5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 50
Considering Blaine and Sebastian tend to spend their vacations off-grid outside of the occasional picture post, Wes was startled when he saw Blaine's number appear on his phone on Monday. "Shouldn't you be lounging on a beach or something?" Wes said to him after saying hello.
"Would it make you feel any better if I told you I was currently floating in the pool?"
"It would actually."
"Then, feel better because that's what I'm doing." Blaine replied. "And if you don't believe me, I'll have Bas send you a picture." The next thing Wes heard was Sebastian saying that wouldn't be a good idea. "He's only playing."
"Given the two of you, I wouldn't have been surprised if he wasn't." Wes told him. "Now, why are you calling me when you're supposed to be relaxing?"
"How'd it feel walking back into Dalton?"
"Wait, how'd you know where I am?"
"Shelby might've texted me, before she emailed you." Blaine replied before making a face at Sebastian who was currently taking his picture. "This didn't mess up any plans you and Chloe had, did it?"
"Not at all. Chloe is actually out shopping with my Mom right now, while I'm doing this." Wes told him. "Care to tell me why you didn't tell me you asked Shelby to oversee things?"
"Honestly, I felt it best you be as surprised as Mr. Schue, so that he didn't think I was undermining him."
"Though that's exactly what B's doing!" Sebastian called out.
"I wouldn't call what you're doing undermining, though it's close." Wes said to him. "I take it no one knew outside of Sebastian."
"Let me guess, you spoke with Thad." Wes confirmed he did. "I didn't want to put Rachel in an awkward position since she's performing. Also, Derek knew as well, since I played my arrangement for him given he'd grasp the feel I was going for. Then he and I sat down with Shelby after I asked her if she'd be able to oversee rehearsal. So, are you okay with this?"
"Yes, as I figured you had your reasoning for it. By the way, the headmaster asked if you were still intending to come by and see the Warblers prior to the benefit."
"Yes, I still intend on stopping by." Blaine replied. "I'll probably do it Thursday morning before heading to the venue for rehearsal. So, feel free to let them know if you're inclined, otherwise, I'll merely surprise them."
"I'll play it by ear, see how things go." Wes said. "Is there anything else I need to know that you hadn't already shared?"
"Not that I can recall, but should you have any questions, contact Shelby. And so you know, she flew in last night and is meeting my Mom and Victoria at the foundation office this morning."
"I will keep that in mind, now go back to relaxing with Sebastian, as I'm sure he's not thrilled you made a call."
"He's surviving, but I should get back to him." Blaine replied. "Should anything else come up…"
"We'll handle it, now get back to your vacation and Sebastian." Wes said, unaware he was no longer alone in the Warbler common room. "Talk to you again, once you guys are back in New York." Upon saying his goodbye, he turned and was greeted by the Warblers.
"Was that Blaine Anderson on the phone?" One of them asked.
"Is that a proper question to ask?" Wes replied, as one of them stepped out front, who'd shaken his head at the question.
"Sorry about that." He said. "I'm Skylar Olivier, head of the council, and there is no need to introduce yourself, as I know who you are." He said while extending his hand, which Wes accepted. "Welcome back to Dalton Academy, Mr. Montgomery."
"Thank you, and you may call me Wes, that goes for all of you." Wes said as there was clearly a bit of shock amongst the Warblers. "You're all prompt, I like that."
"Once the headmaster informed us we were going to have a guest, it was only right to be prompt." Skylar said to him. "Now, I take it you're here about the benefit next week."
"I am, as Blaine felt it best you had an adult accompany you to the group rehearsal tomorrow."
"We can take care of ourselves." Another of the Warblers said, garnering a similar reaction from Wes and Skylar.
"It's not that Blaine doesn't believe you are incapable of doing so, it's more about the situation you're stepping into."
"He's referring to the fact the New Directions are jealous of the fact Blaine seems to care more about us than them." A different Warbler stated, causing Wes to look at Skylar who nodded.
"You have to know, that's never been his intention." Wes said.
"We never believed it was." Skylar told him. "It's not our fault he seems to have more of a connection to Dalton, than he does to McKinley. I promise you, we don't take it personally. And from the times Blaine's been here, he's made it pretty clear Dalton holds a special place in his life."
"Dalton holds a special place not only in Blaine's life, but in his heart." Wes replied. "Not only was it the place he rediscovered himself, but forged lifelong bonds."
"And met his husband." The first Warbler to speak chimed in, causing a bit of laughter among them as Skylar apologized for the comment.
"It's quite alright, as I'm well-aware where they met, and for the record, it was in this very room." His response causing the Warblers to look around. "Now, as for why I'm here. Given the nature of the piece you're performing with everyone else, I'm here to ensure you interpreted the music correctly."
"Understandable." Skylar replied, before turning to the Warblers and asking them to get ready. "May I ask you something Wes?" Wes nodded in response. "Do you know if Blaine's singing the beginning alone or are others backing him?"
