5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 17

They'd barely returned from the commercial break when Kelly introduced Blaine and his band, who began to play You Know My Name. Even with as many times as he'd watched his brother perform it that week, Cooper couldn't help but be drawn into the performance. Though with as drawn into the performance that he was, he looked over at their parents who looked incredible proud while watching Blaine do his thing.

Once the song was over, they all took their bows while the audience continued to applaud. "Just when I get to the point where I don't think you can amaze me anymore, you do." Kelly said as she walked towards Blaine and his band while her guest co-host stayed with the cast. Upon reaching him, the two shared a hug before she said hello to his band. "Now I've got to ask; how does it feel sharing this week with your brother and his co-stars?"

"Honestly, it's surreal as it's something Coop and I talked about in the beginning when my career was starting. Thought it would be cool to work on something together, little did we imagine it would be happening so soon." Blaine said in response.

"Did you feel any added pressure writing the two songs you did for the film?"

"I did." Blaine replied. "Luckily I have a husband who understood that without me stating as much, and helped keep me focused all while not feeling overwhelmed with the task ahead of me."

"Given what we've heard, I think it's safe to say we all thank Sebastian for doing so as these songs are incredible Blaine. And from what I've heard, since I won't be seeing the movie till tonight with everyone else, truly fit the tone."

"So I've heard, can't wait to find out for myself."

"Wait, you haven't seen it yet?"

"No, as I wanted to experience it for the first time with my family."

"Trust us Blaine, they set the tone." One of Cooper's co-stars chimed in, before the others who said something similar.

"Now, who in the audience would love for Blaine and his band to perform another number for us later on in the broadcast?" Kelly asked, causing the crowd to erupt. "See Blaine, I told you they'd be interested." She teased. "With that said, Blaine and his band have agreed to do so and are giving you the opportunity to choose the song they perform which is why you were all given hand held devises during the break. And fear not those of you at home, you can vote too by either text or social media with the information that's going to appear on the screen. Now, the five songs you get to choose from are the following.

Can't Break Me Down

Glad You Came

My Dark Side

I Don't Care Anymore

It's My Life

Although Kelly continued to talk, giving viewers information regarding how to vote while making her way back to the cast. Cooper's curiosity was clearly piqued, as was that of their parents and Whitney by the song choices that had been presented. Knowing his little brother the way he did, Cooper had to admit Blaine had a bit of a devilish smirk on his face, giving a bit of a hint regarding his motives.

The song choices and the presence Blaine had on the stage didn't go unnoticed by their friends who happened to be home, able to watch live. The segment wasn't even over when Santana called Rachel to make sure she was watching. "And here I was about to call you once the song list was given." Rachel told her. "Clearly Blaine's still pissed about what happened in court last week."

"You think, he's freaking smirking and I'm not talking a typical Blaine smirk, this is a full-on Sebastian influenced smirk." Santana replied while voting for which song she wanted Blaine to sing, and much as she'd love for a Sebastian influenced song, she wanted Blaine with an attitude. "Please tell me you're voting."

"You did not seriously just ask me that question, of course I am though I'm a bit torn between two."

"Vote for both, that's what I'm doing since two of those I've never heard him do before." Santana told her before giggling. "Jordan just sent me a text asking what's going on. Clearly this idea of Kelly's is blowing up on social media."

"Do you think Sebastian knows?" Rachel replied.

"Doubt it since he's not there, they only showed the Andersons and Whitney in the audience. While he's notorious for hanging out backstage, he wouldn't do that with Blaine's parents in the house."

"True. Why didn't we go again?"

"You said you'd be too exhausted to since you had a two-show day yesterday."

"Well, if I knew he was doing something like this, I would've managed." Rachel said to her. "I wonder why he didn't tell us?"

"That's something we're going to have to ask him once the show is over." Santana told her. "Speaking of, you do realize this is a bit risky on his part."

"I'm aware of it. Remember, I'm the one who told you my Dads ran into Carole during the day on Monday, and she said Kurt was in a mood when she stopped by the shop."

"All because of how Blaine and Cooper acted, I remember now. I still don't understand why, as it was very them."

"I said the same thing to my Dads, but it's probably best we don't understand Kurt."

"You're telling me." Santana then squealed a bit. "The show just posted the current vote totals on their website. Damn, these percentages are closer than I expected. Seems people are split regarding what they want to hear. What do you think will happen if there's a tie?"

"Your guess is as good as mine." Rachel told her. "The wise decision would be to leave it either up to the studio audience or just let Blaine choose."

"If those are the options, I hope it's Blaine's since he clearly gave the song choices."

"Good point. What if it's one of the one's that tells Kurt off?"

"We keep our eyes and ears open for the reaction." Santana said. "I get your concern Rach, because I'm concerned too, but we got to believe Blaine knows what he's doing."

"I almost wish we could get Sebastian's take on all this."

