5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 13
With Blaine and Cooper taking part in a huge media blitz for the movie, it was close to impossible to ignore their presence on television or radio. The issue was amplified by the fact students in Lima were off from school so those with cars were taking care of maintenance. So the waiting room at the shop was full and they had quite the reaction to the coverage. Not only were they getting to see the Anderson brothers together and interacting, but Blaine dropped a new song which added to their enthusiasm. Normally Kurt would've change the channel or left the room, but that wasn't an option for him.
By the time the morning shows ended, he managed to sneak away into his Dad's office for a few moments to collect himself while one of the others took care of the front. When Burt walked in, he saw Kurt in his chair with his head in his hands. "Care to tell me what all the fuss in the waiting room was about as we could hear it in the shop?"
"Cooper's press tour began, and Blaine's taking part." Kurt replied as he lifted his head. "Not only is Blaine taking part, he performed another new song which is part of the movie. Also, they played up their brotherly bond which was crap before I encouraged Blaine to fix things with him."
"Not to dismiss what you did, but that was a long time ago Kurt." Burt told him. "I faintly remember you getting bothered by their relationship when you two were married."
"Because Cooper would always call at stupid times."
"The time differences can be tricky."
"Please don't defend him Dad. While their relationship got better, Cooper's main priority always will be himself."
"But it's true Kurt, regarding the time." Burt said as he wiped his hands off on a towel he was carrying. "As for the rest, I can't really comment since I don't know him that well."
"Trust me, he's selfish. It must've killed him to share the spotlight with Blaine, regardless of what he said."
"Possible, just as it's possible you really don't know what their relationship is like." Burt told him. "Do you think this is the only day their going to be out doing this type of promotion?"
"No, I bet they'll be on each morning show along with others this week leading up to the premiere and probably shortly afterwards." Kurt replied. "I went to change the channel when they teased Blaine's upcoming performance, but the girls in the waiting room snapped at me. Basically told me I better not think of changing it."
"I'll check the schedules for the rest of the week so you know which channels to avoid given what you told me." Burt replied. "At least the kids are back in school tomorrow so changing the channel shouldn't be an issue."
"This never would've happened if I was allowed to…"
"Kurt, don't." Burt stated, cutting him off. "While I know what you were going to say, I believe the judge made the right call. The less access you have to the comings and goings in Blaine's life/career, the better off you'll be. Hopefully over time, the judge will lift the restrictions he put in place."
"He better!"
"You have to prove yourself to him Kurt. From what you told me after the last hearing, you gave him no choice, he doesn't trust you when it pertains to them."
"But I shouldn't be denied watching things that I love, simply because they are going to be there."
"Agreed, but…" Before Burt could finish, one of the guys in the shop called out to him. "We'll finish this later. Time for us to get back to work."
Although the students were off from school, it didn't mean there wasn't activity at McKinley as Mr. Schuester was in the choir room working. Simply because the end of the school year was approaching, he still had plenty of work to do. With music playing in the background, he didn't hear the knock on the door so he was startled when Emma spoke up, causing him to look up. "What can I do for you Emma?"
"There's someone here to see you." Emma replied before stepping aside to let Kate into the room. The instant Will saw who it was, he rose to his feet. "This is Katherine Anderson, Blaine's Mom."
"I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time." Kate said as they closed the distance between them.
"Not at all." Will told her, before Emma excused herself to return to her office. "What brings you to McKinley Mrs. Anderson?"
"Kate, please." She said as they went to sit down. "I'm actually here on behalf of the foundation. You see, after a length conversation with my son and son-in-law, we came up with an idea for our first benefit."
"And that brought you here?" Will replied to which she confirmed. "I would've presumed you would've gone to Dalton."
"I've already met with the headmaster and the Warbler council at Dalton." Kate told him while reaching for her tablet in her bag. "I met with them on Friday. I called the office here to set up an appointment with you and was told to simply come in today since the students are off. I take it they didn't tell you?"
"No, but it's not a problem as I stated earlier. Now, what may I do for you?"
"We were wondering if the New Directions would like to take part since it's no secret music was a way for Blaine to deal with everything in his life."
"While I'd need to speak with them, I'm pretty sure they'd be honored to take part as they are all huge fans of his." Will said making her smile. "I take it the Warblers agreed."
"Without hesitation."
"By chance, will Blaine be performing?"
"Yes, Blaine and his band will be performing as the benefit will coincide with his summer tour date in Columbus." Kate told him. "What we'd ask of them is they perform a short set of their choice, though if they want to perform one of Blaine's songs, to contact us to clear it."
"So we don't double up on what the Warblers choose?"
"Not only that, but so you don't clash with the set Blaine intends on playing. While we know they'd sound completely different, no reason to have the same song performed multiple times."
"Understandable, and not to speak out of turn, but I'm surprised you're here, I presumed you'd be in New York with your sons."