"I know precisely how the number starts, and let's just say, Blaine's going back to his roots in a sense." Instantly Skylar smiled before glancing towards one of the bookcases which held photos of Warbler groups of the past. "Nice catch."
"With that being the case, is Sebastian taking part as I know he and Blaine never sang together in high school?"
"That, I don't have the answer to as Blaine's been rather quiet regarding Sebastian's role in everything."
"If I may speak freely, I hope he does sing with him as the two of them sound incredible together." Skylar said to him, to which Wes agreed. He then looked at the Warblers who were ready to go. "Looks as though we're ready to show you what we're capable of." Before they even started, Wes got his phone out to record them. Not only for himself for playback, but to send to Blaine so he knew the Warblers were ready. From the moment the Warblers began, Wes couldn't help but sing softly to himself, smiling as he did so as unsurprisingly, they were on point. To add their harmonies, to the others, he now had no doubt the song was going to be everything Blaine hoped. "Did we interpret it correctly?"
"You did." Wes replied. "Now, we can only hope that the New Directions did the same, otherwise tomorrow will not only be rather interesting, but a long rehearsal as it won't end till it's perfect. So, prepare accordingly and, let me deal with Mr. Schuester."
"Be my guest." Skylar told her, garnering a look from Wes. "Let's just say he didn't take kindly to the fact we chose a couple of songs the New Directions wanted to do for the benefit."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Blaine say you could choose whatever you wanted, simply had to clear it with Kate, sorry, Mrs. Anderson and/or Mrs. Smythe first."
"You're not, which we did." Skylar replied. "It seems, we submitted our list before the New Directions which meant…"
"They couldn't sing anything you already were." All of the Warblers nodded, and Wes shook his head. "He should know you weren't the only ones submitting songs, as I know Rachel submitted her song selection shortly after she was asked."
"I don't know what to tell you, just that when we crossed paths at Regionals, he had a few words for us."
"I'm sorry, he had no right."
"That's what Skylar told him." One of the Warblers chimed in. "He didn't take too kindly to it."
"Nice to know things haven't changed all that much." Wes said, though his sarcasm was evident. "With that said, you boys are clearly ready for tomorrow. So, I will bid you adieu, and see you tomorrow."
"Wes." One of the Warblers said to him, earning him Wes's attention. "Sorry about earlier, we're all a bit, nervous."
"There's nothing to be nervous about." Wes assured them. "Blaine wouldn't have asked you to take part if he didn't feel you were up to it."
"Performing we can do, performing with him, is another story."
"While Blaine is certainly in a class of his own now, he's still one of you, as …"
"Once a Warbler, always a Warbler." Skylar chimed in much to Wes's delight.
"Exactly." Wes stated.
"He's a multiple Grammy winner."
"True, yet if you listen to his early acceptance speeches or interviews, he talks about his time as a Warbler, it's a part of him. And while it might sound cliché right now, it'll make more sense over time." Wes replied. "Any other questions?" They all shook their heads. "Very well then, I will see you all tomorrow." After saying goodbye, Wes headed on his way, yet was still in the hallway when rehearsal resumed, approving of the song selection. Shortly after he made his way outside, he paused long enough to send Shelby a text, giving her a heads up of possible tension between the two groups the next day.
When the text arrived, Shelby happened to be touring the venue with Kate. The moment she sighed after reading the message, Kate tilted her head slightly. "Blaine's concerns were justified according to Wes." Shelby said before making her way onto the stage which was set up. "This really is a beautiful venue."
"Thank you, as Victoria and I felt extremely lucky they were able to fit us in once we realized the previous venue wasn't big enough." Kate replied. "The response for tickets was beyond our expectations."
"It's a wonderful cause, fronted by someone whose stolen plenty of hearts in the best way possible." Shelby told her. "People have embraced Blaine because he's real, he doesn't pretend to be someone he's not, that goes a long way. It's always why they respect his privacy, they understand how important Sebastian, his family, and friends are to him."
"Thank you."
"No, I should be thanking you, as well as Patrick, as it's because of you he's the man he is today." When Kate looked down slightly, Shelby walked towards her. "The good times and the bad, as you got through them together. No matter what was going on, Blaine always knew you loved him."
"Didn't always feel that way."
"Yet it was, at least from what Rachel told me."
"You two have really bonded, haven't you?" Kate said as Shelby made her way off the stage.
"We have, which I'm extremely grateful for as I really messed up when I first found her."
"So I've heard."
"I'm not surprised, since it was bad." Shelby replied. "Yet, we've put that time behind us, much as your family has." Kate smiled in response. "And I'm thankful for that, as it helped us get through the bigger bomb in her life."
"You're referring to Derek I presume?"
"Yes, and after getting lambasted, for the lack of a better word, we were able to work everything out."
"You do know, Rachel loves having you and Derek as a part of her life, right?" Kate told her.
"I do, and I don't take it for granted as she had every right to cut me, in particular, out of her life." Shelby replied before belting out a few notes to check the acoustics, surprising Kate. "This will definitely work."
