5YL the Adventure Begins

Part 53

With as big of a day as it was and how he felt the night before, Blaine was relatively relaxed that morning. While there was plenty going on around him, he was content in his own little world sitting out on the deck before he had to leave. "You know Squirt; if I didn't know better I'd believe you were going to school." Cooper said to him as he made his way outside, clearly catching Blaine's attention. "The only thing missing is a tie and that infamous blazer."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Really, so you're merely wearing a white dress shirt and grey pants for the hell of it."

"Maybe." Blaine replied, though he was slightly shocked that Cooper of all people noticed how he was dressed. With that being the case, he knew he needed convince him to not mention it again. "Could you not mention the coincidence though?"

"Maybe, and not mention…what are you up to little brother?" Cooper asked as he moved a chair and sat directly in front of him. "Blainey, what's going on?"

"I…" Blaine then looked around as there were plenty of people in the house and he knew Sebastian and Jeff would be over shortly. "…might have something special planned for today as a bit of a thank you to my friends."

"Such as?"

"Coop, Bas and Jeff could be here at any moment so I really can't say."

"Yet, I got kicked out of the house because you were all working on something yesterday."

"Yes, as they are joining me for a number, but they don't know about any of my other plans." When Cooper sat back in his chair, Blaine could tell he was thinking about what it might be. "After we get home, I will explain everything to you if you still have questions, but not till then." Before Cooper had a chance to object, Tess came walking out onto the deck telling him it was time for them to leave. "Cooper, please don't say anything."

"Don't worry, I won't. I'll see you soon." Blaine smiled in response as he got up from his seat and headed towards Tess. Once he disappeared into the house, Patrick made his way outside and joined Cooper. "Aren't you and Mom going with?"

"No, as the next several hours are going to be a bit crazy for Blaine." Patrick told him. "We'll be there in time for him to perform. Are you going to leave soon as I know you have a ticket for the whole thing?"

"I'll be leaving in a bit." Cooper told him. "Do you have any idea what Blaine has planned for today?"

"I don't and neither does your Mom as he's been keeping things to himself. Now, are the two of you going to get to see one another when he's in LA?"

"If our schedules work, yes." Cooper replied. "From what he knows, he's going to be kept quite busy while he's in town. All of this is happening so quickly Dad."

"That's something we're well aware of." Patrick said in response. "But your brother is in good hands Cooper. They're doing what they can to make this transition as smooth as possible for him. One of the things that helps is that Blaine isn't letting this all go to his head."

"That wouldn't be him Dad."

"We know that, but success of this nature can change people. Think about it Cooper, most people probably find it hard to believe how modest Blaine is considering how he comes alive on stage."

"Yes and no, as from the things I've read, most adore how shy he seems off of the stage. It's really only the pessimists that think it's an act, but those people look for the worst in everyone. Little to do they realize that's who Blaine is." When his Dad tilted his head, Cooper smiled. "Tempted as you are to read his press Dad, it's best you and Mom stay away from it. Keep to the stuff you get from him or Sebastian."

"Is it really that bad?"

"I won't necessarily use the word bad, as honestly most people love him. It's more about you guys running across the comments on some articles."

"Blaine and Sebastian told us the same thing. Hell, even they try to stay away from most of the things written about him." Patrick told him. "Do you think things are going to be awkward for Sebastian once he starts school again?"

"It depends." Cooper replied. "I'm sure those that know him, know well enough not to mess with him. As for those that don't, they'll learn quickly not to. Let's not forget he's got one of his best friends at school with him."

"True, and if things get a bit crazy Scott mentioned that there is something in place should it be needed."

"It's as you said Dad, they seem to have everything under control, including looking out for Blaine's boyfriend. Though, that makes sense as the last thing they need is Blaine worrying about him." Patrick nodded as that was the same thing he and Kate thought about. Plus as Cooper had mentioned, Sebastian has one of those demeanors where if you don't know him, he comes off as someone not to cross. "By the way, I'm really sorry for flipping out the way I did the other night. I know it was the last thing you and Mom needed, or Blaine for that matter."

"It's alright; you needed to get it out of your system like the rest of us. It wasn't easy for any of us to hear, or for Blaine to deal with in the moment. We simply have to remember that we'll get through this together, much as we did when it happened."