"You're not speaking out of turn, as I've already been asked that once this morning by LeRoy and Hiram who I met with prior to coming here. Patrick and I are flying to New York on Wednesday to join our boys for the premiere." She says in response. "If we were there now, we really wouldn't see much of either of them with how busy they'll be promoting the movie this week. And we'd only be a distraction to Sebastian whom is studying for finals, which is the last thing we want."
"Sebastian's about done, isn't he if I heard correctly?"
"You have, he graduates from Law School in a matter of weeks." While replying Kate handed him a small folder which contained all the pertinent information regarding the benefit. "At that time, we'll be heading back to New York to celebrate that accomplishment with him, Blaine, and the Smythes."
"Sounds as though you have plenty to look forward too."
"That's not even the half of it." Kate replied happily. "You should also know, a few of your other former students will be performing that evening."
"Let me guess, one of them is Rachel."
"You would be correct, luckily the benefit coincided with her scheduled break from the show."
"I'm sure that pleased her."
"It did, two-fold as it means she also gets to attend Blaine's performance that afternoon, something she rarely gets to do." Kate then scrolled up on her page to double-check her list of things she needed to address at that moment. "Now, do you have an immediate questions relating to the benefit?"
"Since I'm sure my kids will ask, will they get to meet Blaine?"
"Yes, but we'd prefer you not tell them up front as that's not what we want their decision based on."
"Understandable." Will replied as he opened the folder. "Should I have questions, who should I contact?"
"The number for the foundation is on all the paperwork, and you'll be put in contact with either myself or Victoria Smythe depending which of us is in the office that day." Kate told him. "And should we not have the answer to your question, we'll get it for you. But bear in mind if it's musically oriented, it might take a tad long as it'll mean we'll most likely have to contact Blaine and/or Sebastian."
"They're a big part of the foundation, aren't they?"
"They are. They'd love to be more involved but right now they are doing what they can. But there isn't a decision made which they aren't included in." Just as she finished, two students came running into the room and quickly stopping upon seeing Will wasn't alone.
"What are the two of you doing here?" Will asked as he set the folder down beside him, but at the same time noticed the way the two were looking at Kate. "Guys, this is Katherine Anderson." As he said her name, Kate rose from her seat. "Yes, that Katherine Anderson." He added upon seeing their eyes go wide. "So again, what are you doing here?"
"I should probably get going." Kate said not wanting them to feel any more awkward, but Will shook his head.
"Yes, this is Blaine's Mom, now why are you here."
"Um, we…we wanted to know if it was possible to…" The girl kept stumbling over her words as she looked at Kate.
"Blaine just released a new song and we were wondering if you could get the lyrics for us to possible sing it next year." The boy told him.
"Blaine released a new song?" Will asked before slowly turning his head towards Kate who smiled. "Let me guess, it's in the movie?"
"Yes. What did you think of it?" Kate asked the kids.
"It's amazing!" The girl blurted out and the boy agreed. "Unfortunately, it's not available for sale yet."
"Friday morning, as that's when the movie's soundtrack is getting released." Kate told them, clearly making them happy.
"Sounds like something I need to listen to."
"You do Mr. Schue, it has a real rock vibe to it like Can't Break Me Down." The boy told him. "Even though he only performed it this morning, we heard it on the radio on the drive over from Hummel Tire and Lube." Subconsciously Kate put her hand over her mouth as she could only imagine how Kurt reacted. "Is everything alright Mrs. Anderson?"
"Yes, but I should be going as I have one more stop to make." Kate replied before turning to pick up her bag. "Will, I look forward to hearing back from you."
"Once I speak with them, I'll let you know. Thank you for coming by Kate, and please, let Blaine know how proud of him we are."
"I will, again, thank you for your time."
Once she was gone, the two students walked closer to Will who picked up the folder and headed back to the piano where he'd been working. "What was Blaine's Mom doing here?" The girl asked.
"That is something we'll discuss tomorrow when the rest of the group is present."
"Come on Mr. Schue, at least give us a hint." The boy replied.
"There isn't much I could say without giving it away." Will told them. "Now again, where were you when you saw Blaine perform?"
"Getting the oil changed on my car."
"Where?"
"In the waiting room." The girl told him. "The guy behind the counter was going to change the channel, but we all told him to stop as we wanted to see Blaine."
"Let me guess, a guy about six foot…"
"It was Kurt." The boy pointblank stated. "Not only was his name on his shirt, but we've seen enough coverage of Blaine to know who he is, he's the SOB Blaine and Sebastian have a restraining order against."
"But if he's so obsessed with Blaine, why would he be pissed about us wanting to watch him?" The girl asked.
"It's a complicated story, which you're better off not knowing." Will told them. "Heck, I don't have all the details, nor do I care to have them. Now, is that the only reason why you two came here?"
"Trust us, once you hear the song, you'll understand." The boy told him. "And we'd like to get a head start on next year as we're sure the Warblers are going to do more of Blaine's music next season."
"Well, let me hear the song first and then we'll go from there. But you guys need to choose songs that fit you verses trying to compete with the Warblers in more ways than one."
