5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 19

Unlike the previous times they'd attended events of this nature, Sebastian was surprised by how relatively relaxed Blaine was, to the point he was ready before him which was a rarity. "I must say, if you keep looking that way, I might not be able to behave myself."

"And what way is that?" Blaine replied as he set the book he'd been reading aside.

"The perfect combination of innocent and sexy." Sebastian told him as he walked towards him, buttoning his jacket as he did. "Though, that may be an issue, since you seem to have really come into yourself as of late."

"Is that so?" In response, Sebastian nodded. "Per my ex, it's all a façade."

"Further proof he has no idea who you are now." Sebastian said as he extended his hand to Blaine, which he took and rose from his seat. "Sure, you still have your moments regarding certain issues, but otherwise, you've come into your own."

"Much due to your love and support as I figured things out." Blaine told him before stretching to give him a kiss. "You look incredible."

"Thank you, as do you. Do you feel better now about what we chose since you were afraid of matching?"

"I do, but I should've known better since Whitney has a good grasp on who we are. Have you heard back from your Dad since you forwarded that message?"

"He responded while we were, occupied." Sebastian told him with a waggle of his eyebrows. "Said he'd been made aware of it, but thanked me for sending it to him. Told me he'd handle it."

"Did he say how?"

"No, and I didn't ask, as I trust his judgement. Would you like me to?" Blaine shook his head, yet the smile he had on his face caught Sebastian's attention. "Care to tell me what has you so happy considering what we're discussing."

"I'm not going to let him or his antics ruin tonight for me." That response had Sebastian picking him up and spinning them around, making Blaine laugh in the process. "I wasn't kidding earlier."

"Didn't doubt you were, but it's still nice to hear. Plus, are you actually excited about where we'll be heading in a little while?" Blaine nodded. "Who are you and what have you done with my husband whose been down playing this all week."

"I've only downplayed the fact that my contribution is comparable to Cooper's, hence me saying this is his moment."

"B."

"Let me finish." Blaine chimed in, and Sebastian nodded. "When my first single shot to the top of the charts, it was one hell of a moment as it put me on the map, and the rest followed it up, making a name for myself. Then, the Grammy experience I had is unlike anything I'll probably ever have again, though will be talked about. This moment for Cooper, is very likely his moment to give him the name recognition he rightly deserves. So for those trying to imply my music is going to have a greater impact on things than the cast, I…"

"You wanted to defuse those thoughts by constantly putting the focus on the cast." Blaine nodded. "I should've known."

"I should've clarified my intentions, especially since I notoriously downplayed my success."

"That you did, but only because you were uncomfortable with the attention."

"No different than now, simply shows more since Cooper and his castmates are so comfortable with the attention. Heck, you all should've given me more credit for openly playing up the fact he and I are brothers."

"Is that so?" Blaine nodded, but his smile gave his mindset away. "Well, I can do my part once we get back here tonight."

"Haven't you had enough?" Blaine teased.

"Never when it comes to you." Sebastian told him before leaning down for a kiss. "Do you mind?"

"Not in the slightest as the feeling is mutual." Once he spoke, it didn't take them long to resume kissing. And if it wasn't for the doorbell ringing when it did, they probably would've ended up looking a bit disheveled upon their departure.

It didn't take long after they were settled in the back of the car, for Blaine to take a picture of the two of them and post it onto his social media, with the simple caption, premiere bound. With as seldom as he posted pictures of the two of them on his public accounts, it was quickly noticed not only by his fanbase, but those that cover him. Since he had the notifications off for that account because otherwise his phone would never stop pinging, it didn't mean his friends didn't know how to reach him.

Rachel: So glad you shared this since I can't be there tonight. You guys look great! Love you!

Nick: See you're still instigating after this morning, proud of you! Have a blast guys!

Wes: It's great that you're sharing this moment with everyone. Can't wait to see it tomorrow night. Have fun!

Santana: Am I seeing things or did you actually post a picture of you and the hubby for all the see? Proud of you! Behave yourself in that limo See you soon!

Sam: Looking good Anderson-Smythes!

