5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 41
With the arrival of his Grandparents, it was impossible to ignore the change in Sebastian's demeanor, as he reassessed the importance of what was happening. By the time he emerged from the bathroom on Tuesday morning, Blaine was setting down a tray with coffee and something to eat. "At least now I know why you didn't join me." Sebastian said to him before leaning down to give him a kiss, prior to reaching for his cup of coffee. "Anyone else up?"
"Everyone is, and were all down in the kitchen when I made my way down." Blaine replied while beginning to undress so he could take his shower. "How are you feeling?"
"Surprisingly, I'm looking forward to things, which is different from last time." He said while slipping his arms around Blaine who was now naked. "While I was proud of what I did previously, things feel different this time around. You know, my parents wanted to invite my grandparents last time, and I asked them not to."
"So, I heard." Blaine told him. "They're so happy to be here Bas, to be a part of your day."
"I know, and I hate that I denied them of that last time. Guess I just thought with all the ceremonies they attend at home, why travel all this way for me."
"They traveled all this way because they love you, and are extremely proud of you. Something they couldn't stop stressing yesterday." Blaine reminded him before stretching to give him a kiss. "Now let me go, so I can go make myself presentable." The words were barely out of his mouth, when he watched Sebastian's expression change, and felt his hands slip down to his ass. "Tempting as it is to go there, we can't as…"
"We need to be responsible." Sebastian muttered before leaning down to kiss him. "Tonight then, after all the festivities and once everyone has gone home."
"Absolutely." Blaine replied, before Sebastian released his hold so he could start getting ready. Once Blaine disappeared, Sebastian took a seat to eat what Blaine had brought up for him, before proceeding to get ready.
Shortly after they finished taking some pictures, and headed on their way, Rachel and Thad arrived at their home so the deliveries could begin. "You don't think they saw us, do you?" Rachel asked as she and Thad headed up to Blaine's studio to get the items he'd left for them.
"No, as we were far enough down the block for them not to notice." Thad told her. "Not to mention, Sebastian's focus was clearly on those around him. It also helps that Scott and Marcus were keeping a look-out, so they didn't need to. Everything is going to go as planned Rach, relax."
"How can you be so sure about it?"
"Because Blaine managed to actually surprise Sebastian with his Grandparents." He replied. "Plus, it's not as though Sebastian doesn't know a party is happening, he simply doesn't know all who is attending." The last little bit helped put her nerves at ease. "Did you read the post he made last night, the one under the picture of him with his Grandparents, he thanked Blaine for inviting them, saying having them here meant the world to him and it was the best possible gift?"
"He actually referred to him as my love." Rachel teased, having clearly seen the post. "I understand where you're coming from, it's just, there's going to be way more family waiting for him when they return."
"If he dares to get mad at Blaine for issuing an open invitation to his family, and they dared show, he's selfish since they literally flew in from other countries, for him."
"I get that, but the last thing they need is getting into a fight right before their anniversary."
"Rach, Sebastian might be a lot of things, stubborn definitely being one of them, but he'll see Blaine did this out of love for him."
"I really hope that you're right, because Blaine's really nervous."
"I promise you, if he gets pissed, I'll be the first to put him in his place, but I really believe there's nothing to worry about." There was something about the look in her eyes, which had Thad reach out and caress her cheek. "Mind me asking why you're so worried, outside of not wanting Blaine upset?"
"It's a culmination of everything, as their trip to Ohio is still bugging me."
"A trip, you're not going to discuss with them today, right?"
"Correct." Rachel assured him. "Today is not the time or place to do so, and if I need to wait till they return from their vacation, so be it." She added. "Speaking of, do you know where they're going as Blaine's been rather quiet about it?"
"No, I don't know, because Blaine hasn't shared that information with anyone, including Sebastian." His response earning him quite the look. "Blaine's surprising Sebastian, similarly to how Sebastian surprised him regarding their honeymoon. Think of it as an homage of sorts for their first anniversary." He then leaned in and gave her a kiss. "They're going to have an amazing first anniversary Rach."
"I guess after everything Blaine went through with Kurt, I'm overly protective of him, even though I know Sebastian is nothing like Kurt. Sebastian's proven to be everything Blaine ever told me, as so much more as he clearly held back a bit."
"Sebastian's grown up Rach, we all have."
"I know, yet if I had kept Kurt a part of my life, I might not have seen it."
