long hours of sewing. Tomorrow will be even worse, since we'll be in the workroom all day."

Annie poured the boiling water into the teapot and came into the living room. "Okay, everybody on the floor. We're going to make a train. I'll be the caboose." She sat on the floor, legs spread out in front of her. The other three looked at her, completely mystified. She patted the floor between her legs. "Right here, Marisol. Sit just like I am." As soon as Marisol sat down, Annie began massaging her shoulders.

"Oh, that feels so good, Annie!" Marisol sighed. The other two rushed to join in, Kurt sitting in front of Marisol and Jen as the engine.

They worked for several minutes, until Jen realized that Annie was missing out. "This isn't fair, girl. When do you get your shoulders rubbed?"

"If we had more people, we could make a circle, but we don't, so we'll just have to take turns."

"Oh, I see how this works." Jen got up and went to sit behind Annie. "We should see if we can make a circle in the workroom tomorrow afternoon with all the designers. That would be a great scene for the show, and we'd all feel better. And maybe we could even get Tim to join in."

Kurt had planned to add to his blog, but the massage felt so good that he just wanted to sleep. After everyone had been the caboose, he told the girls goodnight, picked up his laptop and headed for the bedroom. He was feeling a little guilty and needed to think about what he should do. This is silly -- I know exactly what I need to do. I'll take care of it in the morning.

Tim wasn't in the workroom when the designers arrived at 8:00, but as soon as he arrived, Kurt approached him. "Tim, could I speak to you, please? In the hall, without the cameras?" he asked quietly.

This is pretty early in the competition for someone to want to go home, but he is awfully young. I hope that's not it. Tim nodded and opened the door into the hall. "Let's go into the lounge."

Once they had some privacy, Kurt took a deep breath and began. "I need to apologize to you, Tim. I lied to you yesterday, and I shouldn't have done that."

"You lied to me?"

Kurt blushed. "Yes. I don't really need to try my shirt on Blaine to make sure it will fit Lars. It would be helpful, of course, but that's not the real reason."

"What is the real reason?"

"I'm making Blaine a Christmas present and I need to get his measurements. He really is about the same size as Lars, except vertically of course."

"But the shirt you're working on is for Lars?"

"Oh, yes. I'll make Blaine's between challenges."

That explains the workroom being open to the designers after hours. "I assume Heidi knows about this."

"Yes, she and Jo both know. Heidi said it was okay."

Tim gazed at Kurt for a long moment before continuing. "Kurt, this isn't a romantic relationship, is it?"

"Oh, no, of course not. In the first place, it would be inappropriate during the competition. You said we couldn't have relationships with other designers, but the models and staff are also off limits, even though you didn't specifically say so, at least as far as I'm concerned. In the second place, even though I think Blaine is very attractive, I've already gone through my 'crushing on straight guys' phase, and I have no interest in revisiting it. Blaine and I are just good friends."

"Blaine told you that he's straight?"

"Well, no, but he doesn't need to. I told him that I felt like we were destined to be close friends and assured him that I wasn't trying to convert him, and he said he was comfortable with his sexuality, but that's all. Anyway, I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you and it won't happen again. I was trying to keep it quiet so Blaine won't find out before Christmas. I hope you will forgive me."

Tim smiled warmly. "Of course I do. We'll forget this ever happened. Now you'd better get back to work. Go, go, go! I've got to run up to my office; I think I left my iPad there. If anyone needs anything, tell them I'll be right back.

It only took a moment for Tim to survey his office. Just like the man himself, Tim's desk was impeccably neat. The iPad was not attached to its charging cable. Tim thought a minute, then reached for the phone.

"Ms. Klum's office."

"Oh, hi, Blaine. This is Tim Gunn. Would you see if my iPad is in Heidi's office? We had a breakfast meeting, and that's the last time I remember seeing it."

"Of course. I'm going to put you on hold for a minute." Blaine located the iPad, then returned to the phone. "I have it here, Tim."

"Great. I'll come get it later."

"I'd be happy to bring it to you. Are you in your office?"

"No, I'll be in the workroom, and I'd really appreciate it if you have the time. I can get along without it, but I'd rather not."

The workroom! "I'll be there in about 15 minutes." Blaine took a moment to check his hair and straighten his tie before heading out. When he got to Parsons, he stopped by Tim's office to fix a glass of water with citrus, then quietly entered the workroom. He risked a quick glance at Kurt, and his heart skipped a beat when Kurt smiled at him.

"Is that for me? That's very thoughtful, Blaine. I appreciate it," Tim said as he accepted the water and iPad. "Listen, Blaine, I need another favor."

"Of course, Tim," Blaine said immediately. Maybe I'll get to stay a while. "What can I do for you?"

"It's really for one of the designers. They've been helping each other by trying on the garments, but no one is the same size as one of the models, and the designer needs someone to try on the shirt he's making. Kurt said you're pretty close to the right size and he'd appreciate it if you would help him out."

"I'd be happy to." I get to stay and spend time with Kurt!

Phil was scanning the room as he always did. He knew Blaine wasn't supposed to appear on camera, but the interaction had the potential to be interesting, so he quickly positioned himself. They could always discard the footage, but if Heidi wanted it and he hadn't shot it, there would be trouble.

Blaine crossed the room to Kurt's table. "I understand you could use a little help."