While they were talking, Blaine and the others were on their way to the festival which had already begun. If Sebastian noticed anything about the way Blaine was dressed, he was keeping his comments to himself. For a duo that usually spoke quite a bit, their ride that morning was rather quiet as they simply held hands and exchanged glances. Once they arrived, Sebastian took note of the numerous garment bags that were being unloaded which was a bit unusual. Considering it was going to be a long day, their bus was on the premises instead of being parked off-site. "Are you coming to the meet and greet or are you taking in the festival?" Blaine asked once they were safely ensconced on the bus away from prying eyes and ears.

"Part of me wants to come, while the other wants to check out the festival." Sebastian replied as he caressed Blaine's cheek.

"If you want to go hear everyone, it's not going to bother me Bas." Blaine told him as they looked at one another. "The meet and greet this time around is going to be longer, no reason for you to stand around when there are so many great acts to hear." When Sebastian's eyes closed, Blaine moved up on his toes and gave him a kiss. "I mean it Bas. Go and enjoy yourself, just make sure you're to the main stage prior to me going on."

"Like I'd miss you performing." Sebastian told him with a gentle brush of his thumb against Blaine's cheek bone. "Are you sure?"

"I'm positive, and take Jeff with you as I'm sure everyone else is already here aside from the parents."

"Alright, but text me if you need me and I'll get here as quickly as I can."

"Deal." After Blaine spoke, Sebastian leaned down to kiss him. "You won't have to share me much longer."

"Good, as I'm going to be quite greedy once I don't. I love you B."

"I love you too Bas, now go have fun!" Sebastian kissed him once more before exiting the bus and Blaine wasn't surprised that moments later he poked his head back in. "He's going with you for my sanity Bas." Blaine told him without a word said as Scott felt it best of Sebastian was accompanied while out in the crowd given how some people had reacted. Sebastian nodded before exiting the bus once again and heading on his way along with Jeff. Blaine knew they were gone when Morgan and Talia came walking back on board with bags in hand. "Did they try and convince Scott that it wasn't necessary?"

"Surprisingly, no." Morgan replied while unzipping the garment bag. "I think they know better than to question a security decision Scott has made." Blaine smiled as he sat down in one of the captain's chairs. "Also, Jeff has no idea why I needed his blazer."

"Are you going to let me see?"

"Of course." She told him as she took the blazer off the hanger. Considering it was quite warm out still, no one would realize she was dressed the way she was for a specific reason with the tank and short shorts. The moment she put the blazer on and overlapped it a bit, a smile crept to Blaine's face. Then once she added the belt to cinch it, the smile grew. "What do you think?"

"It's perfect." Blaine replied as he took in her new dress. "Jeff's going to love it, as will most anyone with a pulse." He then looked over at Talia, who was wearing a cute plaid skirt with a knotted white blouse. "I take it you're adding the tie when she changes?"

"Yes." She told him. "And Justin has his tie all set to go, which shouldn't look too out of place since he often wears one on stage. Does your new blazer fit better?"

"It does, now I can move my arms." Blaine said to them. "I had no idea my shoulders had gotten that much bigger till I tried to put my old blazer on. It would've been impossible to move in it. I even tried on one of Bas's but it was way too long on me."

"That's something I understand." Morgan told him. "Mrs. Sterling grabbed one of Jeff's blazers from his senior year and it was quite a bit bigger than the one I'm currently wearing. It not only went up in size, but went from a regular to a long."

"Does he have any idea?" Morgan shook her head before asking him the same thing in regards to Sebastian.

"Not that I know of, but Cooper did comment on my attire this morning." Blaine replied. "I don't know how I'm going to thank you guys for doing this?"

"You don't need to." Talia told him. "We've told you numerous times, that this has been fun as we like changing things up. Plus with all we've found out, we're more than happy to do this. They sounded incredible in rehearsal."

"She's right, they did. We were all talking this morning and hoped they didn't catch us staring." Morgan added to which Blaine shook his head as no one had mentioned anything to him. "Do you mind us asking why you didn't ask your other group of friends to sing with you?"

"This might sound silly, but it would've felt wrong without Rachel. But, since they'll be up front I'm going to ask them to come up during it. I figured once you're all playing it will be more about having them close than singing. Not that they aren't good, it's just a different dynamic along with what I first said. I'm going to ask them to come up shortly after Bas makes his appearance."

"Got it." While Morgan spoke, Justin and Todd made their way onto the bus and couldn't help notice their playful demeanor.