"All the more reason to be thankful you kicked him to the curb, as he would've been an even bigger pain in the ass if he was still part of your life, at least in regards to us."
"That goes unsaid." Rachel told him. "I just hate he's still a problem for Blaine and Sebastian."
"A problem, they seem to have control of, at least for the most part." Thad said to her. "Something we need to accept, even if it's difficult and means they have to see him occasionally. Instead, we need to focus on all the good things going on in their life."
"I normally do, it's…"
"Just hard since you know in your gut, they saw Hummel this weekend." Rachel nodded, and then felt Thad wrap his arms around her. "If anything, all this crap has made them stronger, frustrating as it may be for them. There isn't anything they wouldn't do for one another Rach."
"I know that, I merely don't want them to have to deal with it anymore."
"We all want that, but it's out of our hands." He then kissed her once again. "I'd be more concerned if this seemed to have driven a wedge between them, but it hasn't, it's brought them closer. Focus on that, as neither would want their drama to be an issue for us, hence why they're keeping us out of it." Just as he spoke, each of their phones went off, causing them to pull away from one another to find out what it is. What each of them saw was a notification, as Blaine had posted a picture of the two of them in the back of the car.
"They look so happy." Rachel said before commenting on the picture.
"Because they are, so…"
"Focus on that, I got it." Rachel replied before kissing him. "Thanking for not dismissing how I feel."
"I'd never do that, you have a right to be concerned, just don't let it monopolize your thoughts as it's the last thing either would want."
"Duly noted." She said, as the doorbell rang as the first of many deliveries had arrived. Leaving them to focus on the task at hand, and getting things ready for the party.
For as much fun as they had in the car on the way over, short after they arrived, Sebastian disappeared, leaving Blaine with the rest of the family. It wasn't long after Sebastian left them, did Blaine hear someone call out his name, causing him to turn, along with everyone else. Upon spotting Kimberly, along with Hunter's parents, he waved them over, then proceeded to make introductions. "How is Hunter doing today?"
"He'd be better if his Mom didn't keep fussing with his tie, said he felt like a child. It took ample self-control for him to not swat her hand away." Her response making him laugh. "How's Sebastian?"
"Excited, though ready to get this over and done with even if he didn't outright say it." Blaine told her as all the parents and grandparents spoke, giving the two a bit of privacy. "How are you feeling?"
"Better now, though it was a rough morning, which left us to get creative regarding his parents." She replied. "I'm pretty sure his Mom saw through our act, but didn't push. Today's about Hunter, tomorrow's another story."
"Precisely. Is he being as stubborn about it as Bas?"
"Exceeding." Kimberly teased, causing Blaine to laugh once again. "I wouldn't expect anything else from him, it's who he is. Speaking of, I hope Sebastian's prepared to get a bit of the third degree from him pertaining to your little trip."
"Bas is aware Hunter's going to have something to say." Blaine then took a step closer to her. "Do you know what Hunter did for us, I mean…"
"If you mean hiring the PI, I do." She replied before taking ahold of his hand. "He said it only took one look at Sebastian, to know he needed to help get the two of you answers."
"How'd he know there was more to the situation than what Sebastian said?"
"Hunter's got this weird ability to sense when there's more to a situation. Did it help, because he never really mentioned it again after receiving the dossier?"
"It did, more than you can imagine as even I didn't know the depth of what transpired behind my back."
"I'm sorry." Kimberly replied softly.
"Don't be, as it helped us gain an upper hand in the situation, because now we could more easily dispute things he proclaimed. It also gave us a bit of leverage."
"Good, because at least one person should have some control in this situation."
"Why do I feel you're referring to more than what's played out in public?"
"Because I am, as I've seen the toll representing Kurt on top of his other cases has taken on Carter."
"That's because Kurt doesn't listen, he believes he always knows best, even if he's completely wrong." Blaine told him. "If there's a person one should listen to, it's their lawyer, as they understand how the system works. It's one thing to ask questions, which I've done plenty of times, simply because I didn't understand why something was happening. It's another, to disregard what they say entirely and basically implode their plan." The instant Kimberly giggled, Blaine slipped his arm around her. "Makes you thankful Hunter's focusing on contracts, versus litigation, doesn't it?"
"It does, yet you're not as lucky."
"True, yet I really can't imagine Bas doing something else. Similar as the two are, Bas has a bit more patience than Hunter does, something which has been tested because of the situation we're in. If Bas can hold it together when it's personal, the rest will be a breeze, or at least I hope."
