5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 49

In contrast to what was happening back in Ohio, Blaine was smiling as he watched Sebastian look out the window as they began their decent, attempting to figure out where they were. "At least tell me if we've been here before."

"You'll know soon enough." Blaine told him, proud of himself for not having caved during the trip, as Sebastian certainly tried to get their destination out of him. "If you have more questions after we land, then I'll happily answer them."

"So, you won't tell me if we're staying at a hotel or if you rented a place for us?" Sebastian asked, glancing over at him, only to earn a shake of his head. "You're lucky you're cute."

"This is no different than you surprising me for our honeymoon."

"I beg to differ, as you went into our honeymoon knowing good and well, you weren't going to find out till we got there." Sebastian responded. "This, I…"

"You told me to plan, never said anything about me sharing the details with you."

"Semantics."

"Your argument wouldn't hold up in court counselor." Blaine replied, earning him quite the look. "You know I'm right."

"We're not in court."

"I know, doesn't change the fact your argument holds no ground." Blaine then peered out the window and saw the runway. "You'll have your answer soon, only a matter of minutes now." He then kissed Sebastian on the cheek. "Trust me, it's worth the wait."

Blaine was correct as it wasn't long after he spoke, did they touch down and begin taxi towards their spot. Once they came to a stop, Sebastian unbuckled his seatbelt and rose from his seat, making Blaine laugh. "I want to know where we are."

"And you'll find out, as soon as they open the door." Blaine replied as he got up, and then stretched before reaching for his bag. Once the door was opened, the two made their way towards it, and then down the steps. "So, what do you think?" He asked as he knew there was no doubt Sebastian saw the sign welcoming them to St. Croix.

"Perfect, as you said." Sebastian said before leaning down to kiss him as their bags were brought to them. "Now, hotel or house?"

"House, as considering everything that's been going on, I really didn't want to deal with people." Blaine told him as they headed towards their awaiting car. "I wasn't kidding when I told our parents this entire trip was about relaxing and rejuvenating."

"You won't hear any complaints from me, as that's just what we need, especially since things are going to be a bit hectic once we get home."

"Precisely, and, it's not as though we're not going to do thing, I…"

"You don't need to explain yourself B, I understand." Sebastian replied before loading their bags into the car. "I hope I wasn't too annoying, I was just getting anxious."

"You weren't." Blaine said before taking ahold of the keys. "Ready?"

"Am I ever."

By the time they arrived at the out of the way home, Sebastian couldn't take his eyes off of his husband. "What?"

"All this, for us?"

"When one desires privacy, you often end up with a bigger place than you need, which we certainly did." Blaine told him as they got out of the car. "I can't wait to see if the video and pictures do it justice."

"Then let's find out." Sebastian told him, before they went to get their bags. Since they each only had a suitcase and a carry-on, it didn't take them long to make their way inside. Even from the foyer, the views were breath-taking, as you could not only see the pool, but the ocean. After leaving their bags at the base of the stairs, they headed further in, each smiling as they exchanged looks with one another. "What's your take, as this place is gorgeous?"

"The pictures actually didn't do it justice." Blaine said while heading towards the French doors which lead out back. "Honestly, it's more than I hoped for." Once they were out on the back deck, he felt Sebastian slip his arms around him from behind. "Do you mind that we're not directly on the beach?"

"Does that path over there lead down to it?" Once Blaine said it did, Sebastian pressed a kiss to his cheek. "It's perfect. You realize, this is the first time we've truly been able to relax since our trip to Paris."

"But did we truly relax then, I mean, given the temper-tantrum Kurt threw?"

"That was more a blip on the radar, but this time, we don't have to worry about that since he's locked up, with no access to social media." His response caused Blaine to look back at him. "I looked over the paperwork. According to what was stated, during his evaluation he'll have no access to social media as it's considered a distraction."

"What about once he gets out?"

"If he's stupid enough to react to something while on work-release, he's an even bigger idiot than I thought, and that's saying a lot." Sebastian then kissed him once more. "My Dad said he'd text us, once he's transferred so we know. But until then…"

"Don't give him another thought." Blaine said as they took in the view and feeling Sebastian's hold tighten.

"Exactly." Sebastian whispered into his ear. "What do you say, we take our token, we've arrived picture, and then go explore the rest of the house?"

"Explore, don't you mean make ourselves comfortable in the master suite."

"If that's what you want." Sebastian teasingly replied while slipping his hands a bit lower, only to find Blaine in the same state he was. "You wouldn't get any objections out of me, as I couldn't think of a better way to start this part of our trip."

"Then what are we waiting for."

Shortly after taking the picture and sharing it, it wasn't long till their friends started to comment given how happy the two looked. "Much as I wish that was where we were heading off to, it won't be much longer." Wes told Chloe as she'd called him shortly after seeing Blaine's post. "And I promise, the view is as striking."