"Have you ever thought of performing again?"
"You sound like Derek."
"It's an honest question."
"I've thought about it, yet now isn't the time."
"Because of Beth?"
"She's one of the reasons." Shelby said before making her way off the stage. "Now, did you guys hire a sound tech, or is Blaine bringing his with him?"
"Vincent, along with Tess are handling those aspects of this as they were better suited to do so." Kate told her. "And before you ask, it was Blaine's call as he's arranged for the entertainment for the evening."
"With that said, any hints who his two big guests are."
"No, or my son might disown me." Kate teasingly replied. "In all seriousness though, much as I would love to share, I can't do that to him."
"Understandable, I'd never want you to break that trust." Shelby then looked around once more. "I can't wait to see this place decorated for the benefit."
"Neither can I, here's hoping it matches the vision Victoria and I came up with."
"I have no doubt it will. Now, I only hope I can get the Warblers and New Directions to sound like a cohesive entity."
"You will."
"Thank you for the vote of confidence, though it's easier said than done. At least I know the Warblers are ready, thanks to Wes." Shelby told her. "I only hope Will took the notes Blaine sent along with the music to heart, and didn't try to get cute with it. If he did…"
"If he did, you'll fix it." Kate assured her. "I'm sure Blaine told you how important this number is to him?" Shelby nodded. "Then, you'll make it work, one way or another, even if a hard call needs to be made."
"Hopefully it doesn't come to that and…" Shelby stopped talking when Kate's phone went off and she motioned that she needed to take it.
Once she stepped away, Kate finally spoke freely. "I take it's something rather important since you're calling from the office. Please tell me it's good news Xavier."
"It is, Dr. Brady has determined Kurt has to stay in the hospital longer than the initial week." Xavier told her. "While ADA Strauss didn't get into details, she's sending that over in a reporter, she would say a diagnosis had been made." Instantly he heard a sigh of relief from her, something he understood all too well. "We finally know what we're dealing with now." Kate wiped at her eyes as she'd begun to cry.
"Does, does Blaine know yet? Or Patrick?"
"I left a message for Patrick, as well as one for Blaine and Sebastian, who for the record, I called first."
"As it should've been." Kate told him. "Does this mean, this might finally be over?"
"I wish I could say yes, but…"
"You don't want to get my hopes up."
"It's the last thing I'd want to do, as I know this has been quite the roller coaster for you and Patrick." Xavier said. "The last thing either of you expected was for Kurt to have any impact on Blaine's life once they divorced."
"That's putting it mildly." Kate replied. "Blaine, as well as Sebastian, have handled this better than anyone should've expected."
"It's been noted, and Kurt's been reminded of it." Xavier told her. "I merely wanted to share that news with you."
"I greatly appreciate it, as it gives me peace of mind knowing they're keeping him longer." Kate then looked at Shelby, letting her know she wouldn't be much longer. "They'll let you know when he's released, correct?"
"Yes, keep in mind, he'll be going from the hospital, straight to jail."
"I'm aware of it, though he'll also be out at the same time. And if he's out next week, that means…"
"Don't go there Kate, it won't do you any good."
"I know, but that doesn't change the fact he could still say something."
"If he does, he'll be held accountable." Xavier told her.
"Doesn't make it any easier."
"Something I'm all too aware of." Xavier then glanced at his phone and saw he had a message from Patrick, who was now back in his office. "Do you want to share the news with Patrick, or would you prefer I tell him?"
"You can tell him, as I'm here at the venue with Shelby."
"Very well." Xavier replied. "Try not to worry Kate, put your focus on the benefit."
"Normally I'd say easier said than done, but I have a lot on my mind before next week."
"Good, and you know, Blaine wouldn't want you worrying."
"I do, something not only Patrick reminds me of often, Blaine does too. So, I will try."
"That's all I ask. Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to call me, alright?"
"I won't, thanks again Xavier."
"You're very welcome."
When Kate returned, it was obvious to Shelby, she'd been crying. "Is everything alright?"
"Actually, it is, at least for now." Kate told her. "What are you doing once we're done here?"
"Heading to Lima to meet with LeRoy and Hiram to discuss some of Rachel's and Thad's latest wedding decisions." Shelby said, putting a smile on Kate's face. "It gets easier, right?"
"Depends, on the subject." Kate said as they headed towards the exit. "If you're questioning one of their decisions, put it into context with the others, it helps."
"I will keep that in mind, and remind LeRoy and Hiram of that." Shelby told her. "Thankfully, we still have a little more than four months left."
"It goes quickly, trust me. Take a month off of that to keep things into perspective." Kate said, to which she nodded. "And Shelby, give LeRoy and Hiram a heads-up."
"About?"
"Tell them to try and keep their distance from Burt, at least for the next few days."
"I won't even ask why, simply relay the message."
"Thank you, and good luck tomorrow."
"I appreciate that. I'll call you once it's over if you like."
"I would like that, and let Blaine know too, as he's got his concerns."
"Understandably so."
