5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 11
Although he was initially concerned about Sebastian's reaction to his plan, once they came to an understanding, it allowed Blaine to get Sebastian's input without fear of judgment. With them now being on the same page in that regard, it allowed them to enjoy the remainder of their weekend, before the craziness of premiere week began. Normally Blaine was the one to drive them back into the city, yet since he had an early call time on Monday, they left a bit earlier than usual and Sebastian drove. "Since I'll be spending a majority of the week in the library with Hunter, and you have crazy hours, it's probably best if we fend for ourselves when it comes to meals." Sebastian said to him as Blaine looked for something for them to listen to. "I know it's not what you prefer, nor me, but…"
"The week doesn't necessarily align to eating together." Blaine finished for him, before starting a new playlist. "Makes sense. Thankfully the premiere didn't coincide with finals for you. I mean, you'll still be studying but, you won't be as stressed."
"There might be a fine line for that this time around Killer. Relieved as I am that these are my last ones, I also know what's in store for me once it's over."
"Hence why we're getting away afterwards, so you have a chance to decompress before things get rolling again." Blaine replied while reaching over and placing his hand on his thigh. "It feels like we just got home."
"We did in a sense, but that trip was a bit more impromptu. This one has been planned theoretically since we returned from our honeymoon. And I intend on making the most of this trip since I won't always be able to join you for shows this summer."
"Much as I'm looking forward to getting on stage again, it's crept up on me quicker than I thought it would. It's part of the reason why this week is so crazy. Outside of all the premiere stuff, I need to put together a set list, plus schedule rehearsals as some numbers we haven't played for months." The more Blaine spoke, a hint of stress was evident in his voice, which caused Sebastian to take ahold of his hand and bring it to his lips for a kiss before setting it back on his thigh.
"You'll figure it out Killer, you always do."
"I wish I had as much faith in myself sometimes as you have in me."
"It goes both ways B, trust me as your belief in me has pulled me through more situations than you realize." Sebastian then glanced over at him and saw he was looking at him. "Now that I'm graduating, we should probably start talking a bit more seriously about another matter, so…"
"Timing wise I'm not heading off on tour when we're both going to be needed." Sebastian nodded. "I've been thinking about that too, especially since I'm making more headway on my album." Blaine told him. "And this time around I won't be as blindside by everything it entails. Though be forewarned, Vincent said the tour will probably contain more dates now that I've made quite the name for myself."
"Not surprising, as now he and the label have a better idea of what to expect regarding demand as well. It was a learning experience for everyone. All I ask, is that you're home for major holidays since I won't be able to get away as often since I'll be working."
"It's already been taken into account, but I'll make sure to remind Vincent when the time comes to plan dates out."
"That's all I ask."
"I promise that you being unable to travel with me, will be taken into account." Blaine assured him. "Being apart from you is my least favorite part of touring, and I know it's only going to get harder once we have a family. But I won't be the first artist to plan their tour around being able to spend time with their family, nor the last. Important as I know touring is in regards to my career, it will never be more important than you and our family."
"I might need a reminder of that once in a while." Sebastian told him which Blaine replied it wouldn't be an issue. "And over time I'll have more vacation time at my disposal, which would allow me, us, to join you more often. All the more reason to set my sights high, even if it means more work. Though work proved a good distraction when you're on the road."
"I have no doubt you'll accomplish whatever you set your sights on and I will support you every step of the way, just as you have done for me. You said it yourself, together, we're unstoppable."
"Damn straight." Sebastian then shot him a wink which made Blaine's smile grow. "Before I forget, when I was on the phone with my Dad earlier, my Mom piped up that she'd like you to give her a call to go over some things pertaining my graduation."
"I can do that." Blaine replied as he took his phone out of his pocket to make a note to do so. "I have a break in my schedule tomorrow to give her a call. You still want things low-key, right?"
"Yes, you can make a bit of a fuss, but I don't want you going overboard."
"Just wanted to make sure." Blaine said to him, a hint of sadness in his voice. The next thing he felt was Sebastian give his hand a squeeze. "What?"
"Why do you want to throw a big party?"
"Because I'm ridiculously proud of you and want to celebrate all you've accomplished."
"I prefer to celebrate with you in private."
"Bas."
"B." Sebastian's tone was enough to make his husband laugh. "I'm not going to deny that I prefer our private celebrations."
"Nor do I, but this is a big moment which deserves proper acknowledgement with those who love and support you."
"Fair enough, just…"
"I won't go too over the top, I promise."