After texting them back, Blaine turned to give Sebastian a kiss on the cheek. "Care to tell me why you're so quiet." Yet with no response, Blaine turned in his seat slightly. "Bas."

"Honestly, I'm enjoying the moment. I love seeing you so carefree, it's…"

"Been awhile." Blaine replied.

"No, refreshing as you've been a bit frazzled this week due to all the press you've been doing." Sebastian told him as he took ahold of his hand. "Even though I was pretty focused on my studies, didn't mean I didn't see what was going on."

"Is that all?"

"Yes, because unlike everyone else, I'm not shocked by you standing your ground when it comes to Hummel, as you've done it before."

"Yet…"

"B, you've never backdown from him. Sure, you had moments, but your resolve never broke. Others might not see or understand the difference, but I do. It's as we said early on, living your life not only on your own terms, but well, is the best revenge." He then leaned forward to give Blaine a kiss, which once it ended had Blaine smiling back at him. "If you keep smiling like that, you're going to have people speculating that we didn't heed Santana's advice."

"And there's something wrong with that?"

"Depends on how you look at it."

"If it says I'm utterly in love with my husband who I find irresistible, so be it, since it's true." The only response Sebastian had for his answer was to kiss him once again. By the time they pulled into the que of cars leading to the theater, Blaine's phone began going off with not only texts from Jennifer, but from Cooper who was a couple cars ahead of them. "You sure you're ready for this?" Sebastian nodded while giving his hand another squeeze. "Good, because it's too late to turn back now."

Blaine barely had time to pull back from a kiss when the rear door of the limo opened and they were met by the cheers of the crowd, who didn't know who was arriving next. Yet the moment Sebastian stepped out of the car, the volume seemed to soar as he extended his hand back to Blaine who slipped out behind him. No sooner were they side by side, were they met by a barrage of pictures being taken, evening before they stepped foot onto the carpet.

"I think it's safe to say my brother arrived." Cooper proudly said to the reporters and photographers he and Whitney were standing before.

"Does it feel strange having him met by such a strong response?" One of the reporters asked.

"Absolutely not, as I've joined him on tour and that's the typical reaction he gets, anywhere he goes." Cooper told them. "And I'm the first to admit, I'm one of my brother's biggest supporters. We're truly lucky he was willing to take on the challenge of writing a piece for our film, yet graced us with two incredible pieces that add so much."

"Is it true he's yet to see the finished product?"

"That's correct, as he was unable to see the earlier screenings due to obligations here at home." Cooper replied.

"Yet we haven't seen him out and about outside the press he was doing."

"Obligations don't always have to have him in the public eye." Cooper was quick to remind them. "Keep in mind, he's going to be performing this summer, so that means rehearsals. Plus, he's got some big personal moments approaching that deserve his undivided attention."

"Such as?"

"You'll have to ask him, but if you've ever covered my brother before, you know you're not going to get an answer. Right Jordan?" Cooper said, looking directly at her as he spoke, bringing the others attention to her.

"That would be correct, as Blaine tends to keep things not related to his career to himself." Jordan replied. "Something those of us who have covered him since the start, respect since he has to share so much of himself already with everyone else. It's only right he wants to keep part of his life out of the public eye."

"Very well said." Cooper told her as one of the assistant's came up behind him to ask if he wanted the joint picture now.

Once he agreed, he leaned down to give Whitney a kiss before Blaine and Sebastian joined them. After the four of them exchanged hugs, Whitney and Sebastian stepped back to stand with the Andersons', giving the brothers the spotlight. "Blaine, how does it feel experiencing this moment with Cooper?" Jordan asked, hoping he'd answer her before the others.

"It's incredible getting to share this moment with my brother."

"Your parents must be proud of you both." One of the reporters stated, causing the brothers to look at one another, smile, before looking back at their parents and asking if they were, earning laughter from the reporters who were loving their interaction. While Kate and Patrick confirmed that they were, Sebastian gave them a gentle nudge of encouragement to go join their sons, which they did.