"Did we miss something besides…wow, you look great Morgan!" Todd stated as she turned to face them.

"Thank you, and no, you really didn't miss anything."

"How is everything outside?" Blaine asked as she removed the blazer and hung it back up for later.

"Crazy." Justin told him. "Cole radioed into Scott that he's already had to keep people away from Sebastian." When Blaine shook his head the rest of them smiled. "You should also know, according to him, the rest of your friends are helping keep people from him so he can enjoy himself."

"Good, as he should be able to enjoy himself. Now, how about we run through those numbers while we have a bit of time?" Once he spoke, the rest of them grabbed what they needed so they could run through the new numbers one last time before heading to the meet and greet.

While they rehearsed and did their meet and greet, Sebastian and the others were out enjoying the festival. Slowly but surely they all started to meet up the closer it came to his performance time. With badges around their necks, they were able to their way passed everyone else towards the VIP area near the front of the stage. When Sebastian was about to head back stage, Cole stopped him earning him a look of confusion from Sebastian. "Sorry Sebastian, Blaine wants you watching from out here."

"If that's what he wanted, why didn't he say something to me earlier?" From his tone, it was obvious he was frustrated which Cole understood. Normally Marcus accompanied Sebastian in these situations, but with as crazy as things were, they were both staying with Blaine. "Cole?"

"I honestly don't have an answer for you Sebastian. All I can tell you is that Scott radioed in to me asking me to keep you out here until you all join him." Cole wasn't even done talking when Sebastian took his phone out of his pocket to call Blaine. "You won't be able to reach him; Tess already took his phone so he can focus."

"This is bullshit!" Sebastian exclaimed loud enough that their entire group of friends turned to look at him, causing Jeff and Wes to come walking over to him. It only took one look from the two of them for him to begin to pace. "Don't even tell me to calm down when you don't know what the fuck is going on!" With that statement, Jeff turned to Cole and asked what was going on as at that moment getting an answer from Sebastian would be pointless.

Once he was done talking, Wes and Jeff understood as they knew Sebastian had been looking forward to seeing Blaine beforehand. "You know he doesn't do anything without a reason Sebastian." Wes said as calmly as he could while Jeff tried to call Morgan to get some answers. "Sebastian, you need to trust him."

"I do fucking trust him! This has nothing to do with trust!" The moment the words left his mouth, Sebastian noticed people outside of their friends looking at him. "I…I need to see him Wes." Sebastian said, this time much calmer and quieter.

"I understand that Sebastian, but right now you need to calm down as the last thing Blaine needs to find out is that his request upset you." While he spoke, Wes placed his hand on Sebastian arm, hoping to ground him in some manner. It seemed to work as Sebastian began taking slow, cleansing breaths. "Feeling a bit better?" Sebastian nodded. "You know, it probably has something to do with the surprise he's been planning."

"Probably, I'd just gotten used to seeing him before he goes on and was looking forward to it."

"Well, you can tell him once he's done tonight." Wes then looked over at Jeff who'd been rather quiet. "Let me guess, she doesn't have her phone either?"

"No, I actually called Scott who told me we'd understand soon enough." Jeff told them. "So, whatever Blaine has planned, it's huge." Once he was done speaking, he began to laugh causing Sebastian and Wes to give him a funny look. "Turn around, you'll understand." The moment the two did, they saw Thad making introductions between his parents and Rachel's. "Talk about an interesting setting for this to happen." Jeff said though his laughter. "Emerson looks to be enjoying herself, while Zack looks mortified."

"That's because he knows it could very well be him." Wes said in response. "Introducing the parents is never easy."

"Not only is he doing it without her, but here of all places." Sebastian added about the awkward situation. "At least B's parents are here and they know both parties. Still, Rachel's going to need to make this up to him, big time."

While they were watching this happen, Blaine was standing in the wings watching the stage be set up for him. "I know keeping him out there, is hard." Morgan said as she slid her arm around him and then rested her head on his shoulder. "I want to see Jeff too." Blaine looked to the side and gave her a kiss. "You know, I believe after this show is done, he's not going to be able to keep his hands off of you. While it's quite the homage to your friends, it's also quite the love letter to Sebastian. Some of these songs we haven't played since before we graduated."

"I know. Here's hoping the audience loves them as much as we do." Blaine then looked to the side where his blazer and tie hung along with Morgan's blazer. "I didn't get ahead of myself, did I?"

