“No. Mom, I can’t make it.” Reed mumbled into the call, juggling his bulging bag of artwork, designs, spare pieces of fabrics and material, “I have a project due.”
"I won’t be able to make it, I have that thing with Monique Lhuillier, and you would need to go in place of me. I will get them to call you, love you."
“But mom.” Reed sighed dejectedly, slumped against the nearest surface; if only she would listen and then it started to pour. “Perfect.” Reed cried out clutching his phone and bulging bag close him when heard a knocking sound.
He turned around surprised to find that he was leaning against the door to a coffee shop, blocking someone from getting out. He hastily wiped away his tears and turned around carefully, mindful of the wet sidewalk and puddles, apology ready on his lips.
A cute boy with shiny eyes and curly hair was grinning at him on the other side of the glass door. He took a step back slowly when the boy gently pushed open the door “Whoa Bambi, you okay.”
Reed blinked, Wait, what, did he actually call him Bambi and found the boy still talking to him, holding the door open.
“You can come in Bambi, it’s safe. I won't hurt you.” The boy said slowly backing away with one hand still holding the door.
“No, I. I’m okay, All fine, sorry. I will go.” Reed mumbled to his feet, shouldering his bag, backing away slowly and the boy actually pouted. “But, it’s raining and you’ll get wet. I don’t want you to get wet.”
The boy approached him slowly, “I won’t hurt you. I promise.” He had a cute smile on his face and was approaching him as if he was a small baby creature. Maybe that’s why he called you Bambi and Reed smiled softly and the boy grinned “It’s warm and comfortable and you’re pretty.”
“What.” Reed clutched his bag tightly.
“I mean coffee.” the boy exclaimed. “We have coffee. I can make you a coffee or a chocolate cake, vanilla cake, any cake.” The boy beamed and opened the door fully. He was the only person in the coffee shop, there was no one else. “You could wait while the rain stops and I could give you coffee.”
“Chocolate milk.” Reed whispered, and the boy nodded, “Will do and don’t worry Bambi, it’s on me.” and there it was again.
*
When Reed was suitably dried and had arranged himself to perfection in the washroom, he stepped out to find that the boy was back in the kitchen humming and bouncing around. A blender was on in the corner and pop music was playing and the boy was dancing around unaware that he was being watched. He looks so comfortable. Reed noticed as the boy danced around and working his milkshake. When he saw Reed he beamed and brought out a cup of chocolate milk with beautiful chocolate art on it. “That’s so pretty.”
“Thanks, Bambi.” The boy grinned and bowed down. “Now what would like to have with that?”
“My name is Reed.” He introduced “Not Bambi.”
“Oh pretty.” The boy beamed. “I‘m Shane and its lovely to meet you.” He hopped up the counter smacked a kiss on Reed’s cheeks and hopped down again. “So pretty, about that cake, which one would you like?” Reed melted a bit inside.
*
“I don’t get why you need me to come with you to the coffee shop.” Reed’s best friend grumbled as he was dragged down the street. “Because I need to know whether it was real or I made it up in my head Kurt! You know that.”
Reed had not stepped one foot in the coffee shop even though it was on his way and the chocolate milk and cake was divine. He did not want to think about the cure barista who he was sure was flirting with him. Maybe he felt sorry for him, that’s why he did those nice things.
“Cute boys don’t flirt with me, with you maybe. But this doesn’t happen to me.”
“True.” Kurt preened. “But you should take your words back. Cute boys and girls flirt with you know.” Kurt told him as Reed pulled him down the sidewalk. “You just don’t notice it.” He gestured towards a boy that had just passed them by, checking Reed out only Reed was too busy to notice “Like that. Just now. He just looked at you.”
“He was looking at you.” Reed said coming to stop near the coffee shop. He took a deep breath and arranged his clothes and peaked into the coffee shop finding the boy – Shane working at the counter. There were a lot more people around this time which would be perfect in case he had made it up in his head and he needed a distraction to escape soon.