"Unfortunately, that's not an option. And depending on how he feels, we may never know. Though knowing Blaine, he'd never do anything to purposely piss off his husband."

"True." Rachel then sighed softly. "He loves him too much to risk doing something Sebastian wouldn't support."

"Precisely, so put that thought out of your mind, one less thing to concern yourself with. Also, it's probably best if we don't bombard either of their phones with texts regarding this matter."

"Good idea."

While Rachel and Santana were able to talk and voice some of their concerns, the Andersons didn't have the same luxury given they were in the audience. Yet it only took one look from Patrick for Blaine to know the two were going to talk once things wrapped there. Before heading into the next commercial break, Kelly let viewers know this was their last chance to vote as Blaine and his band would be performing upon their return from commercial. No sooner did they cut to commercial, Cooper was up out of his seat and walking over towards Blaine who was sitting on a stool alongside the rest of his band.

"Care to tell me what the hell you're trying to do?" Cooper stated, albeit quietly so the audience wouldn't know he was upset.

"We're going to have some fun."

"Cute, real cute Blaine."

"Relax Cooper."

"You are way to freaking calm about this."

"Coop, I'm sick of watching what I do all because I might dare upset him. Fuck that!" His response had his band exchanging looks, and it was clear they were all keeping their opinions to themselves. "The only reason he doesn't believe the love songs I sing are about him is because I've made it clear Bas owns my heart."

"Still."

"Coop, I appreciate the concern, I do, but you've got to trust me, much as Mom and Dad have learnt to do."

"They're not happy."

"I know, but…if you knew what Kurt pulled in court last week, you'd understand."

"Now that's the missing link in all this." Blaine nodded while getting up off his stool, to which his band followed suit. "The only thing that could piss you off this much is he went after Sebastian again, didn't he?" Again Blaine nodded. "He can take care of himself Blaine."

"I know, but this is happening because of me and…"

"You can't sit back and allow it, I got it."

"Anything else?"

"Good luck with Mom and Dad, you're going to need it."

"Thanks." Once Blaine spoke, Cooper gave him a hug before heading back to his seat, but not without shooting a wink at their parents and Whitney. After Cooper was gone, Blaine turned around to get his guitar and locked eyes with his band. "I know what I'm doing."

"Don't doubt it, but we get where he's coming from." Justin told him as he fixed Blaine's strap. "He cares, just like we do. Though unlike him, we were there when he was in your face constantly so we get the need to do this."

"Thank you." He then looked towards Talia, who had her hands clasped before her. "Yes."

"Whatever the song choice, go all out, leave no doubt. Own this moment Blaine."

"You've got it." Just as he responded, music began to play signaling their imminent return from commercial and at the same time, Kelly was making her way towards them, a notecard in hand. "Ready?"

"Bring it!" Morgan replied before shooting him a wink.

With the crowd applauding, Kelly turned towards Blaine who was clearly relaxed, which helped alleviate some of his parents' concerns, but only slightly. "Voting has officially ended ladies and gentlemen, and I have the final results." Kelly said enthusiastically, waving the card before her. "I think it's safe to say Blaine, your fans were quite eager to have a say in what you and your fabulous band are going to play for us next." She told them. "There were way more votes than any of us expected given the short time frame voting took place. While voting was close between all of them, we, have a bit of a problem." She proceeded to show Blaine the card with the results. "Tempting as it is to cast my own vote, the cast decided should this happen, you get to choose. So, what will it be Blaine?"

Blaine then asked for the card to show his band, so they could discuss their options. It didn't take them long to come to a consensus. "I think we've come up with the best solution, which will be a treat for everyone, at least we think so."

"What's it going to be Blaine?"

"Let's leave it a surprise, but keep your mind open as I'm going back to my roots in a sense." Blaine told her as Justin got one additional piece of equipment he needed from one of their guitar techs. Once Justin was ready, Blaine handed the card back to Kelly.

"Once they're done performing will post the final results on our website so you can all see just how close things were." Kelly said. "So once again, let's hear it for Blaine Anderson!"

Before the crowd even quieted down, Blaine looked back at Todd, allowing him to begin since it was all him to start before Talia joined in. Considering how they were playing it, neither Justin nor Morgan were surprised where Blaine came in lyrically, since it still gave them ample heads up.

I don't care anymore, I don't care anymore

I don't care what you say
I don't play the same games you play

While they had apprehensions, the sense of calm Blaine was performing with made it feel almost cathartic in sense.

'Cause I've been talking to the people that you call your friends
And it seems to me there's a means to and end
They don't care anymore
And as for me I can sit here and bide my time
I got nothing to lose if I speak my mind
I don't care anymore, I don't care no more

For a song that was a bit of a ballad, the lyrics spoke volumes given Blaine's current mindset regarding what had been happening, particularly over the last year.