"Not in the slightest, as you know we would've spoken up if we felt you were taking on or trying to do too much." The words were leaving her mouth when Tess came over to get them so the five of them could have their moment as they were soon going to be introduced. Once they were together, Blaine looked at Justin who was adjusting his tie, bringing a smile to Blaine's face as he was wearing one of the Dalton ties. With Vincent in the house, he spoke first, but ever so briefly so that Blaine had time to say what he wanted. Blaine was finishing up when they heard the crowd erupt, letting them know it was almost time.

Much like his other shows, Blaine's band took the stage before he made his way out. The wall of sound that hit him when he did honestly shocked him as it was unlike anything he'd experienced. After grabbing his guitar from the stand, he looked out into the crowd and found Sebastian front and center, flanked by their families and friends. He mouthed a simple I love you to him before stepping up to the microphone so he could begin. Blaine's little gesture didn't go unnoticed by those around Sebastian as more than a few of the guys were teasing him, including Cooper. Yet before they could get too caught up in it, Blaine jumped right into his first single.

To say it had been awhile since most of the parents had been to something of this nature, was an understatement as the wall of sound hit them. Though once they adjusted they were truly able to take in what was happening around him. From the moment the first lyric left Blaine's lips, the crowd had been singing a long, including all of his friends. From around them they not only noticed people recording the performance, but also taking pictures of those up front. If there was any doubt that people knew Blaine and Sebastian were together, it was gone the way people were snapping shots of him singing every word.

During the first part of his set, it wasn't anything too ground breaking as he played songs most everyone was familiar with. Then once he switched to the acoustic part, Blaine started it off with the song that started it all, More. For one of the first times that night, the crowd wasn't singing, they were simply enjoying what they were hearing. The only one singing was Sebastian as he remembered the moment all too well. And his friends were more than aware of the first time they'd heard it as well. Throughout his acoustic set, he played more than a few songs that tugged at Sebastian's heart strings. During each one, he locked eyes with Sebastian on more than a few occasions. Even though he hadn't explained ahead of time, he was realizing why Blaine wanted him out in the crowd.

Once he finished that set and went back to the more upbeat version portion, and this time started with his second single. Things hadn't changed too much, yet those that had seen Blaine in concert before might've noticed all the looks being exchanged between him and his band. After finishing one particular number, Jeff looked over at Sebastian as Morgan had made her way off of the stage, as did Talia. "What's going on?"

"I have no idea."

While Sebastian spoke, Blaine was drinking from a bottle of water. "I know I haven't been as chatty as normal tonight." Blaine said into the microphone which was very true. "But, that's because I was afraid if I did start talking, I'd end up saying too much since this is a homecoming of sorts for me." Once he said that, the crowd erupted once again. He was about to start speaking when Morgan reappeared and the crowd went wild again causing Blaine to look out to Jeff's whose mouth was wide open as he stared. "With that being the case, I hope you won't mind me indulging in some of my favorite songs." While he was speaking he set his guitar down, and as he did, Talia made her way out carrying a blazer and tie.

The moment he began to put on the tie and then slip on the blazer, all of his friends were exchanging looks as the crowd cheered. Even though he didn't want to take his eyes off of him, Sebastian looked back and noticed a bunch of the Warblers he'd met right behind VIP going crazy with what they were seeing. "Now, I'm not going to explain exactly what each of these songs mean to me beyond they have a special place in my heart. But there is a select group of individuals present this evening that will understand."

From there, Blaine didn't waste any time and jumped right into Dark Side. Since it was rare he only sang, the fact that he was without his guitar didn't go unnoticed. Then seamlessly, they transitioned into Uptown Girl, which had looks being exchanged once again. Nick was in utter shock, but the moment he looked at Jeff who was looking at Sebastian, the pieces began to fall into place. Just when they thought they understood Blaine's mindset, he jumped into a pre-Sebastian number, Misery. He was about halfway through when the crowd erupted as a special guest joined him up on stage. Those that hadn't been in Maryland were in utter shock as they had no idea that the two knew one another.

By the time they were done, Adam disappeared and Blaine removed his blazer and handed it off to Talia who hung it up behind her. Considering the numbers he'd done up until that point were Warbler numbers, they assumed the removal of the blazer meant he was going to do something from his time at McKinley. Shortly after it was handed off, all too familiar guitar chords began and Last Friday Night began. The smiles Sebastian saw come to the faces of his McKinley friends was all he needed to see, as no doubt they believed Blaine was only going to go back to his time at Dalton.