“He’s here.” Reed whispered. “Please, please be my friend and tell me if it’s real or if I made it up.” and opened the door. At the tinkling sound of the door being opened the boy looked up and smiled and then beamed in recognition when his eye found Reed’s. “Oh, yeah Reed he’s definitely falling for you.” Kurt remarked. “You think so.” Reed asked looking at Shane and smiling back at him with hope in his heart. “Definitely.” Kurt smiled as he saw the boy watch the two of them interact with a small frown on his face. “I also think he’s a little jealous now. Oh Reed, what have done to the poor thing.”
“I. I. Jealous, why” Reed turned back to ask when Kurt nudged him. “Shush just watch, he’s coming to greet you and I don’t think this is normally done judging by the other barista’s faces at the counter.
“Bambi, Hi, you came” the boy danced his way towards them, which was the only way Kurt could describe his movement with a quick double hop, step and a slide and then he had Reed’s hand in his and planted a kiss on it, letting it go. “I missed you. I thought you would never come back.”
“Bambi.” nudged Kurt and Reed shook himself, still in shock. “Shane, I told you to call me Reed remember.” and the boy grinned at them. “You remembered my name.” Shane danced a bit in front of them, “So, Chocolate milk on the house.” and Reed nodded, pleased that Shane had remembered his order and considering that he had now kissed him twice he was definitely not making it up and he had Kurt as a witness as well.
“And for your friend?” Shane frowned at Kurt and Oh that was what Kurt was saying. “Yes, friend, this is Kurt, my best friend.” Reed said pulling Kurt towards him “He’ll have a.”
“Grande Nonfat Mocha.” Kurt supplied, watching Shane watch Reed, who now smiled properly at them, now that he knew that Kurt was a friend.
“Cool.” nodded Shane, who was now looking at Reed, smiling broadly at him and Reed as blushed and smiled back, ”You can give your order at the counter.” and Kurt laughed.
*
“So what do you think?” Reed asked Kurt, who had basically chaperoned them for two hours at the coffee shop.” A little bit excited, so not my type. “Kurt piped “And I was definitely not his. Though, you are most definitely his type.”
“You think.” Reed blushed and happily walked next to his friend. “Absolutely.” Kurt nodded, “You should give it a go. Ask him out. Keep it simple, he seems like an excited puppy and you’re the best thing that could happen to him.”
“Kurt.” Reed laughed and nudged him. “What, I’m telling the truth. Go for it. He’ll definitely say yes.”
“He did slip me his number.” Reed smiled and Kurt looked at him shocked. “So that’s why you took such a long time to say goodbye.”
“Yeah, he kissed my cheek, again, and hugged me and slipped his number and then grinned and danced.”
“You should go for it.” Kurt smiled at his friend, happy that he had found someone who he liked.
“I will!” promised Reed. Perhaps he will even have a date to his mother’s thing.
“Hilde, good morning, this is Marlene. I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it for today’s meeting. I would appreciate if we could reschedule for some time next week. A pressing matter has come up.”
Shane looked up from where he was playing next to his mom, racing his cars around the kitchen floor copying the movements of his big brother Blaine.
He glanced at his mom smiling at him and grinned back, racing his car faster to catch up with Blaine’s.
“No, nothing like that. It’s just -” He saw his mom glance at him and his brother, twirling the phone cord between her fingers. She looked worried, biting her lip. “The sitter cancelled last minute, you see and both my sons are at home.”
“I could bring them with me, like last time.” Marlene exclaimed and both boys looked up to see their mother smiling, “And you’re sure that you’re fine with it?” She beamed. “Yes, thank you. See you in an hour’s time”
Marlene glanced at her sweet boys playing with each other on the floor, wide smiles on their faces, their riotous curls everywhere. “Boys, we need to get cleaned up, we have to go out.”
*
“Are we going to a park, Mama?” Shane asked, smiling up at his mom and she held his hand and helped him down the stairs. His big brother Blaine deeming himself a big boy stepped down slowly behind them. Soon Shane would be able to the same by himself.
“No Sweetie.” His mom smiled at him. “I have a meeting and if you boys behave, we’ll have a treat later.”
“Yeay.” The brothers cheered.” We’ll be good Mama.” Blaine promised as their mom buckled them in the car seat and Shane nodded vigorously, tossing his curls everywhere.
