5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 43
After taking a minute to compose themselves, Blaine and Sebastian made their way back into their home, immediately being approached by Thomas. "Sebastian, you have to know I had no clue they were going to show up. For what I knew, they were still in London as of this morning."
"Relax, we don't hold their actions against you." Sebastian replied while pouring himself a glass of scotch. "I know you well enough to know you'd never put me, or Blaine for that matter, in this type of situation." He then slammed his drink. "Any idea what's going on?"
"Not a clue, but should you need me, don't hesitate, alright?"
"We won't." Sebastian said, before taking ahold of Blaine's hand and giving it to tug. "Ready to find out what the fuck is going on?"
"Let's do this." Blaine replied before the two headed towards the stairs and Sebastian's office. "He looked mortified."
"I know, so once this is all done, his parents need to apologize to him for putting him in such an awkward spot." Sebastian said. "For I have no doubt, while my Grandma was diplomatic, she didn't let up till she got answers."
"Speaking of, where's your Grandpa?"
"Knowing him, he's most likely upstairs with them trying to maintain an accord."
Little did Sebastian realize, that was precisely what his Grandfather was doing as he was none too pleased about the disruption to the party. "Honestly, what made you believe coming here today of all days was a good idea?" Xavier said as he paced Sebastian's office, waiting for he and Blaine to arrive. "I mean, Sebastian only graduated from Law School hours ago. You couldn't even let him enjoy the moment!"
"Xavier, calm…"
"Don't you dare tell me to calm down after the way you've not only treated my son over the years, but how you welcomed my now son-in-law into the family."
"Xavier, we meant no disrespect, honest." Margaret said to him as Victoria looked on, from her spot on the edge of Sebastian's desk. "Just…"
"Coming to this celebration when not invited, was wrong." Phillip stated. "Blaine, Victoria, and Xavier planned this party to recognize and celebrate all that Sebastian has accomplished. Not only did he graduate from Law School, he graduated near the top of his class."
"You must be so…" Robert said, before being interrupted by their arrival.
"Must be what?" Sebastian inquired as he and Blaine appeared in the doorway. "Actually, wait to answer that as this tête–à–tête is going elsewhere, so please follow me and Blaine."
"Sebastian." Xavier said. "Mind I ask why as I felt this would give us the necessary privacy?"
"While this room clearly gives us privacy, should this conversation hold true to form, our guests would still hear us." Sebastian said while maintaining his composure. "So, we're going to have this conversation in Blaine's studio which is soundproof."
"Do you really feel that is necessary Sebastian?" Phillip asked.
"Unfortunately, I do Grandpa if history has taught us anything, no matter how well intended it may start as, it rarely remains civilized. Now, please follow us." Before the others had a chance to object, Blaine and Sebastian turned to continue heading up the stairs to Blaine's studio. By the time everyone was inside, Blaine closed the door behind them before heading towards his usual spot behind his piano, where he was most comfortable.
While everyone was getting settled, Victoria couldn't help but notice the way Robert and Margaret looked about the room at all of Blaine's awards, achievements, and covers. "There are actually two missing, as they are down in the family room, one on Blaine's piano." She stated.
"I hadn't realized you'd accomplished so much, I…"
"Thought Thomas or the others might've been exaggerating." Sebastian responded as he leant back against Blaine's piano. "Clearly, they weren't, further reminder of how talented my husband is."
"Sebastian, I didn't come here to argue with you." Robert replied. "We came to congratulate you."
"A sent card would've served the same purpose." Sebastian said, before earning a look from his Grandfather who'd cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, but given what he's said to me and Blaine, it takes a lot of nerve to show up to our home."
"I'm sorry Dad, but Sebastian has a valid point." Xavier said. "A card would've carried the same sentiment, or even a phone call. Robert merely being here, has put them in an uncomfortable situation."
"Xavier's right, as right now Sebastian and Blaine should be entertaining their guests, yet they're up here." Victoria added.