I don't care what you say
We never played by the same rules anyway

I won't be there anymore
Get out of my way
Let me by
I got better things to do with my time

Then in a seamless transition, Justin took things up a notch and the others followed suit, including Blaine who was now playing unlike earlier. And the change in tempo brought the audience to its feet.

This ain't a song for the broken-hearted
No silent prayer for the faith-departed
I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd
You're gonna hear my voice
When I shout it out loud

Having never heard Blaine sing either of these before, Cooper couldn't help but not only sing-along, but hide the smile on his face.

It's my life
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Bas said
I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive
It's my life

Although it was simply a one word change, it didn't fly under the radar, making Rachel positively giddy upon hearing it.

This is for the ones who stood their ground
For Sammy and Tana who never backed down
Tomorrow's getting harder, make no mistake
Luck ain't even lucky
Got to make your own breaks

Then to hear Blaine change it up again, had Santana wide-eyed while Rachel sent a frantic text to Sam to make sure he caught the performance sooner rather than later if he was on shift.

It's my life
And it's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive

It's my life

By the time they finished their simple mash-up of the two, Blaine was grinning from ear to ear, as was his band who'd clearly enjoyed themselves since they hadn't performed these live before. They were still taking their bows when Cooper's whistle cut through the crowd causing Blaine to look over towards him, where Cooper showed his approval. Since there wasn't much time left in the show, Blaine and his stayed where they were so they could interact with the audience once the show was over, much as they'd done during past appearances. Once Kelly signed off for the day, but not before reminding everyone of the premiere that night, the cameras closed and everyone began to move about. During this time, Vincent arranged for the Andersons to be escorted backstage as there was no way they were going to get a word in edge wise with as enthusiastic as the audience was. The reaction of the live audience was a clear visual of the reaction to the performance on social media.

Given the nature of the second performance, after they made their way backstage, one of the first things Blaine said to his parents was they'd talk at home, not there. Easy as it would've been for them to object, they understood his desire to wait to have what was certainly going to be a long conversation in the privacy of his home, let alone in front of his band. After double-checking that everyone was aware of the schedule for the evening, so they'd all be arriving together, they all started to go their own ways.

While packing up the last of his things, Blaine glanced over at his parents who were talking, and from his place it was clear his Dad was trying to calm his Mom down. Once they were settled in the back of the town car after Blaine signed autographs for those that were waiting, he raked his fingers through his hair as he looked upon them. "You can't tell me you're really surprised that I basically told Kurt where he can stick it on national television."

"I'm not, but your Mom is." Patrick told him as he gave Kate's hand a squeeze. "This is a stark reversal of the stance you've had since this began."

"Well, if he hadn't started throwing my husband under the bus, it might not have happened." Blaine told him. "Each hearing he throws another dig at Bas, so it's only a matter of time till those digs become public knowledge."

"I hadn't realized it was that bad." Kate told him. "Is that why you didn't want to talk about the last few hearings?" Blaine nodded. "I mean, I knew it obvious wasn't good, but I didn't know he'd gone after Sebastian.

"Put it this way Mom, not only has he started to air some of Bas's past wrong doings, but he's also implied he's done things he had no part in."

"Such as?" Patrick asked.

"Implying Bas was one of the reasons Dave Karofsky attempted suicide back in high school."

"He what?"

"My thoughts exactly. Now you know why I'd prefer having this conversation at home. We've already discussed more here than I intended."

"Does Sebastian know dear?" Kate asked him while reaching out to take his hand.

"He does. Now you know part of the reason I've been distant regarding certain matters." Blaine replied. "And before you ask, Bas has no idea about my latter performance today, it was last minute. So he had no say in the songs I chose for people to vote from."

"Knowing your husband, he won't take issue, since I'm assuming the two of you have talked about this at length." Patrick said in response.

"You would be correct." Blaine told him before taking his phone out of his pocket as it had gone off once again. After looking at the number of texts he had waiting for him, he simply slid his phone back into his pocket to deal with later. "He's had to deal with so much because of me, all while attending law school, it's not fair. I thought I'd mad my point to Kurt earlier, yet clearly I hadn't, which I intend to rectify."

"Do you really think antagonizing him is a wise way to start?"

"Consider it a warning shot along the bow."

"Blaine." A tone Blaine knew all too well when his Mom wasn't pleased with something he said.

"Sorry Mom, but once Bas takes the bar exam, and passes, there's more to it and I'm not going to let Kurt of all people ruin something Bas has worked so hard for."

"Much as I want to deter you, I respect where you're coming from." Patrick told him. "Just know, this isn't the last of this conversation."

"Never thought as much. But right now, can we just focus on tonight, we all deserve this night with no interruption."

"Are you sure there won't be given what you did?"

"Mom, have you forgotten who my lawyer is, he'll take care of it should he dare risk it."

Song: I Don't Care Anymore

Written by: Phil Collins

Song: It's My Life

Written by: Richard Sambora, Jon Bon Jovi, Max Martin