*
“Hilde, thank you for letting me bring the boys along.” Marlene smiled.
“No, no it’s fine. They can play with my son Reed.” Hilde looked down at her small son, who was tangled around her legs, playing with her diaphanous skirt, “Your youngest got along well with him last time. Perhaps this way we can get some work down.”
“Reed, you remember Shane, this is his brother Blaine. Go show them your artwork, mommy is busy.”
*
Shane looked at his little friend who was smiling shyly at them. “I remember you.” Shane piped, smiling at the little cherub of an angel that looked like the tiny figurines his mommy collected. “We played with plushies”
The little boy nodded, “You threw plushies on me and then you stole my bear.”
“You stole my castle.” Shane laughed and the little boy smiled at him. “And then you gave me back my bear. “
“It was fun.” Reed smiled at his playmate and Shane grinned at him, “This my big brother Blaine.” And Blaine smiled at Reed. “Do want to play tag.”
“I can’t.” Reed frowned, “I fall down a lot and hurt myself and my mommy doesn’t like if I get my clothes dirty.”
“That’s okay.” Shane smiled and at looked the mess of crayons, watercolours, sketch pens and colour pencils on the floor. “We can do that as well.”
Blaine nodded, “We can make art.”
*
“No. no, you’re getting it wrong.” Reed said looking at the messy artwork that was Shane’s under the sea. “The blue of the water can’t be inside the fishees.” He said, as the blue paint blended into the red paint of the fishes.
“They’re just drinking water.” Shane shrugged and went around smashing more paint onto the canvas, mixing in yellow with the blues and reds and Reed just stared at him. He glanced Blaine’s painting which was much neater than Shane’s, paint colours in the lines and everything but it was not good as Reed’s.
“I’ll show you.” Reed said and took his paintbrush to correct Shane’s painting when a drop of paint fell on Shane’s hand. “Hey.” Shane grinned and smeared a messy finger on Reed’s face.
“What no. I didn’t mean it.” frowned Reed and moved to wipe his face when the paintbrush fell on Shane’s clothes. “Paint war.” Shane yelled and smeared a messy hand on Reed’s arm and laughed and ran away.
“No, no come back here.” Reed exclaimed as Shane threw paint in his direction flicking his hands “Catch me if you can.” laughed Shane grabbing a bottle of the nearest paint when he tripped over his brother throwing white paint on him and Blaine frowned.
Reed giggled in surprise and Blaine looked up grabbing the nearest paint bottle and smiled. He ran towards him but Reed shrieked and ducked and paint bottle in his hand fell to the floor. At the same time, Blaine aimed his bottle of paint towards him but hit Shane on the chest and Shane yelled and ran towards them slipping on the paint that Reed had thrown on the floor, “Take no mercy.” he yelled flinging paint wildly, smearing them on his brother and Reed and then there was war.
All the three boys laughed and ran, throwing paint on each other and on the walls; ducking, shrieking, slipping and having fun, when they heard a loud cry.” Boys.”
They turned around to find their moms and Blaine and Shane looked at their horrified mom and the mess they had made.
“It’s okay.” Hilde laughed and all the three Anderson’s turned to look at her. “This is Reed’s playroom. “Don’t worry about it.” she said looking around the colourful room with splotches of paint on the wall “We’ll just paint over it. Fresh canvas so to speak” and Reed nodded.
“And I see that they’re wearing smocks over their clothes.” Hilde continued, looking at the three flushed colourful boys, happy and dishevelled; her little son with a colourful paint smear down his one arm, which suspiciously looked like a handprint.
“It looks like they’re having fun.” and all the three boys grinned at each other and nodded.
Vogue: As we all are staying home during the lockdown, we’ve decided to catch up with fashion designer Reed Van Kamp and how he’s been keeping busy during the lockdown.
Vogue: Mr. Van Kamp, thank you for having us.
Reed (waving through the screen): Hello, how are you. I hope you are well.
Vogue: We are doing fine, working from home, isolating with minimum contact. How have you been doing?