"Yes, please. Would you mind trying on this shirt for me? I need to make sure it has enough fabric in the back for Lars to move his arms." Blaine took the shirt and began to stick his hand in the armhole.

"Uh, Blaine …" Kurt said, trying to hide smile. "You need to take your shirt off, please. Lars won't be wearing two shirts on the runway."

Blaine felt his ears turning red. "Oh, sorry." He removed his tie and laid it neatly on the table. He pulled his shirttail out and began to undo the buttons. When he looked up again, he realized several pairs of eyes were focused on him. What is everyone looking at? Is this the shirt with the hole? He glanced down again to check. No, this one looks fine. "Is it okay if I leave the undershirt on?" Please don't make me take it off. I don't want to be half-naked in front of you. Well, yes, I would, but not with everyone else around, and only if you're in the same state. Oh, God, why did I think about being half-naked with him?

Kurt looked him over. "That shirt is pretty thin, so I don't think it will change the measurements any. Speaking of measurements, I need to get yours so I can compare them to Lars'." Kurt picked up his tape measure. "Arms up, please Blaine." When Blaine raised his arms, Kurt reached around him to encircle him with the tape, moving closer in the process. "Oh, sorry. Good thing you're not a girl or that would have been inappropriate touching. Okay, lower them and just breathe normally."

Back up a few feet and don't brush against anything sensitive again, and I might be able to do that. Why is Brenden looking at me like that? I've heard the phrase 'undressing someone with your eyes' but I've never had anyone do it to me. Stop running your tongue over your lips, Brenden. Not interested!

"Okay, let me have the tape. I just need a few more measurements. Bend your right arm please, and turn to the side." Blaine turned, glad to get away from Brenden's gaze, only to find Annie and Jen looking him over as well. Somehow, it doesn't feel as invasive when they do it. Maybe it's because I know them better than I do Brenden. He smiled and winked at Jen as Kurt measured his sleeve length, bicep and neck size, making notes on his Elitebook. "Now I just need your waist and we're done." Kurt moved the tape and looked at the measurement. "Quit sucking your stomach in, Blaine. I need an accurate measurement. I'm not judging you -- I just need the number."

"Hey, I resent that! Who says I have a stomach that needs sucking in? I work out, you know," Blaine protested. He thinks I'm flabby?

"We'll see about that," said Kurt with an impish grin, running a finger down Blaine's ribs in an effort to get him to relax his muscles. Blaine giggled and twisted away, but the measurement didn't change.

"I told you I don't have a stomach. Do you want me to show you?" What is the matter with me? What if he says 'yes'? I'm not taking the undershirt off, especially not with Brenden in the room.

Kurt shook his head and placed his palm on Blaine's midsection. His eyes widened when he felt the hard muscles twitch under the thin cotton knit. "Okay, I apologize. You don't have a stomach."

Blaine felt his heart rate accelerate. His hand feels so hot, even through the shirt. My skin is on fire.

"Hey, no fair," objected Brenden. "We want to touch, too." The room erupted in laughter.

"What do you mean 'we'?" snorted Ernesto. "Speak for yourself."

"Okay, designers. Raise your hand if you agree with me and you want to feel Blaine's muscles."

"I think we all need to get back to work. This is getting a little out of hand. To paraphrase a popular musical, Heidi's assistant is not a toy," said Tim mildly, with an apologetic look at Blaine. "Kurt, finish up. I'm sure Heidi has things for Blaine to do."

"I'm sorry, Tim. I'll hurry." Kurt held the shirt for Blaine, who slipped his arms in and buttoned it. "Swing your arms forward, please, and tell me if it binds across the back."

Blaine moved his arms experimentally in several directions. "It feels fine to me," he shrugged. That was embarrassing, but at least it stopped that reaction I was having. Why are you grabbing my hips? Oh, you want me to turn back around.

"Well, I have to say it's definitely not your color, and it's too big through here," Kurt said as he pinched the fabric in at the waist, "but other than that, it looks pretty good. The fit through the shoulders is perfect and the sleeve length is right, and your measurements match Lars' everywhere except the waist, so I think I'm good. Thank you so much for helping me."

Blaine exchanged the shirt for his own. "You're welcome. I like the turquoise cuff, by the way. See you later." He left the room, carrying his tie. There's no way I'm taking a chance on Kurt wanting to fix my tie again.

Kurt mouthed a 'thank you' at Tim. He was very glad to have gotten a better look at Blaine. The man has some serious muscles, but you sure can't tell in those loose dress shirts he wears. I'll need to adjust the cut of the sleeve if I want to show off his arms. I should decide if I'm making him a shirt to wear to the office or to party in. Kurt turned his mind to the challenge and got back to work.

The pants were finished except for the hem, and the shirt was completely done. Kurt was still trying to decide between the jacket and the vest. He had plenty of time to do a jacket, but he was still concerned about the shirt being too busy, even though he had toned it down quite a bit with the coordinating gray fabric. If he made the jacket, it would cover more of the shirt, but Tim said he would need to have Lars remove the jacket at some point. If he went with the vest, Lars could leave it on the whole time, but the judges probably wouldn't be as impressed. He's supposed to be dancing. It would be easier to dance with just a vest. I'll make the vest. If I finish and have enough time, I'll make the jacket and I can decide when Lars tries them on. He drew a quick sketch, deciding to make the vest reversible to give himself more options, drafted the pattern, and started cutting fabric.