"True." The girl said before tilting her head to the side after getting a closer look at the folder. "That says Breaking Through, that's the name of Blaine's foundation."
"You're correct, but I'm still not going to tell you why Mrs. Anderson was here." Will affirmed. "Now, how perturbed was Kurt when Blaine performed?"
"The first or second time?"
"Either."
"Enough to draw attention to himself." The boy told him. "But what really set him off was when Cooper brought up Sebastian. I mean, everyone knows he doesn't like Sebastian, but it seemed a bit much for what was said."
"Like?"
"Blaine had thanked Cooper for not using a certain nickname, and Cooper said Sebastian warned him not to use the other one, otherwise he'd have to deal with him." The girl replied with a giggle. "It was cute, and anyone who has a sibling could relate as we all tend to have at least one embarrassing nickname for one another."
"Wait, they were on during the same segment?"
"Blaine opened the segment about the movie and closed it, each with a song." The boy told him. "I mean, it would've been weird if they didn't touch on the fact Blaine and Cooper are brothers."
"True, it would've been. I just didn't figure they'd have them on together, since Blaine tends to keep his personal and professional lives separate."
"But acknowledging his brother is different from sharing his life with Sebastian." The girl replied.
"True again, I hope you all remember it." Will said, pleased with her awareness.
"While I would love to know more, I get why he keeps that part of his life to himself, though he does share parts."
"After what Blaine's been through, do you blame him?" The boy said. "His relationship with Sebastian was outed at the beginning by a nosey photographer. Little did that photographer know it would set off his ex."
"Oh, that happened well before that. It…"
"We don't need a replay of that bit of the story Sarah. Just know, Kurt wasn't always like that."
"If you say, but all anyone knows now is how he currently acts and that's…" When she stopped it was because of the look on Will's face. "You know I'm right, even if I didn't say it."
"Unfortunately I do. Now the two of you should go and enjoy your day off as I have work to do before my meeting."
"You'll listen to the song, right?"
"Yes, now get going." Shortly after the two left, Emma came walking back into the room. "How long have you been standing out there?"
"Long enough, managed to have a brief talk with Kate before she had to be on her way." Emma said as she closed the distance between them. "How surprised are you by her invitation?"
"Extremely, given for the most part Blaine's seemingly forgotten his time here."
"He didn't forget his time here Will, it's that his time here coincides with a part of his life he…"
"Wants to forget." Emma sighed, causing him to reach out and take her hand. "I know where you're coming from, it's just hard to be associated with a part of his life he chooses to forget."
"He chooses to forget Kurt, as a good portion of the New Directions are still in his life." Emma reminded him. "I think part of the reason he doesn't come here, is because Kurt now lives here. It's easier to go to Dalton. If Blaine really wanted to forget about this part of his life, his Mom never would've come and invited the New Directions to be part of the benefit."
"True, as she said he and Sebastian basically have final say on everything." Will told her. "Did she tell you who else would be performing?"
"She said the Warblers already agreed to take part. She also said Rachel is singing, while Mike and Brittany are going to perform as well."
"Mike and Brittany?"
"They did dance in one of Blaine's videos."
"That's right. Anyone else?"
"No one she could discuss, but there are going to be other performances throughout the evening besides Blaine who's taking the stage at the end of the night." Emma then tilted her head to the side. "What's wrong?"
"Thinking back to when I had to say no to Kurt when he wanted to help out the New Directions as part of his community service. How did things get so out of hand Emma?"
"The only person that can answer that question is Kurt, but considering what's going on, I don't know if he actually knows why or how. I'm sure Blaine's asked that same question more times than we can imagine."
"I'm sure he has, just as Sebastian probably has as well. The thing is Emma, as long as Kurt's unhappy, it's not going to stop if his time at McKinley taught me anything. And you and I each know he's not happy being back in Lima, he had a dream job and…"
"He lost it because he couldn't cope with either Blaine's career or relationship." Emma reminded him. "Something which I'm sure Burt and Carole have told him numerous times. Why the seemingly renewed concern?"
"The kids saw Kurt react to Blaine's performance today, and it wasn't good."
"I'm not surprised given what we know, but did you expect anything else considering his previous behavior." She said to which he shook his head. "The only thing that would surprise me, is no reaction which is sad."
"You're right, as he's shown he's incapable of controlling himself where Blaine is concerned, or Sebastian for that matter, which got him into this mess. You don't think if the New Directions perform at the benefit, it would set Kurt off, do you as the last thing I want to do is put innocent kids in the crossfire?"
"If the New Directions performing at a benefit for a wonderful cause upsets him, his issues are worse than we realize. Though I doubt Blaine would intentionally put innocent kids in the crossfire."
"True, but we don't know."
"If you're unsure, speak with Burt as he's probably the only person that can give you an honest answer regarding what to expect as he's directly involved."
"Good idea, but I really hope he doesn't think it'll be an issue as I don't think my kids could take not performing only to find out the Warblers did."