Reed: We’re doing the same as well, isolating, social distancing, masks (Reed lifts a mask, waving it around)
Vogue: Yes, we've been meaning to talk about that. You’ve been keeping busy during the quarantine.
Reed (Shrugging): Well, life has not changed, that much for me. I suppose I can work from anywhere.
Vogue: So tell us what you’ve been doing.
Reed: Well, I have the materials and the equipment (Reed trails off)
Vogue: So masks.
Reed: Yes masks. It started off when there was a shortage of the same. So, I designed some. I had the materials and equipment. I made some for myself and my boyfriend and then my friends wanted some and then more people wanted it so... (Reed trails off.)
Vogue: (Image screen of an Instagram page of Shane Anderson out and about with a pretty mask in a colourful pattern. Image screen of Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson together with matching masks in contrasting colours at the local bodega) So these masks are the ones you’ve made.
Reed: Yes, I didn’t want to take away masks from those who actually needed it, like the essential workers, first responders, doctors etc. So I decided to make some of my own and now we have couture masks for everyone. They are good quality masks: handmade, triple lined, available in different sizes, colours and patterns.
Vogue: And now they’re going to be available the public.
Reed (Nodding): Yes, in all stores across the country. A pack of three for a dollar and the money received would go as donations to food banks.
Vogue: (Shane Anderson, from sideways, handing Reed a slip of paper, waving hi to the camera)
Reed (smiling up at Shane): Thanks. And yes it would also be available for free at some food banks if requested.
Vogue: Could we have Shane in as well.
Reed (smiling and waving at Shane, who is off-camera): Honey, do you want in.?
Shane (entering in the frame and sitting down next to Reed): So, what do you think of Reed’s initiative. He’s even got our friends making masks.
Vogue (Laughing): So, you’ve made masks as well.
Shane (Smiling): Well, a couple of them.
Vogue: And what can we expect from you, Reed.
Reed: Well, I have been experimenting with different fabrics and cuts and textures. (Gesturing around) This virus looks like it’s going to be around for some time. So how I can mold cloth, different folds, playing with materials that repel liquid. Let’s see (Trailing off) I have some ideas in place, possibly a new collection.
Vogue: A new collection! do tell.
Reed: It's in the beginning phase, Let's see. (Gesturing around)
Vogue: Well, thank you for having us. Wait, what’s that. (Catching a glint in the sunlight from Reed’s hand)
Reed (Blushing): Yeah that. (Looking down at his ring finger at the beautiful, shiny thin band)
Shane (Grinning): We’re engaged! (Kissing Reed on the cheek.)
Vogue: Congratulations! Well, you heard it from here folks. Designer Reed Van Kamp and his boyfriend – Dancer, Shane Anderson are engaged!
(Pan shot on the happy couple cuddling on the couch. Video end)
*
Vogue 2020. Read the full interview on www.vogue.com
Location: In living rooms/ bedrooms across the great ole USA.
“Is this even on.?” Shane tapped at the speakers which were attached to Blaine’s laptop. Reed winced and put his finger in his ears as the mikes screeched.
“Yes.” Blaine sighed walking into the living room holding bunch of cables, followed by Kurt who was holding Blaine’s guitar.
“Hey Reed, you can stand here.” Kurt said as he moved his best friend towards the mike, “away from that.” which was the only way he could describe the scene that was happening with the Anderson brothers and their guitars, a harmonica and a mile-long cable between the two of them.
“Windsors, typical.” came a snort from the laptop, followed by an indignant “Hey.” and a “Who invited him, he’s not even a Warbler.”
“This is fun” Derek laughed as he watched Logan set up his organ. “This is boring” Jules drawled from where he was lying shirtless on the sofa, aviators on thoroughly distracting Logan.
“Knave” came a voice from the flat screen in front of them. “Alice and White Rabbit wants to do an improv before we dial Ms Medel in.”
“What do they have in mind.” David said into his laptop as Wes was getting ready his laptop ready. Katherine smiled and looked at her boyfriend. “Can I join in?”
And at that a moment a voice came from the left-hand corner of the screen.
