5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 53
When Vincent made his way into the office, he instantly noticed the seemingly concerned expressions on each of them. "Guess I should've called ahead." Vincent joked before saying hello to them, which seemingly relaxed them a bit. "I take it, neither Blaine or Sebastian spoke with either of you before they left for vacation."
"Nothing outside of our usual conversation when they go away." Kate said as they all took a seat. "Which is more about them appeasing us, letting us know they arrived at their destination safely. Why, is there something we should know?"
"Out of curiosity, who did Blaine get his negotiating skills from, the same could go for Sebastian?"
"Sebastian honed his skills on Vincent and I." Victoria replied. "He learnt early he needed to have a good argument for certain things he wanted."
"The same could be said for Blaine." Kate replied. "He learnt quickly how negotiate, partly in due to the fact Cooper was so much older and was able to do things he wasn't. That lead to some interesting conversations, especially the older he got. Why?"
"Well, Blaine's record label was interested in him doing something, yet he wasn't a fan of the initial terms. I came back a little later with a counter-offer, one that impressed him, yet not to the point he didn't have doubts."
"Considering he's pretty game for anything, at least musically, it must've been a rather large request." Kate said. "So, what was it?"
"They want to release You and Me as a single."
"Blaine wrote that for Sebastian for their first anniversary." Victoria quickly replied.
"I know, yet after they performed it at the premiere after-party and it went viral, it was natural they'd want an official release of it." Once he was done, he saw the two exchange a look. "Before you say anything else, I warned them in advance about what the song means to them, and I did say them, not only Blaine."
"If you're wanting us to talk to them, you wasted your trip." Kate told him. "While I understand where they are coming from, I'd never…"
"Relax, I'm not asking you to do anything." Vincent assured them. "I came to tell you, my counter offer stated the proceeds go to charity, and well, before they left for vacation Blaine and Sebastian went into the studio, and recorded it."
"Sebastian?" Victoria asked.
"Yes, and while I haven't heard the final mix, as Blaine wanted final say which means it won't be finished till they return, I will tell you they sound incredible."
"While I, we're shocked, I don't understand why you're here telling us." Kate said to him.
"It's because the official release will be the night of the benefit." Vincent said as they looked on in shock. "And as I said, all proceeds of the single are going to the Breaking Through foundation." Kate looked at Victoria, before looking at Vincent again as he handed her a folder. "If Blaine's other singles are anything to go by, that's approximately how much money will be coming your way." Being an accountant, Kate had to take a double take the numbers before her.
"This can't be right, it's one song."
"Yes, but those numbers are based on all the singles Blaine's released." Vincent told her. "If you look at the next page, it has them listed, and has the breakdown." While he spoke, Kate handed the folder over to Victoria who had a similar reaction. "If you notice, each of his singles sold approximately the same, which means…"
"You have a strong basis from which you pulled this estimate." Kate said as she sat back. "Why was his label so willing to donate the proceeds?"
"First off, they wanted the song released because of the feedback the video brought in." Vincent replied. "Yet, after expression their hesitation because of what it means to them, they were willing to listen to my proposition. Given Blaine's success, along with their belief in not only him, but the foundation, it was a no-brainer."
"Still, that's giving up a lot of money."
"Yes, but the press they'll get out of it, will more than make up for it." Victoria quickly chimed in, earning her a smile from Vincent. "Let me guess, you pointed that out?"
"I might've talked with Jennifer about what the good press would be worth. And while it certainly made the decision easier, in the end, they are doing it because it's right."
"What if they didn't change their mind?" Kate asked.
"It would've been accepted, as you notice, the song he wrote for Sebastian, for their wedding, has never been released. While there was great demand for it, they respect Blaine's desire for privacy." Vincent said in response. "It should be noted, Blaine had it put in writing, he'll never record the song solo, as that is truly Sebastian's version, which Sebastian was pleased with."
"That's a very Blaine thing to do." Kate replied with a smile. "I, I don't know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything, but, I was wondering if it was possible to make an announcement at the benefit."
"Absolutely, when would you like to do it?" Kate then handed him the schedule for the night.
"How about…" Vincent didn't get to finish as their assistant knocked, before appearing in the doorway.
"Something we can do for you?"
"There's a Shelby Corcoran here, and she said it's imperative she speaks with you." Kate and Victoria exchanged a look, before asking Vincent if it was alright, which he had no issue with. Once that was taken care of, she was told to send her in.
Upon walking into the office, Shelby smiled upon seeing Vincent sitting with them. "I truly am sorry to intrude, yet, we need to talk."
"Let me guess, this pertains to rehearsal yesterday." Kate said, to which she confirmed, as she took a seat beside Victoria. "According to Lea Montgomery, Wes was a bit frustrated when he and Chloe got home last night."