"Why'd you come since I'd clearly made a point to exclude you from the guest list?" Blaine asked as he leaned against his piano. "I mean, while you were cordial at our wedding, undoubtedly because you know you would've been promptly removed if you hadn't. But why, come here as you've made your views clear regarding our relationship."
"May I respond to all of your questions now?" Robert asked, surprisingly calmly after the reception he received from everyone. It took Phillip looking around the room, before they all agreed to give him a chance to respond. "Thank you. Now I know, I've made some less than kind statements in the past, not only pertaining to Sebastian's sexuality, but his overall attitude. I was also unkind to you Blaine when I dismissed your career ambition."
"Keep going." Sebastian said, his arms crossed before him as he looked at his Uncle who was seated on the couch. A part of him wanting to make a snide comment about what's taken place where he was seated, but knew better.
"From the first-time you brought Blaine to meet the family, the rest of the family made it clear how embarrassed they were by my behavior, particularly my own children." Robert replied. "They actually admonished my behavior more than your Grandparents did."
"Yet that didn't stop you from essentially crashing our wedding." Sebastian said in response
"I know, and I'm sorry for that, yet a part of me didn't want my family attending without me, yet…"
"That day, wasn't about you! It was about me and Blaine! It was about us expressing the love we share for one another, and the commitment we were making to each other, with those that mean the most to us. It wasn't simply a family affair, it was our fucking wedding!" Sebastian exclaimed before raking his hand through his hair, before apologizing to his Grandfather as he always watched his language around him, as well as his Grandmother. He then walked around Blaine's piano and looked out the large window, out onto the city, whist Blaine took ahold of his hand.
When Robert didn't respond, Xavier tilted his head, as it was so unlike his brother to not respond. "I hope you didn't expect either of them to be welcoming to you, because…"
"I didn't, just as Sebastian had every right to say what he just did." Even with his back to the room, Sebastian's reaction was noted as he scoffed in response. "If you'd allow me to continue, our reason for coming might make more sense." Since Sebastian still had his back to the room, all eyes fell to Blaine, who after a moment, stood and spoke with Sebastian, who slowly turned around. Once he had, Robert did as well and took a step towards them, but stopped before getting too close. "We came here, because I wanted to apologize for how I've behaved. It's no secret that your Dad and I haven't always gotten along, but, I had no right to take our issues out on you, Sebastian. I know this doesn't change how I've treated you, it's just, you're so much like him and, I'm sorry."
Seeing Sebastian roll his eyes, didn't surprise anyone given how turbulent their relationship had been. "Is this where you attempt to lull me into a false sense of security only to…"
"Sebastian." Phillip said, yet he understood where his response was coming from.
"I'm sorry Grandpa, but if he thinks his words are going to make up for how he's treated me, he's got another thing coming. You and Grandma, along with my parents always reminded me actions speak louder than words. And he's given me no reason to believe this change of heart."
"Sebastian, he's being sincere." Margaret said to him. "Do you think he would've really gotten on a plane and come all this way if he didn't mean it."
"Not to be rude, but the timings a bit questionable." Blaine replied. "I mean, why now on a day we're celebrating Sebastian?"
"Blaine's made an excellent point, what now, unless you're trying to make yourself look good before everyone else."
"Speaking of everyone, Thomas wants a word with you once we're done." Sebastian said. "So, why today as Blaine asked?"
"Because merely sending this, might've been viewed as a less than meaningful gesture." Robert replied before reaching into his jacket for an envelope, and handing it to Xavier to give to Sebastian. "I know nothing I've said will make up for how I've treated you, either of you. But hopefully, this can be the start of a fresh slate between us."
After a bit of hesitation, Sebastian opened the envelope and read the card, before taking what appeared to be a check out of it. The shocked expression on his face, piqued Blaine's curiosity, yet soon understood his husband's reaction upon being shown the check. "You can't buy your way out of this, I mean..." Sebastian said as he handed the check to his Dad, who was as surprised as Blaine and Sebastian.