She worked her way through a cheap pack of cigarettes, Hard liquor mixed with a bit of intellect
Bailey, Evan smiled and immediately started singing along with Kurt and Reed
And all the boys, they were saying they were into it, such a pretty face, on a pretty neck
“ They didn't even... I was not prepared.” sighed Logan from their screen as he started googling chords for the song.
“Get with the times, Lo.” laughed Derek “This is good. This is fun.” And he started singing along with the Warblers.
She's driving me crazy, but I'm into it, but I'm into it, I'm kind of into it.
“You would be, considering your taste in women.” laughed Jules as he sat up, still shirtless and Logan messed up the next chords.
“Oh, Knave,” Ethan said and he turned up the speakers and the warblers realized that they didn’t need to play as the same song was coming from the speakers.
"I'm having your baby, it's none of your business" Logan, Derek and Julian sang loudly and all the warblers grinned.
It's New York, baby, always jacked up sang Kurt as he danced around Blaine, Holland Tunnel for a nose, it's always backed up David told Katherine. When she's alone, she goes home to a cactus Julian sang to Logan who laughed and sang in a black dress, she's such an actress.
Driving me crazy, but I'm into it, but I'm into it all the warblers sang.
*
“Tweedles, what have you done.?” David asked after the end of practice. Ms Medel had just signed off wishing everyone a happy weekend. “What?” the twins asked angelically and Kurt looked suspiciously at them.
“You filmed us? streamed us live?” Blaine asked as he looked at the mass email David sent out to everyone.
“Look at the comments.” Kurt sighed as he read the comments praising his and Reed’s singing.
“They liked it.!” Reed said happily and immediately blushed.” Of course, they did.” Shane said and smiled and kissed his boyfriend.
“They are mostly fangirls” Bailey said as he read the comments. It is full of “ Who is Dalton Academy. “Alice and White Rabbit and DoorMouse and Knave singing? are they supposed to be names?”
“We do have names you know” Kurt shrieked at the camera and everyone winced.
“They think we are all gay.” Derek frowned “Never mind they saw they the two of you dancing together” and David and Katherine smiled.
“I have been spotted.” Julian said “Shirtless” commented Logan as he scrolled through the comments of his boyfriend.
“They make no sense.” Dwight said and everyone looked up at the right-hand corner of the screen.” Umm.” Kurt said in askance.
“ Oh, we must have linked our group chat with the Warblers one.” Wes and David said sheepishly as Katherine laughed at them.”
“Forget about me, we need to conduct an exorcism.” Dwight said from the screen, “ Han can you track the IP address of Julian’sno1fanXXO1, they seem to have lost motor control. The messages make no sense trying to read the series of 1s and random words.”
“Ok then.” laughed Blaine before Dwight could suggest any more ideas.” We need to go” and everyone commented the same.
“Until next time” smiled twins.
”Ok.” agreed Derek, “Though if you plan to live stream again to do tell in advance so that I can dress appropriately, there were no comments about me” and Julian laughed and ended the call.
Prompt from Islay on plurk: So because Reed pulled rank on Shane does this mean we can get some fics where Reed pulls Shane into corners to make out and says he gets to do this but Shane doesn't because he's the senior.
“Shush.” Reed admonishes in between kisses as Shane moans against him “We’re not supposed to be here. Are you trying to get us caught.”
“No-“Shane stutters as his boyfriend kisses down his throat and nips gently at his Adam’s apple. He bucks into Reed’s thigh trying to find purchase, anything to soothe the ache of his cock but Reed smiles wickedly and moves away. “It’s not gonna be so easy.” He says teasingly and trails his hand down Shane’s chest, finger nails catching against Shane’s pebbled nipple.
“You’re gonna have to work for it.” He whispers against Shane’s ear, his breath ticklish against the soft skin of his boyfriend’s ear.
“I got you.” Reed whispered confidently, trailing his fingers along Shane’s length and Shane shudders wondering what has happened to sweet, innocent boyfriend.
“You seem to be distracted.” Reed whispers conversationally while doing wicked things to Shane’s cock, his fingers trailing on the clothed length; tracing, teasing and Shane can feel the touch to his bones and he wants more.