Seeing the family standing there before them, Whitney looked up at Sebastian who was smiling proudly, much as she was. "They deserve this moment."

"Damn right they do." Sebastian said as he watched the four of them interact with the reporters. "For all the ups and downs they've experienced as a family, has brought them to this point." He then leaned down and whispered into her ear. "By the way, nice choice on B's pants as they accentuate his ass perfectly." The giggle that escaped her brought attention to the two of them.

"What sort of trouble are the two of you getting into?" Cooper teased.

"The same sort of trouble we'd be getting into if you and Blaine were here." Sebastian countered, causing Blaine to shake his head, yet there was no missing the smile on his face.

"Then the two of you should join us." Cooper told them as he extended his hand back. "Can't have us left out of the fun, but most importantly, this is a family moment which includes the two of you."

His comment had Santana positively giddy as she was standing at the front of the barricade beside them so she could catch all the interviews before going inside. While a majority of the fans nearby had a similar response, Santana's reaction was two-fold as she knew his comment was a proverbial slap in the face to Kurt who was never truly a part of the family.

Her thought was pretty accurate, as Carole was at home watching the premiere since the local stations were all covering it since Blaine and Cooper were from the area. Much as she was astonished to hear Cooper's statement, she couldn't necessarily argue with it since it was true. And not only because the Andersons didn't seem to welcome him fully, but Kurt made little to no effort to be a part of their family. Given the coverage was on every channel, Carole hoped that Burt had turned on sports at the shop since he and Kurt were working a longer shift than usual. While she wished that he was at home, she knew Burt had arranged the schedule this way to hopefully lessen Kurt's exposure to the festivities.

She was about to get herself something to drink when the doorbell rang, taking her to the front door versus the kitchen. Upon opening the door, she saw a young man she didn't recognize. "May I help you?"

"By chance, are you Carole Hudson-Hummel."

"I am, and you are." She asked through the screen.

"Carter Jones, your step-son's lawyer." He told her, while showing her his New York ID.

"What can I do for you Mr. Jones?"

"By chance do you know where I would find Kurt, as he's not at his apartment and it's pertinent I speak with him?"

"He's at the shop, as Burt felt it best he was kept busy while the premiere was happening." Carole told him. "Would you like to come in, as Kurt's coming back here with him once they're done for the day?"

"May I ask why that is?" No sooner did he ask, she tilted her head. "I didn't want to presume."

"Given what you've witnessed in court, I wouldn't have been offended." Carole replied. "While it might not seem like much, we felt we had to do something." When his expression changed, she sighed. "I should've known he'd done something to bring you here from New York. What now?"

"I'm not at liberty to say, I'm sorry."

"Mr. Jones, I take it you're not from a small town."

"That would be correct, why?"

"Because if what Kurt did is even in the slightest way public knowledge, it's already talk of the town, so I'm going to find out, one way or another."

"By chance do you watch any of the morning talk shows based out of New York?"

"He saw Blaine on Kelly this morning, didn't he?" Carole said, a hint of disappointment in her voice knowing it brought Mr. Jones to Ohio. "How bad is it?" Yet before he could respond, she spoke up again. "Sorry, you already said you can't tell me anything. It's just, I don't know how much more my husband can take."

"First off, you don't have to apologize, as your question was one most ask." He told her. "I understand your concern. Surprising as this may sound, Blaine has actually expressed concern about your husband in court."

"Actually, that's not surprising as Burt and Blaine had a good relationship. It's part of what makes this situation more difficult." She then opened the screen door. "Please, come in as I'm sure the neighbors are already speculating regarding who you are given how you're dressed." Carter glanced down at what he was wearing, which was a suit, but then looked around and saw a few neighbors on their stoops, so he accepted the invitation to come inside.

Once he was inside, Carole offered him something to drink, and while she went to get it, left him in the family room waiting. When she returned, she saw him looking at a picture from her and Burt's wedding. "Who's the other young man in the photo?" He asked as he took the glass of water from her.

"That's my son, Finn, he…he died about eight years ago."

"I'm so sorry, I…

"It's alright, I wouldn't expect you to know."