"Something which I'm highly anticipating." Chloe replied. "But until then, we'll have to make do with our trip to Westerville. And considering what you agreed to do, I have a feeling it won't be all that boring."

"Are you implying things aren't going to go smoothly?"

"Actually, I'm flat out stating it, otherwise Blaine never would've asked you to be there." Once she spoke, the next thing she did was smile as she heard Wes laugh. "Keep in mind, I've heard plenty of stories about how the New Directions were run, as not only Blaine, but the girls were more than happy to share. Plus, Kate wasn't overly impressed by him the last she spoke with him."

"I'd forgotten about that, along with the fact you spoke with her after Blaine asked me to do him this favor." Wes said to her. "Are you sure you want to be there, I mean, it could be a long, boring day?"

"Positive, as I don't want to miss out seeing you in your element."

"That was a long time ago."

"True, but I have a feeling I'll get to see a glimpse of the Wes the guys speak of."

"I don't know if that's a good thing."

"It is, as while you kept them in line, they respected you, which isn't easy given there wasn't that vast of an age difference." Wes sighed softly, yet she couldn't help feel something wasn't right. "You still hate that you weren't around for them when everything figuratively went to hell."

"Yes."

"That wasn't your responsibility, and none of them think that."

"They've said it wouldn't have happened if I was there."

"Doesn't make you responsible, they all have minds of their own." Chloe reminded him. "It was a perfect storm of sorts, Blaine left, Sebastian arrived, and well, I don't need to say more."

"Rationally, I know all that, I just wish there was something I could've done." Wes told her. "If I'd only known how bad it had gotten, I…"

"Would've come home." He confirmed. "Ever think they didn't tell you, because they didn't want you to know how badly they screwed up, to be ashamed of them. Owning up to our own mistakes isn't easy. Yet in the end, they all admitted they played a part, even Blaine who ended up getting hurt the worst. You should be proud of the fact they didn't let what was basically a misunderstanding at its core, destroy them."

"True, as it easily could've." Wes said as he checked his email. "I really do wonder what Mr. Schuester is like now, though I should go into it open minded."

"You should, but based on what Blaine told you, you need to go in there prepared." Chloe replied, before hearing him chuckle. "What's so funny?"

"Blaine's not taking anything for chance, as I now know who else will be there with us."

"How is that?"

"I was just asked if I would go to Dalton a day earlier to than intended to hear what the Warblers sound like, in case they need some work."

"You didn't answer my question Wes."

"I know, but I think this is a scenario you need to see play out in person given who is involved."

"So, I know who else Blaine asked to help."

"You do, and let me just say, Blaine's making a statement with his choice."

"Then why do you need to be there?" Chloe asked, even more intrigued than she'd been previously.

"To ensure the Warblers aren't caught in the middle." Wes told her. "Not only musically, but used as a pawn. Think about it, Blaine has made no secret where his heart lies."

"I know, but that's teetering on childish."

"Maybe, but it's clearly a chance Blaine's not willing to take. He knows, I won't hesitate to not only stand up for them, but remove them from a situation they shouldn't be in."

"I understand that, but if there is a chance of that type of behavior, why did Blaine bother even inviting them?"

"Because it's Blaine, and he's not going to ignore part of where he came from. Like it or not, the New Directions played a part in the performer he's become."

"Yea, he's learn how to deal with childish behavior."

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing, just something Santana might've said in passing."

"Chloe, what don't I know?"

"Wes, you know all too well the dynamic in that glee club wasn't healthy and, this Mr. Schuester did nothing to fix it!" Chloe stated rather adamantly, letting him know she and Santana must've had one hell of a talk. Something he'd have to find out more about, yet that would have to wait until they were back at home.

Once the call ended, Wes checked the time before making another call as he wanted a bit more information, and hoped this call would provide it. "I must say, you were the last person I was expecting to hear from." Thad said to him once formalities were made. "What do I owe this call?"

"You're going to be back to Ohio for the benefit, right?" Wes asked, as he didn't want to blurt out his question.

"I am, something I told Blaine yesterday, as he needed an answer immediately in case he needed to change the arrangement." Thad replied. "Why are you asking?"

"Are you coming in Friday night or Saturday morning?"

"Saturday morning, since Rachel is performing on Friday night. Again, something I shared with Blaine, who said we'd all meet for rehearsal Saturday morning." Wes acknowledged him in a way, Thad knew more was going on. "This isn't about our performance, is it?"

"Yes and no, as it pertains to the Warblers part in it."

"Okay, but you know Blaine made plans to ensure the Warblers knew what was expected of them, same goes with the New Directions."

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about actually." Wes told him. "Do you know exactly to what measures Blaine took since he won't be getting into town till Wednesday evening?"