"Actually, you brought up an excellent point which I hadn't considered. This situation has been quite the learning experience for Sebastian, hasn't it."
"In more ways than you can imagine, it also reinforced how good Xavier is at what he does." Blaine told her. "The way he handled everything, even the unexpected, helped me get through it. There's something to be said about the calming influence which comes when you trust someone whose in control. Things which would've given me anxiety before, didn't, all because I completely trusted those around me."
"Not to take away from Xavier's ability, but I'm sure Sebastian played a bit part in that."
"It did, but Bas's impact was different, more personal."
"Got it." After she spoke, they heard Victoria speak up, which lead to them all heading towards their seats so they could all sit together.
While they were making their way to their seats, Sebastian and Hunter were having the very conversation Blaine and Kimberly expected. Yet given how things played out, it didn't damper their mood, which lead to a few random shots of the two of them to commemorate the moment. "Crazy to think we're finally here." Hunter said to him as Sebastian sent one of the pictures to Blaine. "Seemed so far off when we first reunited our freshman year."
"Tell me about it, we've come a long way, in more ways than one." Sebastian replied. "After everything we went through, we're proof one can move on from the mistakes ones made."
"Are you referring to us, or…"
"Everything." Sebastian said, not wanting to bring Blaine up in that moment, unsure who might be listening to them. "You stepped up for me, in a way I never imagined."
"You would've done the same for me." Hunter assured him. "Often, it's easier to see a solution, when you're not a part of the situation."
"That's very true, yet once you presented the idea, the pieces fell into place. I truly don't know how we'll ever thank you."
"Seeing you happy, is thanks enough, honestly." Hunter told him. "You two deserve all the happiness life has to give."
"The same goes for you and Kimberly." Sebastian said, making Hunter smile. "This is only the beginning Hunter, the world is ours for the taking."
"Now that's the Sebastian I know." Hunter teased. "We've got a bit of catching up to do, as your husband has already taken it by storm." The look of pride on Sebastian's face in response was impossible to miss. "You love the fact that he has, don't you?"
"Is that really a question to which you need an answer?" Hunter shook his head. "Good, otherwise I'd question those instincts of yours."
"Can't have that."
"No, we can't." Sebastian replied. "You know the best part about all of it, he's only getting started. The ne…" When he basically stopped before even beginning, Hunter closed the distance between them. "What?"
"What were you going to say?"
"Nothing."
"Bullshit! You simply realized it was in your best interest not to finish your thought." He then took a closer look at him, trying to get a read on him. It took a moment, but soon he started to put things together. "You've heard some of his new stuff, haven't you?" Hunter said, barely above a whisper.
"Possibly."
"Damn, how long till we get to hear it?"
"I don't foresee it happening anytime soon, since it's still a work in progress." Sebastian told him. "Something I'm grateful for, as I love having him home."
"Sebastian."
"I know and accept, touring is a part of his job. I'm just glad he'll be home when I'm getting my footing in a new environment."
"Didn't you get hired at the same firm you interned at though, so it's not necessarily new."
"I did, but it's still going to be a change."
"True, and knowing Blaine, there's nowhere else he'd rather be."
"He said as much, said it's time for him to be my anchor, like I was for him, yet he's always been that since he walked back into my life, even when he was on the road." Sebastian proceeded to take a deep breath, before slowly releasing it. "This is not the time or place to be getting emotional."
"Actually, it is, it's the perfect time to reflect on the past few years." Hunter told him. "Yours merely coincide with falling in love and marrying the man you adore."
"Yours isn't all that different."
"True, but our roads were a bit different. Although I knew you had feelings for him back in the day, I didn't realize the depth of them. He really was your reason for turning over a new leaf." Sebastian nodded. "Crazy how it only takes one action, to make us question everything we've done."
"Or more precisely, one monumental fuck up." His response made Hunter laugh. "Yet look at us now, we learned from our mistakes and became who we are now."
"And found incredible people, who love us, for who we are, dark side and all." The last comment, along with the accompanying wink was all it took for Sebastian to laugh loudly, garnering a bit of attention, before apologizing for his outburst. "It's true. If I only knew then, how true that song was."
"You're terrible." Sebastian replied, yet he knew Hunter had a point.
"I'm not, because you know I'm right, particularly who led that number. Much as we've changed, that part of us protects us Sebastian, it's a survival instinct of sorts."