"Nor was my intention." Robert replied. "Once I seemingly came to my senses, at least according to my children, I thought of how I could begin making it up to you. After recalling Julia talking about the foundation the two of you set up, I began to do some research and, felt this was the best way to begin making amends, by helping others." While he spoke, Xavier handed the check to Victoria.
"This is for a quarter of a million dollars, it's too much." Victoria stated as Sebastian looked at Robert, clearly trying to assess if there was a motive behind his actions beyond what he'd stated.
"Given how I've behaved, it's not."
"Why donate to the foundation and not just give me something?" Sebastian asked.
"Because I knew the chances of you accepting something from me were slim." Robert said. "Yet donating in yours and Blaine's name, is another. I mean, do you really despise me so much you'd say no to me helping others."
"While this might not help Sebastian, know he came to this decision on his own, none of us forced him to do this, as he knows where the rest of us stand." Margaret told them. "It is why we came, as we felt it best to do this in person."
"Your timing still sucks." Sebastian said as he held the check again in his hands.
"We know, yet from what we were told, the two of you are leaving on vacation shortly hereafter." Robert said. "I didn't want this to seem like an afterthought, as I've thought about this for quite some time. From everything I read, your foundation is doing incredible work and has given me plenty to reflect upon."
"You mean such as people like you causing young kids to commit suicide, simply because they can't handle the disapproval." Sebastian replied, to which he nodded. "Coming out is scary as hell, as you really do wonder if those you love are still going to love you." He then took a deep breath to try and compose himself, before looking at Blaine. "I will accept your gift, as it's going to help a lot of people, but, that doesn't mean I regret a single thing I said to you."
"I never expected that, as you were justified in everything you said, as I deserved it. I simply want us to try and fix things, and as you said, actions speak louder than words."
"Are you willing to give him a chance Sebastian?" Phillip asked, as he watched Sebastian slip his arm around Blaine, then lean down to speak with him.
"He doesn't need to answer now, as I'm sure all of this is a lot to process." Robert said, which earned him a look of approval from Xavier, who while clearly hoping his intentions were pure, didn't want to forgive him on the spot.
"You may stay." Sebastian stated, bringing attention to him and Blaine.
"Excuse me?"
"You and Aunt Maggie may stay, you don't need to leave." Sebastian replied. "Be forewarned though, our side of the family, may have a few words for you. Consider this an olive branch on our part."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank us yet, prove to us this isn't a misplaced gesture of trust." Robert nodded, as Phillip got up and walked towards Blaine and Sebastian. "I'm sorry you had to hear that Grandpa, I…"
"No apologies Sebastian, you spoke how you felt." Phillip told him. "For everyone's sake, I hope he meant everything he said, as this discord kept you from us for too long. Yet, it took you falling in love with this young man right here, to bring you back to us." He added as he placed his hand on Blaine's shoulder. "All I ever wanted for any of my children, and grandchildren was for them to find the same love I share with Catherine. It only takes one look at the two of you, to know you do."
"We do." Sebastian said before turning his head to give Blaine a kiss. "It's going to take me time to trust him."
"Take your time, he has plenty to prove to you. Yet he was correct, this needed to be done in person."
"Though he could've chosen a better time, than during Sebastian's party." Blaine said.
"Very true." Phillip then looked back at the others talking. "I am going to head back to the party and share the news with your Grandma. Are the two of you coming?"
"We'll be down in a few minutes, as I need some time to speak with Blaine in private."
"Take all the time necessary, just don't forget you have guests and you are the guest of honor."
"I won't, I promise, we won't be long."
"Very well."
Once Phillip left the room, it wasn't long after the others did as well, leaving Blaine and Sebastian alone to talk. "I've got to admit, that didn't go as I expected." Blaine said to him once he closed the door behind the others. "But…"
"You're glad it went that way." Sebastian replied as he got comfortable on the couch, then motioning for Blaine to join him
"I am, but only if he's sincere." Blaine told him while walking towards him. "But, the fact he didn't deny anything you said, is progress."
"I wasn't too harsh, was I?"
"Not in the slightest given what he's put you through." Blaine said as he leant into the nook of his arm which was along the back of the couch. "Even your Grandpa didn't object, as he knows it's true."
"I still question the timing." Sebastian told him. "Yet, since we are going on vacation soon, and then you'll be gone occasionally, they didn't have many options."
"Especially if they wanted to do it now, versus waiting till Christmas." Blaine added. "Though, they could've waited till tomorrow."
"If one ignores the shitty timing, that's one hell of a gift." Sebastian said. "And he's right, I wouldn't have accepted something personally, but donating to the foundation, is another story. I mean, it's going to help so many people who are struggling B, as too often families are torn apart over one person's sexuality. They fail to recognize one's sexuality doesn't define a person."
"You don't have to tell me, as I know. It's a learning process Bas, and it goes beyond families. Jennifer is constantly fighting with publishers who want to denote my sexuality, versus simply focusing on my music. I know being out makes a difference, yet there is so much more to me than who I love."
"Something I know all too well." Sebastian replied before kissing him once again. "Do you ever think a time will come where it won't matter?"
"I do, but you and I both know, there are more people like your Uncle out there, and not all of them change their mind." Blaine then turned so he could look at him more directly. "I know giving him another chance isn't in your nature, but I'm glad you did. If he misuses that trust, it only makes him look bad, not you."
"True." Sebastian told him. "We're going to have one hell of a story to share with your parents when we present your Mom with that check."
"That's after she gets over the shock of it. It's one hell of an, I'm sorry gift."
"Tell me about it, it certainly got our attention." While he spoke, he felt Blaine's hand on his thigh. "Tempting as it was to be an ass, something about this time, felt different, he sounded sincere."
"Let's hope he was, as your Grandpa said, there's been discord for too long. I think he likes the idea of having everyone together, and not having to worry about all-out war breaking out."
"Like when you were first introduced to my family, not one of our finer moments." Sebastian said. "Yet you still wanted to be marry me."
"It would've taken a lot more than your Uncle's bigotry, to stop me from marrying you. Just as you easily could've not wanted to be with me because of…"
"Don't you dare, as none of his behavior is your fault."
"Just as you weren't to blame for your Uncle."
"It's different, he's family."
"Yet your family problem, hasn't caused us half the troubles my ex has. Meaning you had all the more reason not to want to…"
"Stop, as nothing Hummel throws at us, will ever make me regret falling in love with you." Sebastian told him. "I meant every word I said earlier B, marrying you is the best decision I've ever made. We're not always going to be dealing with him."
"How can you be so sure of that?"
"I'm taking the optimistic approach."
"Are you feeling alright?" Blaine teased, which soon found him lying on his back as Sebastian pushed him down onto the couch, and lied above him. "I'm just saying."
"Between what Judge Watkins ordered, and what you did, he'd prove himself an even bigger fool if he messes with us again."
"I want you to be right."
"As do I, but I know it'll all happen in stages." Sebastian told him. "But right now, we can enjoy the next couple months or so of peace."
"You do remember, he's going to be on work release, right?"
"I do, just as I know it'll only take one slip up to find him in full lock-up and on the receiving end of Judge Watkins wrath."
"I hadn't thought of that." Blaine said as he ran his hands over Sebastian's sides
"And you shouldn't, as you shouldn't be thinking of him at all."
"Neither should you."
"I know, but staying abreast of his legal situation, is in our best interest." Sebastian told him. "Is it wrong, that right now I'd love nothing more than to stay up here with you?"
"No, but you know that can't happen."
"I do, doesn't mean I can't want it. Just as I know, we need to rejoin the others before our friends' imaginations run wild." That earning a laugh from Blaine. "You know it's true."
"I do." Blaine replied before stretching to kiss him. "I promise you, tonight will be worth the wait."
"Don't make promises you don't intend to keep Killer."
"Trust me, this is one promise I fully intend on keeping. Now let's get back to your party."