"No, as we really haven't had a lot of time to talk about this grand plan of his since he was focused on Sebastian's party." Thad replied. "What does our rock star have up his sleeve?"

"How about sending your quasi soon to be mother-in-law to direct the chaos?"

"Excuse me, would you repeat that?" Thad asked him.

"Shelby just sent me an email asking me to meet with the Warblers a day before the group rehearsal. She wanted to make sure they knew what Blaine expects from them." While he spoke, he heard that attempting not to laugh on the other end. "You clearly didn't know."

"No, as neither Rachel or Shelby have said anything to me. Hell, I have a feeling even Rachel doesn't know as there is no way she'd be able to keep that to herself." Thad replied, clearly amused. "Blaine's sending a serious FU to Mr. Schuester."

"Can't say that thought didn't cross my mind, but, it makes me wonder why?"

"Knowing Blaine, I'm sure more than one thing played into it. Yet most importantly, he asked someone he trusts, and knows will make sure his vision for this song is fulfilled." Thad told him. "Honestly, before you said quasi mother-in-law, I thought you were going to say Derek since I know he's going to be at the benefit. And something like this is right up his alley."

"I probably would've been less surprised to get an email from him, than Shelby given the history in play."

"Maybe that's why Blaine did it, as it's his way of letting Mr. Schuester know he's not in charge. And while Shelby would've looked out for the Warblers, you know as well as I do, they can be outspoken if they feel they aren't being respected. Hence why Blaine asking you to be their liaison in a sense, is perfect. They'll respect you since you're an alum, plus you have a good idea what you'll be up against when it comes to Mr. Schuester."

"I shouldn't be up against anything, this is for charity." Wes said to him. "They should be thrilled to be participating."

"I'm sure the kids are, but I'm referring to Mr. Schuester. Deep down he's got to know Blaine's doing this because he's a nice guy, not because that's where his allegiances lie. Afterall, he made it pretty clear where his heart lies the day he wore a Dalton blazer in concert."

"Good point, as that had to have stung a bit."

"Exactly, and I wouldn't put it passed Santana to have told him the only reason Blaine didn't leave McKinley after Hummel graduated, was because of guilt given how many they graduated."

"You're right, as that's a very Santana thing to do, and Blaine's admitted as much." Wes then looked to the side where a picture of all of them from Blaine's and Sebastian's wedding sat. "Do me a favor, don't mention this to Rachel, as the last thing she needs is getting worked up over something not in her control."

"My fiancée, never." Thad teasingly replied. "I get where you're coming from, so I won't as she's got enough on her mind as it is preparing for the benefit."

"Speaking of, how are rehearsals going with Jesse?"

"I'll let you know later, as they are meeting today for the first time with Blaine's band."

"I didn't know they were backing them."

"Only for one number, but she asked them personally. I don't even know if Blaine knows."

"If he doesn't, it'll be a quite the surprise." Wes told him. "I know he's really looking forward to hearing what they have in store, as he gave them free reign when it came to choose their songs."

"Something she and Jesse didn't take lightly." Thad assured him. "And before you ask, no, I don't know what they chose, she wants it to be a surprise. Now, going back to Shelby, do you think she contacted Mr. Schuester?"

"Considering how Blaine presented her to me, I don't think so. For all I know, she merely got in touch with me instead of the council since I know how particular Blaine can be."

"Can be?" Thad's response garnered a laugh. "He wouldn't be where he is today if he wasn't. Further proof of how lucky we were in high school."

"And why you basically told him he could sing whatever he wanted." Wes said, this time he made Thad laugh. "You know it's true."

"Won't deny it, and while it wasn't necessarily fair, I think deep down we all knew how good he was even Nick and Jeff. The only one that didn't, and never will is his ass of an ex-husband." Thad stated. "I wonder how his eval is doing."

"Excuse me?"

"Never mind."

"Too late, talk."

"I shouldn't have said anything, not to mention, Santana would kick my ass, something you know she's more than capable of doing, if she knew I slipped up."

"I won't tell her, now what are you talking about?"

"Part of Hummel's sentence the last time he was in court with Blaine and Sebastian was, he was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation due to his inability to exhibit the slightest bit of self-control."

"Serious?"

"Yes, guess all those wise-cracks we all made might not be too far off, he's most likely has serious issues." Thad said. "Though, that doesn't excuse how he treated Blaine."

"I was going to say the same thing." Wes replied. "If anything, this falls on his Dad, as he either excused Kurt's behavior or flat-out believed Blaine was at fault."

"I've refrained from making that statement aloud. And while I know certain issues can't be helped, Burt turning a blind-eye to Kurt's behavior, didn't help. I mean, Rachel's stated numerous times how he changed, she even tried to talk to Burt about it to no prevail. He refused to see there was something wrong."

"Well, hopefully this evaluation will open his eyes."

"One can only hope."