"I know, as there are times one needs to color outside the lines, within reason of course."
"Of course." Hunter replied as the call was made for them all to take their places. "Time for all the pomp and circumstance to begin. See you when it's over."
"See you then."
While the ceremony was pretty standard, it was during some of the speeches that Blaine had time to look through the program, to see who won some of the prominent awards. It was during this time, he saw Sebastian had not only won two awards. One of the awards recognizes the student achieving the highest academic average in each graduating class. The other for academic honors for outstanding academic achievement for all three years. Not only had Sebastian won those, he was also named a Kent scholar, along with Hunter. No sooner did he see this, he pointed it out to Victoria who was sitting beside him, the smile which appeared on her face, similar to his own.
The smile which appeared on her face, undoubted mirrored his own, as he managed to feel even prouder in that moment, if it was possible. Then after show the information to her, he shared the same with his parents who were seating on the other side, and they looked just as proud. In that moment, Blaine wanted nothing more than to congratulate his husband, but that would have to wait till the ceremony was over. When the moment came for Sebastian to walk across the stage, Blaine was grateful his parents were there, as they managed to capture the moment, while Blaine lived it.
They weren't the only ones experience it, as by that time, a majority of the party guests, particularly those from out of town, had arrived and they were all watching the live stream of the ceremony. "I can't even imagine how Blaine, and Sebastian's parents feel given we're all a bit emotional right now." Rachel said aloud.
"Knowing my Aunt Victoria, she's a mess, right Mom." Anastasia replied while glancing up at Simone, who is Victoria's sister.
"Yes, and your Grand-mère is no better." She said as she slipped an arm around her daughter. "Good thing your Grand-père always has an extra handkerchief during these moments. Though, he might not be much better." Anastasia nodded in agreement, as they all knew how proud Rainier was of Sebastian.
"When are they expected to arrive?" Thomas asked.
"According to Blaine, we should expect them around one, that is if traffic cooperates." Rachel replied. "He did say he will either call or text once they are on their way so we're able to prepare for their arrival."
"Any particular reason why you're curious?" Aurora asked her cousin, knowing it wasn't a typical response from him.
"My Mum wants me to call her once he arrives so she can congratulate him." Thomas told her, earning him a bit of a look. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Because you've been, distant since you arrived in New York, I'm simply trying to figure out why." She then tilted her head. "Please tell me your Dad didn't tell her she couldn't come, after he seemed to open his mind a bit more."
"Relax, he did no such thing. He's had a hard dose of reality handed to him over the last couple of years." Aurora couldn't help but laugh, and then point at the Grammy on the piano. "Trust me, I've happily pointed out the success Blaine's achieved. Even he's admitted, he was wrong to judge Blaine's career ambition."
"What about Sebastian and Blaine?"
"Why are you asking this now?" Thomas asked.
"Because I want to know if he's finally wrapped his head around the fact Sebastian's in love with a wonderful man, who loves him with his whole heart, and gender shouldn't play a part in it. He should be happy his nephew is happy." Aurora said before taking a calming breath. "That way we can actually get together as a family without fearing a war of words breaking out. You know it would mean the world to Grandparents to have us all together more often. You know it broke Grandma's heart when Sebastian stayed away, simply so he didn't want to cause a problem."
"I know, which is why Blaine's invitation meant so much to them." Thomas then reached forward and took her hand. "My Dad's not going to be a problem anymore Aurora."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because I am, and you know better than anyone, I've always gone to bat for Sebastian when it comes to my Dad." When she nodded, he smiled. "That's more like it. Do you trust me?"
"I do, because if anyone can see a change in him, it would be you since the rest of us don't spend much time with him, because…"
"Because how he treats, I know, as does he. And while he and Uncle Xavier have their issues, it doesn't give him the right to take it out on Sebastian."
"Thank you."
"For?"
"Looking out for him, regardless of the impact it might have on your own relationship with him."
"My Dad knows where I stand, and he's the one who taught me to stand up for what I believe. Now enough about this, as there are better things to talk about."
"So true, I'm sorry."
"Don't be, as you simply asked because you love Sebastian."
"Very true, but now was not the time to get into our family issues, when this moment is about celebrating him." Aurora said.
"It is, as regardless of what's going on around him, he let nothing distract him from his goals. He and Blaine really are an unstoppable force, in all the best ways."
"That they are, and I have a feeling, they're only getting started."
"Here, here!"