"Then I leave it in your capable hands, though keep in mind, it now means you have to rein in my Mom."
"Not an issue, as she and I have already discussed preliminary plans."
Easy as it would've been for them to talk the entire drive home, Blaine knew he needed to get some sleep as his alarm would be going off before he knew it. With that said, Sebastian changed the playlist to something purely instrumental so they each weren't tempted to sing along. Once Blaine was asleep beside him, Sebastian could only hope traffic would clear up shortly as he couldn't wait to get home so they could go to bed, knowing they each needed their rest. While traffic did clear up, Sebastian was caught a bit off-guard upon turning onto their block and seeing someone standing on their front steps. He was about to call the local police station when he recognized the person waiting, was Cooper.
Upon parking the car and making their way in, it didn't take them long to let Cooper inside. "What brings you by at this hour Coop?" Blaine asked after yawning as they headed into the living room.
"It's not that late Squirt." Cooper replied as he took a seat.
"True, but I have to be up at four." Blaine said in response as Sebastian gently rubbed his back.
"For what?"
"Uh, you're doing the show tomorrow too."
"I know that, but I don't have to be up that early."
"That's because you don't have to get your gear set-up and go through sound check." Blaine told him, which caused Cooper to rub the back of his neck, clearly feeling like an idiot at the moment. "When is your car coming to get you guys?"
"Six."
"We'll have already have been there for an hour at that point."
"While you two could probably go round and round about this, what brings you by Cooper?" Sebastian asked as Blaine curled up against him.
"I wanted to see the two of you, make sure you were alright."
"Let me guess, you spoke with Mom and Dad recently." Blaine replied to which Cooper nodded. "We've got it handled."
"Little brother."
"It's taken care of Coop, trust me. Where is Whitney?"
"Back at the hotel. This is a bit of a working trip for her as she's dressing two of my co-stars. So, she's making sure every outfit is laid out and numbered for the numerous changes that'll happen." Cooper told them. "Seriously though, how are the two of you as Dad said Hummel crossed a line on Friday?"
"We're okay." Sebastian told him. "Initially we were shocked for obvious reason, but once we wrapped our heads around it, it showed just how desperate he's become."
"Our Dad said something similar. It seems each time he has to go before the judge, he manages to stoop lower if it's possible." Cooper then tilted his head to the side upon noticing Blaine's eyes were closed. "How much of the drive was he asleep for?" He asked, his voice softer than it was previously now that he saw his brother had fallen back to sleep.
"A little more than an hour." Sebastian said as he tightened his hold around him slightly. "I'm surprised you're awake given you flew in from London."
"My internal clock is completely screwed up. I wish I had the ability to fall asleep as easily as Blaine can."
"I'm pretty sure that's a sentiment plenty share, and it saved him on tour as those were some crazy hours." Sebastian told him. "How is Whitney handling everything which is going on while planning your wedding?"
"Lots of help from her Mom, my Mom, and her maid of honor. More times than I can count I wonder if we made the wrong choice regarding the date. What do you think?"
"You're asking me?" Sebastian said with a soft laugh. "Do you not remember the chaos surrounding our wedding?"
"Good point, but it allowed you to keep it private." Cooper replied. "Honestly, how are you two handling everything as I know I haven't necessarily been as present as I should be?"
"We're okay, and you've been rightly distracted. This is a big time for you, in more ways than one, we get it. Whenever B's needed you, you've been there for him."
"Hasn't felt like it."
"Coop, you know he doesn't easily open up to anyone."
"Outside of you." Sebastian gave him a half-hearted smile before pressing a kiss atop Blaine's head. "You really are perfect for him."
"And he me, as we each understand we're far from perfect, but love each other unconditionally."
"Which is how it should be." Cooper said in response, before softly chuckling, thinking back to the first moment the two met. "Did you ever think back when we first met, we'd be at this place?"
"If you mean me married to B, no as in that moment everything was still so new, though it felt right in a way I'd never felt. But if you're referring to us getting along after we butted heads the way we did, yes. Each of us only acted that way because we care for Blaine."
"True. I think that's where some of my issues stem from, as I wasn't there for Blaine when he needed me most. It's still hard for me to fathom our Dad figured out things weren't right first, even before our Mom."
"Per B's therapist, whom I've had a few sessions with myself, don't blame yourself for what happened. B kept what was going on to himself."
"Yet…"
"Cooper, could you honestly ever imagine Hummel of all people hurting B that way?" Once Cooper shook his head, he sighed. "That's why. It's why Rachel, Santana, Sam, Wes…all missed it. And for the record, your Dad didn't necessarily see it first, but he handled that situation differently."