The song was halfway done when Scott made his way into VIP and escorted Sebastian backstage. At this point Sebastian wasn't going to be asking questions, he was simply going with the flow. Shortly after they reached the wings, the song finished and Sebastian watched as Blaine took a drink while making his way over to the baby grand that was on stage. He'd played it a couple of times already, yet from the moment he'd put the blazer on, Sebastian didn't know what to expect next. Sebastian was about to ask Scott if he knew what was next when Blaine began once again, this time singing Don't Stop Me Now. Blaine wasn't even a third of the way through and Sebastian couldn't believe what he was seeing. While watching him and Justin have fun during the major guitar riff, he was grateful for the bottle of water he had in hand as he felt himself getting a bit warm.

While the crowd cheered once it ended, Blaine looked over to the wings where Sebastian was standing and cheering enthusiastically. It only took one good look at him and Sebastian could tell that Blaine was going to crash the moment he came off this adrenaline high. Taking in the volume of the crowd, Blaine made his way over to the wing and took ahold of Sebastian's hand. "Having any doubts?" Blaine asked while running his other hand through his damp curls. "Now is your chance to back out as I can easily sing the line and they won't know any different."

"Absolutely not." Sebastian replied before leaning down to kiss him. "I love you so much Blaine!"

"I love you too Sebastian!" Blaine moved up onto his toes for another kiss, but it ended when Vincent tapped him on the shoulder as the crowd was chanting for him. "I guess it's time for my unofficial encore."

"Do you even have enough songs left for an encore?"

"Of course, I'm a professional." Blaine told him before kissing him once more. "See you soon."

"See you on that stage soon Killer." Sebastian then gave him a playful slap on the ass before he made his way back on stage to the delight of the crowd. The moment Blaine began making his way back onto the stage, his band began to play and one of the techs handed him his guitar so he didn't have to stop on his way to the microphone.

What would you think if I sang out of tune

Would you stand up and walk out on me?

Once Blaine began to sing, the guys made their way up the steps at the front of the stage confusing those around them.

Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song

And I'll try not to sing out of key

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Mm I get high with a little help from my friends

Mm going to try with a little help from my friends

What do I do when my love is away?

(Does it worry you to be alone?) - Warblers

How do you feel by the end of the day?

(Are you sad because you're on your own?) - Warblers

No I get by with a little help from my friends – all

Mm I get high with a little help from my friends

Mm going to try with a little help from my friends

At this point it was obvious to those on stage as well as family and friends in the crowd that Sebastian was missing. Not that they didn't understand why he might be, but what would be the point considering they were no longer shy about their relationship.

(Do you need anybody?) – Warblers

I need somebody to love

(Could it be anybody?) – Warblers

I want somebody to love

(Would you believe in a love at first sight?) – Warblers

While the Warblers sung this line, Sebastian made his way out onto the stage much to the delight of the crowd.

Yes I'm certain it happens all the time – Sebastian

(What do you see when you turn out the lights?) – Warblers

I can't tell you, but I know it's mine – Sebastian & Blaine

When Sebastian sung his verse he'd made his way next to Blaine who was looking up at him as they sang together.

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends – All

As the song progressed, it wasn't much longer till Blaine motioned for the rest of his friends to make their way onto the stage with him. It was clear Blaine had spoken with his team ahead of time as they were able to get Artie onto the stage along with the others without issue. By the time everyone was on stage, Blaine looked towards Morgan who looked more than content as Jeff had made his way towards her. They repeated the end verse a couple of times and as they did, the crowd joined in as well. Tempting as it was to hold Blaine in that moment, Sebastian knew it would be overkill and the media cover the show already had enough to go with.

After his friends left the stage, Blaine and his band played the remainder of their encore as everyone else got settled in the wings. They were no sooner out of sight did Sebastian get a gentle shove from Jeff. "That was the plan all along, wasn't it?" Sebastian nodded. "No wonder, the two of you didn't say anything to us."

"It gave us an out if we wanted to take it. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to enjoy the rest of B's set." That was a response none of them could argue with as they wanted to enjoy it as well. While Blaine had put on great shows in the past, he topped himself this time around. And while he knew they all had more questions, they could wait till the concert was over.

Song : With A Little Help From My Friends, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney