5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 16

Considering how early his day was starting, the last thing Blaine expected upon waking was to find a cup of tea on the nightstand and Sebastian up. "Do I even want to know why you're up so freaking early?" Blaine asked while reaching for his cup of tea. "By the way, thank you."

"That's more like it." Sebastian teased before leaning over to give him a kiss once he took a sip. "As for why I'm up, I wanted to spend some time with you before you left." While taking another sip, Blaine cocked his eyebrow. "You help center me B, which I need going into today. Overthinking going into this exam will be my downfall."

"What has you so stressed, as you're not usually like this?" Blaine asked as he scooted closer, situating himself against his husband and soon feeling his arm around him.

"This exam is with the one professor whom I've had to bust my ass for since his standards are ridiculously high. While this might sound petty, but I don't want this exam screwing my final GPA."

"It doesn't sound petty, particularly given where you've kept it all this time." Blaine replied before glancing at the clock, and then up at Sebastian. "You know, I wouldn't object to you joining me for a shower, make the most of our time."

"Really?" Sebastian responded, clearly interested but slightly unsure if Blaine's head was where his was.

"Yes, really." Blaine practically purred while placing a hand on his husband's thigh. "That is, if you're up for it."

"When am I not." Sebastian countered, earning a chuckle from Blaine. "You're playing a dangerous game this morning Killer." He said while taking the cup out of Blaine's hand and then setting it aside.

"Am I now?" No sooner did he respond, he found himself on his back looking up at his husband who had a devilish smirk on his face. "This isn't the shower."

"I know, but why not work up a bit of a sweat beforehand." Sebastian told him while rolling his hips leaving no doubt to the state he was in. "Make it really worthwhile." With a flutter of Blaine's eyelashes, Sebastian pressed more firmly against him drawing out a soft moan from Blaine. "What do you say Killer?" He watched as Blaine looked at the clock once again before smiling up at him. "Is that a yes?" Instead of a verbal response, Blaine pulled Sebastian down into a kiss which left nothing open to interpretation regarding what he wanted.

The two made the most of every minute they had, almost too much though as when Scott arrived to pick Blaine up, his hair was still damp from his shower. "Didn't expect to see you this morning Sebastian." Scott said as Blaine picked up his bag and guitar while Sebastian leaned against the doorframe to the front room, coffee cup in hand.

"What can I say, I wanted to see him off this morning." Sebastian replied before taking another sip as he saw Scott smile and shake his head. "Now, keep all those crazy fans away from my husband as you know how they are outside this studio."

"Fear not, we'll take good care of him like we always do."

"You guys do realize I'm standing right here." Blaine said before moving his head just so, which lead to Sebastian coming towards him. "You're going to do great today, I know it."

"Just as you are." Sebastian replied before leaning down for a kiss. "Are you coming home afterwards or are you going out with everyone?"

"At this moment, I intend on coming home but that could change, but I hope not as I want to take a nap before the festivities tonight."

"Let me know."

"Will do." Blaine told him before stretching for another kiss. "See you soon."

"Can't wait. I love you."

"I love you too." Then with one last kiss, Blaine was on his way as Sebastian watched. Since he only had one bag and his guitar, it didn't take long for them to load his things and be on his way.

Upon getting into the backseat, Blaine was shocked to see Jennifer sitting there. After saying good morning, he couldn't help but ask why she was there. "Considering how busy you've been, we haven't had time to really talk about what's going to happen tonight." She told him. "This is unlike anything you've done before."

"Trust me, I'm well-aware of that fact." He replied while raking his fingers through his damp curls. "Cooper told me the press lines can get a bit crazy."

"He's right, they can." She said in response. "Also, they're going to be in a bit of a frenzy given the studio has you arriving shortly after him so they can get the "brothers" moment." Even though it was still rather dark out, Jennifer saw him roll his eyes, courtesy of the street lights. "I know you've been adamant about this being Cooper's moment, but this can't be avoided Blaine, as you learnt on Monday."

"I know, I just wish they weren't making such a fuss over it."

"Not to be out of line, but Cooper doesn't seem to mind."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but Cooper doesn't mind because he loves attention." Blaine told her. "Much as I love the attention on stage, off it, I'm not a fan."

"One of the many ways you and Cooper are different." She replied causing him to look at her. "Blaine, did you really think I wouldn't do my homework."

"Hadn't really thought of it that way."

"I wanted to do what I could to make this as comfortable as possible for you since I know you're not a huge fan of these types of situations."

"True, though I now have a better handle on them than I used to."

"You certainly do." Jennifer said before opening her tablet. "Now onto other matters, how would you prefer we respond to inquiries regarding Sebastian's graduation?"

"Excuse me?"

"Blaine, it's not a secret he's graduating soon."

"Still, it's a private matter regardless of the fact people know it's happening. Hell, you wouldn't believe what Scott had to go through to ensure my presence at my own husband's graduation isn't an issue." Blaine told her, clearly frustrated. "Each student is given only so many tickets, yet we had to go to the administration to get clearance for Scott and a few of the guys to be there."

"Vincent mentioned that to me. You know one of the reasons why he insisted Scott and the guys were with you, is each network tends to send a crew to cover graduations around the city and…"

"Bas's presence made Columbia's a prime one to cover since I'd be there." When he nodded, he sighed. "This is why I tend to keep my personal life private. I don't want the professional part of my life intruding on our personal life."

"I know, but in some situations, it's impossible to ignore."

"Yet it's not far, not only to Bas, but in this case, the rest of the students who've busted their asses."

"You're not considering not going, are you?"

"Absolutely not! Nothing would stop me from being there to support Bas in his moment. I'm insanely proud of all he's accomplished."

"Good, otherwise I would've had a few words for you."

"Relax, while there are certain things I might change my mind about because there is press around, nothing or no one will ever stop me from being at Bas's side for moments such as this." Blaine then looked out the window before looking back at her. "You know I didn't mean to vent my frustrations at you, right, it's just…"

"Relax, I know how protective you can be, especially when it comes to Sebastian, so we're good. And if the last year or so has taught me anything, you draw a firm line when it comes to protecting your marriage."

"You mean because of all the crap my ex has spewed?" Jennifer nodded. "I can't help it."

"You don't have to justify your actions Blaine, as anyone else would do the same thing if they were in your shoes." She reminded him. "Speaking of that situation, will you and Sebastian be back in town for his next hearing?"

"No, we should still be on vacation since Bas doesn't have to report to work till the following Monday. Basically, unless we're ordered to appear in court, he and I are going to steer clear as nothing good comes from us showing up."

"I have to say that's probably a wise decision." She replied. "Since we're getting close, I should probably remind you that Kelly is probably going to be all over the fact you and Cooper are related."

"If she didn't, I'd be surprised since it would be out of character for her." When Jennifer giggled, Blaine smiled. "You know I'm right."

"I most certainly do, but at least unlike others she can take a hint to drop something better than others, but she still has her moments. And considering how charming your brother has been during this press tour, she's going to be all over it." This time around, Blaine laughed. "I take it this sort of behavior is typical."

"Put it this way, he's showing restraint, hard as that is to believe."

"Seriously?"

"Yea, but I wouldn't want him any other way in this moment as he's earned it. Plus, unlike when we were younger, he has no problem sharing the spotlight. From everything I've seen, he's been one hell of a team player." Blaine then stretched his arms out before him as they were only about a block away and he could see a crowd gathered out front. "Damn, they're out earlier."

"Considering the group that's appearing on the show today, I'm not surprised. Ready to do this?"

"Ready as I can be considering the time of the morning."

Although there were plenty of fans outside the studio, none of them were overly pushy which Blaine appreciated, allowing him to take his time signing and posing for pictures. Blaine was approximately halfway done when Morgan and Talia arrived. Much as Blaine had done, they immediately began signing and interacting with the fans who were there. Even though they all enjoyed arriving together to things, these staggered arrivals made it a bit easier to meet with the fans, giving them a bit more one on one time. Then just as Blaine was making his way inside, Justin and Todd arrived following in the footsteps of the others.

By the time the guys made it to their dressing room, Blaine was in the midst of a conversation with Vincent as the girls looked on. "Care to tell us what's going on as Blaine looks a bit perturb for this time of the morning." Justin said to them as they set their bags down.

"We're not quite sure, but given the look on Vincent's face prior to coming in here after talking with the production manager, it's a quandary." Talia replied before taking a sip of her coffee. "This appearance was supposed to be simple, but I have a feeling that's not going to be the case."

"That all depends how ambitious we're all feeling." Blaine chimed in as he and Vincent walked towards them, clearly having heard her comment. "You see, outside of our contacted performance they were wondering if we were up for playing another."

"What song?" Morgan asked as she tucked a leg beneath her on the couch.

"I don't know, they want to leave it up to the audience and viewers at home."

"Excuse me?" Todd replied.

"My thoughts exactly." Blaine told him while raking his fingers through his hair. "While we've clearly brushed up on some numbers the last couple of weeks in preparation for going out on the road, we haven't played everything."

"Can't we just give them a list of what we have to choose from?" Talia asked.

"Blaine and I discussed that, but it would sort of give away your set list for this summer." Vincent replied. "Much as I want to leave this decision up to you guys…"

"You want us to do it." Justin stated to which he confirmed. "My opinion is, it's Blaine's call since he's the one that's going to be singing and, he's done a lot of it this week."

"Justin's right, we'll support you either way Blaine." Morgan added, followed by Talia's and Todd's support as well. "So what will it be?"

"Do you think they could find us a room to rehearse in?" Blaine asked as he looked at Vincent.

"I'll see about it. If they can?"

"We'll do it, but I get to pick the five songs people get to choose from."

"Fair enough. If they can't?"

"No go, as I'm not going to embarrass myself nor my band by playing something we haven't played in a while."

"I'll go see what they have to say, as your requests are logical." Vincent told him before heading out to find the production manager.

Once he was out of the room, Blaine walked to a nearby table, picked up a notepad and quickly wrote down five songs to show his band. Upon showing them the list, he wasn't surprised by the raised eyebrows he was getting. "All five of these make a bit of a statement Blaine." Morgan told him, though smiling as she did.

"She's right." Justin added. "We haven't played four of these in quite some time."

"I know, which is why I requested rehearsal time." Blaine replied. "Would any of them be an issue?"

"No, as even though we haven't performed them in a while, we played them often in sound check." Talia said. "Any particular reason you chose these five?"

"They have a common theme." Blaine said in response, almost smirking as he did.

"My god, if Sebastian could see you now." Morgan told him, giggling as she did. "You're such an instigator."

"As I told Bas recently, I'm done giving a damn about how what I do, may or may not affect a certain individual."

"Not that we're not fully supportive, but isn't taunting him in a way, a bit risky." Todd replied, clearly a bit concerned.

"Maybe, but if he acts a fool, he'll have to pay the consequences of it. And if we're going to do something like this, why not have fun doing so. I mean, isn't that what this is all about, having fun while entertaining the hell out of people." Blaine told them. "Plus, it's not as though we haven't played all of those songs before, it's not as though I picked one out of thin air."

"Too bad Sebastian isn't here, as he'd love watching you perform any of these five live." Morgan chimed in.

"Trust me, I wish he was here too as he'd be all over this, but sadly he's not. But this will certainly give him some entertainment once he gets home, which he'll need."

"Everything alright?" Justin asked.

"Yes, he just has a final today which he's a bit stressed over."

"Given how smart he is, he's got nothing to worry about." Talia replied.

"Agreed, and I told him the same thing. Yet we all know more often than not we're our own worst enemies in these moments."

"At least he'll get to unwind tonight." Morgan said to him.

"And he intends to do just that." Blaine told her. "Now how about we start going through those songs as I have a feeling they'll find us a rehearsal space." Something they all agreed to as it would help pass the time till they needed to perform their sound check.

By the time Cooper and the rest of the cast arrived at the studio, Blaine and his band were holed up in a rehearsal space brushing up the numbers he'd given as options. After the cast had sat through a general meeting regarding their interview, Cooper headed off to go find Blaine. When he reached his dressing room, he was surprised to find only Vincent inside. A soft frustrated sigh from Cooper brought Vincent's attention to the doorway. "Let me guess, you're looking for your brother." Cooper nodded as he walked into the room. "He is currently rehearsing, if you want, I could take you to him."

"Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of time to go wandering about as they asked us all to be back in a few to go over the remainder of today's schedule." Cooper said as he put his hands into his pockets. "Would you mind telling Blaine something for me?"

"Not at all, what is it?

"Let him know our parents are going to be in the audience as I don't want him being thrown by them being here, because up until last night they weren't going to be."

"Of course, I'm sure he'll appreciate the heads up." Vincent replied. "Should they finish up soon, would you like him to come find you?"

"If he's got time, yes, otherwise I'll talk to him afterwards. Thanks again Vincent."

Unfortunately, by the time Blaine and his band finished rehearsing, they had just enough time to get ready before having to make their way out on stage. Whilst getting ready, they had the show on in the background as Blaine didn't want to get blindsided by any subtle comments Cooper might make about them. After making their way to the wings, Blaine peaked around the corner enough to see his parents sitting with Whitney in the front row.

Usually one of us is responsible for sending us to commercial, but considering who our next guest is, we feel it's only fitting you do the honors Cooper.

"Stick around after the commercial break when we'll not only continue with the cast of Hidden Agendas, but you'll also be treated by a musical performance by none other than, Blaine Anderson." Just as Cooper finished, the crowd applauded and the transition to commercial began. Once they were given the all clear, Blaine and his band made their way out to the cheers of the crowd. "Looking good little brother."

"Don't I always." Blaine countered with a smile before the two shared a hug. "You don't look too bad yourself."

"All Whitney, she's responsible for making me respectable."

"In more ways than one." Blaine's band couldn't help but laugh as Cooper shook his head. "And if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go snag a moment with our parents since I've yet to see them."

"Please, be my guest." Cooper said before the two hugged once more before Blaine headed off.

From the moment, Blaine walked towards the audience he felt bad for his parents and Whitney as the crowd was rather enthusiastic. "You know you could've called and told me you were coming today." Blaine told his parents after giving them each a hug and a kiss.

"Strange as this may sound, we didn't want to disturb either you or Sebastian given the time the decision was made." Patrick told him, causing Blaine to cock his eyebrow. "It was late, and we didn't know if you were already asleep or if he was studying."

"Actually, that makes a lot of sense. Surprisingly, we each called it an early not since he wanted to ensure he got a good night of sleep as he's…" Blaine took a moment to look at his watch. "Currently taking a final for one of his hardest classes."

"I thought finals didn't start till next week." Kate replied.

"Me too, yet Bas didn't want me stressing out given everything that was going on this week."

"That sounds like your husband."

"It's certainly does." Just as Blaine spoke, Vincent came up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. "That's clearly my cue that I need to go, we'll talk more afterwards."

"We can't wait." Kate said before giving him a kiss prior to him going to join his band.