"Probably because he disliked Hummel from the jump, while the rest of us tried to give him a chance for Blaine's sake. At least those of us who weren't already friendly with him. I just hate that he's still able to hurt him after all these years."
"I do too, but it's not the same."
"I know, but…"
"He's still hurting him regardless, merely using different methods. But right now, isn't the time to talk about it, as B wants to focus on everything that's going on with you, and then after that, my graduation. He doesn't want to dwell on all the shit going on with Hummel."
"He can't ignore it Sebastian."
"I promise you, he's not, but he's not letting it run his life either." Sebastian assured him. "And just because happier things are B's focus, doesn't mean he's taking what's going on lightly."
"What don't I know Sebastian?"
"I'm sure, plenty." Sebastian teased, earning a shake of the head from Cooper. "Seriously though, outside of me, B doesn't talk about what's going on in his head regarding Hummel, because he doesn't want to pull people further into this mess. B got himself into it, he's going to get himself out, and that's all I'm going to say on the matter."
"Sebastian."
"Cooper, I love Blaine with every ounce of my being, I'll be the first person to stop him should he try to do something he shouldn't." Once he cocked his head, Cooper sat back a bit in his seat. "Better. Now, much as I've enjoyed your company, you need to go as I need to get my hubby up to bed. Not to mention, you should probably get some sleep too given you've got a longer day ahead of you than B."
"While I'm not necessarily tired, you're probably right." Cooper replied before getting up out of the chair. "Am I going to be seeing you at all tomorrow?"
"Probably not. Unless you and B schedule something, I probably won't see you again till the premiere. Though, we won't actually get to talk till the after party."
"Don't remind me. I have a new appreciate of all the promotional touring B did, and mine isn't even close to the same extent."
"Because you are part of an ensemble, so you're not having to carry it on your back." Sebastian replied.
"Good point." Cooper said as Sebastian carefully slipped out from behind Blaine. "With all that said, I will see you on Thursday, and…you remember we've got plans with our parents on Friday after..."
"You and B make another appearance, I know." Sebastian replied as the two headed towards the door with Blaine asleep on the couch. "Now get, as you've got a bit of a commute back to your hotel. Give Whitney our love, and good luck Coop."
"Thank you. See you Thursday."
"See you then." Once Cooper was on his way as he was taking the subway back, Sebastian locked up before heading back to Blaine so he could take him upstairs to bed.
Due to Blaine getting sleep on the way home, when his alarm went off the next morning, he was able to turn it off before it awoke Sebastian. With Sebastian asleep beside him, Blaine carefully made his way out of bed and towards their bathroom to start getting ready. Much as he wanted a cup of coffee, he knew it needed to wait till after he performed. So hopefully he'd finish getting ready with enough time to make himself a cup of tea to tide him over in the meantime. By the time he finished getting ready as it took a tad longer than usual as he couldn't let his curls run wild, he had enough time to give Sebastian a kiss goodbye and make himself a cup of tea before Scott arrived.
Once they were settled in the back of the car, Scott turned and looked at him as he sipped on his cup of tea. "Are we going to talk now or later regarding the text you sent me on Saturday?" Scott calmly inquired.
"Later, as I'm not sure the ride will be long enough for us to discuss everything as you're going to have plenty of questions." Blaine said in response. "At least give me some credit for saying I'm going to need you and Marcus to accompany me on my trip."
"I would, but you stating you're going to need us, speaks volumes since you usually say you don't need us."
"More often than not, I don't, at least in my personal life. Though, I'm also aware there are times you're needed there too, depending on what/where Bas and I are going."
"Which is a marked improvement from where we began." Scott told him. "At least tell me where this little trip would be taking us." When Blaine simply looked at the cup in his hands, Scott cocked his head. "Blaine, you have to be upfront with me, otherwise I can't protect you."
"Ohio."
"Not to speak out of turn, but aren't you playing Columbus shortly after you and Sebastian return from your vacation." Blaine nodded. "Alright, does this have to do with foundation business?"
"No. If I was going home, I wouldn't ask you to come, as anything foundation related could be handled from home. It's for another purpose."
"Might it have to do with Santana and Wes attending your ex's hearing last Friday." Again, Blaine simply looked at his cup. "Blaine."
"It's not about Wes or Santana, it's actually about Bas."
"Now I understand why you want to do tis later." Scott replied. "I won't ask anything else, as the last thing you need is getting worked up before you need to perform."