"I've heard about him."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, as Kurt's mentioned him a few times. It's nice to put a face to a name." He then took a sip. "I hope I'm not interrupting any plans you might've had for the evening."

"You haven't." Carole told him as they went to sit down. "I was actually watching coverage of the premiere when you rang." That admission clearly caught her attention. "While Blaine's my ex son-in-law, I'm happy for him, and for Cooper. Plus, we learned the hard way it's best to stay aware of what Blaine's doing, we've been caught off-guard one too many times."

"Do you mind me asking, why he can't seem to walk away from Blaine?"

"You can ask, but unfortunately I don't have an answer for you. Every possible explanation we've come up with, Kurt contradicts. Honestly, your guess is as good as ours." Carole replied. "And before you ask, we have no clue how to get him to listen."

"Well if he doesn't get the message soon, he's going to find himself back in the one place he doesn't want to go back to."

He was in the middle of his response when Burt and Kurt came walking into the house. "Carole, whose Mercedes is in the driveway?" Burt asked as they entered the foyer. He was about to call out to her again, when they turned the corner and spotted Mr. Jones sitting on the couch. "Mr. Jones, wha…"

"What are you doing here?" Kurt blurted out, crossing his arms as he did, striking a defensive stance while Burt shook his head.

"Kurt." Carole stated. "That is no way to speak to our guest."

"He's not a guest, he's my lawyer." Kurt replied. "Now, what are you doing here, and I better not be paying for it?" Carole and Burt watched as Mr. Jones took a deep breath before responding.

"Is there somewhere we can talk in private Kurt?"

"Anything you want to say to me, you can say in front of them."

"I'm here, because I had a rather lengthy conversation with Mr. Smythe this morning regarding the video of you making the rounds on the internet." Carter replied, garnering a confused look from Kurt. "That little rant you had after Blaine performed this morning, was recorded and went viral."

"I, I did no such thing."

"Really, because I can easily bring the video up for you to see for yourself." He told him. "When are you going to get it through your head that you can't mouth off about Blaine and Sebastian whenever and wherever you feel like it?"

"I didn't say anything that bad."

"Bad, is a matter of perspective Kurt, and belittling Blaine, isn't a good start. Especially given what Judge Watkins said to you the last time he saw you."

"I'm sure that's why the egotistical elder Smythe called you, he was so concerned about me."

"No, he called because he wants this to come to an end once and for all."

"Right."

"I'm serious, so if you're interested, in two weeks he'd like you to meet Blaine to clear the air once and for all."

"Blaine wouldn't agree to that."

"Actually, it was Blaine's idea."

"Doubt that, as there is no way Smythe would ever allow him to do that."

"Wrong, as Sebastian fully supports Blaine's desire to end this once and for all, as no one gains anything from this continuing any longer."

"They haven't lost anything because of this."

"Kurt, do you not understand that if you stop going to court constantly, employers might be give you a chance?" Burt told him.

"Doubt it."

"Kurt, listen to what Blaine has to say."

"I'm not going to New York to meet him, can't afford it."

"Actually, Blaine is willing to fly here if it means putting this situation to rest."

"What about the restraining order?'

"Mr. Smythe spoke with Judge Watkins who agreed to sign off on this meeting, as long as Blaine isn't alone."

"Let me guess, Smythe's going to be with him."

"His name is Sebastian!" Carole exclaimed in frustration. "Sebastian Anderson-Smythe, grow up Kurt!"

"Actually, Blaine's body guard Scott would be accompanying him." Mr. Jones told him. "So, are you willing to meet with him?"

"Do I really have a choice?"

"You do, but I recommend it Kurt." Mr. Jones replied. "What do you have to lose?"

"Fine, but I don't promise anything will be resolved."

"Fair enough, I'll let Mr. Smythe know you've agreed. I'll get back to you with a date and time." He told him. "And Kurt, I recommend you watch the viral video, and view it as something never to do again."

"Why?"

"Just because things might get settled between you and Blaine, you'll still have legal issues pending and agitating Judge Watkins anymore, isn't wise."