“What-“ Shane chokes out and smiles “You pulling rank is so hot.” and Reed grins and kisses him hard, all teeth and tongue; searching, biting, licking, exploring as his hands have finally, finally stopped teasing and have slowly started pulling down the pant zip.
“Yes.” Shane groans and Reed pauses and looks at him. “What did I say Shane?” he sternly asks. “To keep quiet.” His boyfriend chokes out. “Very good.” Reed praises and kisses his boyfriend. “But are you doing that?” he asks as his fingers slowly pull down the zip of the regulation trousers.
“No. no.” Shane chokes and bucks into air as Reed looks back at him. “No what, Baby.” He teasingly asks as his fingers dance over Shane’s trouser’s waistband. “Sir.” Shane chokes out. “Sir.”
And Reed smiles brilliantly,”Good boy .” and slowly draws down Shane’s trousers. “Remember your promise honey.” and reaches out and cups Shane fully and Shane melts in reply, letting out small whimpers, unable to do anything as his boyfriend has got him exactly where he wanted: in his grasp with no way to run.
And Shane loves his boyfriend and he so dearly wants to come “ Please I need.” Shane chokes out softly.” I know hun.” Reed whispers “But you’re such a good boy so I want you to hold on.” and Shane whimpers. “Little bit more hun, just hold on .” I know you can do it.” Reed whispers trailing kisses along Shane’s jaws kissing softly, slowly as his hand finally cups Shane through his underwear while the other secures Shane against the South and Main school wall and his boyfriend bucks into his hand. “So close, so close.” Shane chants as Reed kisses him wetly, bucking himself against his boyfriend grinding own hard cock against Shane’s thigh.
“I need. I need.” Shane sobs desperately and Reed notices that his boyfriend his on edge. He gives Shane’s cock one final graze with his fingers teasing veins and with a quick twist to the head, he looks carefully into boyfriend’s eyes and whispers “Come.” and Shane groans gratefully and does what his boyfriend asked, spilling his come into Reed’s waiting hand.
When Shane comes to, he finds himself in his boyfriend’s arms. “How are you?” Reed asks softly, wiping Shane’s face with a wet hanky. “I am fine.” Shane whispers and smiles up at his boyfriend, “Thank you. That was-“
“Not too much I hope.” Reed asks worriedly. “No it was perfect.” Shane smiles.
“Ok then.” Reed says kissing his boyfriend‘s cheek and handing him an apple. “Eat that, you need your strength because I ‘m not done with you yet .” and Shane moans in anticipation and pulls his boyfriend down to kiss him.
“As you must be aware the High school’s science department is hosting a yearlong national symposium on the “Glow cloud: Uses and benefits, discuss.” The Mayor is extremely pleased as the incoming influx of people for the year long symposium means added business for Nightvale and we should all be courteous and welcoming.
“Welcome to Nightvale, welcome to warm people and screams in the dark and yes the routine twelve o’clock screams heralds a brand new day. Welcome to Nightvale, well the people are friendly and our dogs too and you’ll do us a good favour by donating a few of your fingers. You don’t need all 10 just ask Mrs Taylor down by the parking lot.”
“Reed. Reed, gloriously perfect Reed.”
“Such a benefit indeed!. And be warned this particular point has already been copyrighted by me, so it cant be used by any of you in the mandatory required presentation to be delivered tomorrow.”
“Yes that right tomorrow.”
“I met Reed when I dropped by to register for the debate and Mr Vankamp looked particularly delicious as he flitted about helping the students set up. He then spent the rest of the day taking photos, even though he should have been taking a photo of himself.”
“His blond curls lit up beautifully in the setting sun and he looked like an angel. Way better than the ones that reside in Elm Street. But he’s not an angel. He’s from California so the Clan Birmingham from Elm Street can stop claiming him as one of theirs.”
“He’s mine.”
“And now a message from the Principal of the Nightvale High School.
(Static)
“Yes dear listeners that’s the message, its 17 minutes long.”
(Static)
“And that’s all for today folks. We are cutting short the Principal’s speech and will be airing it live tomorrow when he comes down to the station to give the speech.”
‘The sky is lilac with a hint of thunderstorms and I wish you all good night.”