"Thank you. Right now, let's keep our focus on what this week means for Coop." When he cocked his head again, Blaine laughed. "You should know by now, I'm not going to make any of this about me."
"Even though it is."
"To the smallest extent."
"Blaine, a soundtrack can make or break a movie."
"You sound like Bas." Blaine told him. "Know that I'm aware of that, but this movie, it's Coop's moment. It's why I spoke with him before accepting the offer. The last thing I want to do is overshadow this moment for him."
"If he's half as good as the earlier reviews are saying, I don't think that's going to be an issue."
"Here's hoping." And although the topic of conversation shifted to what was before him, Blaine was under no false assumption their conversation was finished. He meant his word when he told Scott they'd talk about it afterwards, because he knows better than anyone how unpredictable Kurt can be.
Thanks to making excellent time due to the lack of traffic at that early hour, Blaine had some time to himself before his band arrived. After giving each of the girls a hug, Blaine noticed Morgan put her hands on her hips. "You should know, it took plenty of persuading to convince my husband and his partner in crime not to hunt your sorry excuse of an ex down Friday night."
"Should I even ask why?"
"How about the fact that Wes and Santana were caught leaving the courthouse shortly before Hummel." Todd chimed in as he began unpacking his drums as times like this they preferred setting up their own gear.
"Excuse me?"
"I guess you and Sebastian didn't watch much television this weekend." Talia added in response.
"No, we didn't actually." Blaine told them. "Once we got to the Hamptons, outside of doing a bit of grocery shopping, we took it easy. Bas spent a majority of it studying, while I worked on new songs. Neither of them mentioned it to us when we spoke."
"Depending on when you spoke to them, they might not have known." Todd replied.
"After their day in court, I don't think watching television was a priority of theirs."
"It wasn't." Morgan stated. "And much as Wes tried not to talk about his day when we all got together for dinner, it was impossible to pretend he wasn't irritated. According to Jeff, it was his and Nick's first clue something was wrong, as Wes is pretty good at hiding his frustrations."
"If you knew all of us in high school, it wouldn't be surprising given how often we did things which we knew worked his nerves. How long did it take them to get what happened out of him?"
"He held up remarkably well, but caved the instant they said they'd call Thad. It seems the last thing Wes wanted to do was put Thad on the warpath."
"Given how Thad feels about Kurt, it's probably the wise choice as his issues don't only concern how he treated me, but how he treated Rachel." Blaine said as he slipped his hands in his pockets. "Did he tell you what happened?"
"In a roundabout way, yes, and needless to say Jeff and Nick were livid. Hell, us girls were too, but it didn't compare with Jeff and Nick."
"Bas wasn't the catalyst."
"I know. Jeff also told me that even though he wasn't, Sebastian still felt horrible."
"No one wants to ever wants to believe they played a part in making someone's life that bad."
"Is Sebastian alright?" Morgan asked as she reached out for his hand, which he extended to her.
"Once he got over the initial shock regarding what was mention, yes."
"How about you and don't say this doesn't affect you?"
"I'm handling it."
"Blaine."
"It's an honest answer Morgan, as I'm the reason Bas is in Kurt's crosshairs."
"No, his inability to believe the world doesn't revolve around him is the reason Sebastian's in the crossfire." Todd chimed in. "Hummel had slowly stopped bothering you outside of your divorce proceedings. You finding success in music, something he didn't think was possible, and reconnecting with Sebastian, was a proverbial slap in his face. He was wrong about you, as I firmly believe he thought you'd come crawling back to him, no offense."
"None taken."
"Yet, you moved on from him and all the pieces fell in place for you, sans him and his ego can't handle it." Todd said before moving onto his stool to ensure his drums were in tune. "So while his feelings for you certainly play into everything, way more is involved. Honestly, right now he sees you as the prize he lost and Sebastian won." Almost instantly Blaine laughed. "What's so funny?"
"That's not the first time I've heard that analogy, it actually goes all the way back to high school."
"Doesn't surprise me in the slightest, especially given how Sebastian and Hummel have gone at each other. And much as I would love to continue to trash your ex, now is not the time nor place, too many ears."
"I was actually going to mention that." Blaine then gave Morgan's hand a squeeze. "Thank you for stopping Jeff and Nick, as I empathize with how they felt. On a slightly different subject, once we finish up here, I want to hear everyone's ideas for our summer set while we wait to go one." They unanimously replied, as they knew it was something they needed to focus on. "By the way guys, thanks for looking out for us."
"Always."