"For good reason, and that was even after the three of us went out to dinner and had drinks." Shelby replied. "I know you told me, I had the authority to do what was necessary, but, how far does it go, without disturbing Blaine?"
"Mind me asking what happened?" Vincent asked.
"Not at all." Shelby told him. "I'm presuming Blaine filled you in on all the details regarding having the Warblers and New Directions joining him." Vincent nodded. "Well, while the Warblers prepared according to Blaine's instructions, the New Directions took a bit of creative license with it. Which meant the two groups were not on the same page and…"
"Meant more work for you." Victoria said.
"Yes, and trying to get them to follow Blaine's instruction proved a bit of a battle. It got so bad, I asked Wes to sing the lyrics, something the New Directions had been doing, and have the Warblers back him up."
"A bit of déjà vu for Wes." Kate replied.
"Precisely, and it didn't go well. Will doesn't understand how Wes knows exactly what Blaine wants, yet, I couldn't tell him."
"Wise, as that's something Blaine wants kept private." Vincent said. "Now, did I hear correctly that the New Directions learnt the lyrics?"
"Yes, as they were having issues harmonizing without them. According to Will, he copied them from his score."
"Blaine's not going to like that."
"Wes said the same thing." Shelby replied. "While we seemed to be on the right track by the time rehearsal ended, the fact they learned it incorrectly to start, concerns me."
"Afraid they won't be able to forget it, hence messing up the arrangement." Vincent added, and Shelby said yes. "Are you going to be rehearsing with them again?"
"I'm going to McKinley today, as the Warblers are unable to do a joint rehearsal today due to a previous engagement."
"What are you thinking, that you asked how much control you have?" Kate chimed in.
"To tell Will, that unless he and his kids follow Blaine's instructions, they'll be excluded, as we can't risk them messing up."
"Vincent, what do you think?"
"The fact Blaine's instructions weren't followed, I don't see it as a stretch." Vincent replied. "When it comes to his music, very few people can tweak Blaine's arrangements, and they still have to run it by him first. Let's also not forget, there are more parties involved than the New Directions and the Warblers."
"I pointed that out, and he said Blaine could easily adjust."
"Wait, he expected Blaine, and the Warblers, to learn Blaine's arrangement, his way?" Shelby nodded. "That's beyond arrogant."
"Agreed, but, that's Will to an extent. Once he sets his mind to something, it's difficult to change it."
"I have to ask, if the New Directions are taking part, doesn't that mean there are soprano and alto parts?" Victoria inquired.
"There are, but honestly, it's not anything a certain group of ladies couldn't learn."
"Do it, as I can't imagine Blaine being happy to hear Mr. Schuester changed his arrangement." Kate told her. "Particularly since joint rehearsal time will be limited. He's got enough on his plate, we don't need to add anything else."
"Are you sure?" Kate then looked at Vincent who reassured her.
"Positive, if he has an issue with it, he can contact me."
"Alright, I merely wanted to make sure I wasn't overreaching." Shelby said to her.
"Understandable, hopefully it doesn't come to that though."
"I hope it doesn't either."
Once the four of them exited the office, they found Sam speaking with Wes, and it was rather obvious they were waiting for them. "Shelby, I didn't know you were going to be here today." Wes said to her. "You didn't mention it yesterday."
"I hadn't initially planned on it, yet once I got back to my hotel last night, I kept thinking about what we talked about." Shelby told him.
"I heard Mr. Schue decided to disregard Blaine's notes." Sam said to her. "Not surprised. And while Wes said you guys didn't intend on telling Blaine, I would. The last thing you want is him finding out after the fact."
"Much as I believed our decision was the right one, Sam brought up some really solid points." Wes added. "Kate, what do you think?"
"When it comes to how he ticks musically, the rest of you have a better idea than I do. So…" She then glanced over at Victoria. "What do you think?"
"Honestly, I'm not the one to make the call, it's…"
"Sebastian." Wes, Sam, Vincent, and Shelby all said at once.
"Yes, because if anyone would know how Blaine would react, it's my son."
"That just leaves, who calls him." Shelby replied, and Wes quickly spoke up. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, as he's going to have plenty of questions." He told her. "It's only right since he called me during practice, that I fill him in. It's simply a matter of finding the right moment to do so, as I really don't want to disrupt their vacation."
"Better now, then once they return." Victoria told him. "I know my son, if you're going to break bad news to him, do it when he's relaxed."
"And the fact they're about two thousand miles away, will help." Vincent added, earning a laugh. "It's true."
"I really can't argue that point." Victoria replied before pulling up Sebastian's email from earlier. "They have plans for this morning, so try this afternoon, and don't hesitate to leave a message."
"He checks them?" Vincent asked.
"With everything that's going on, he and Blaine check their messages twice a day." Kate said in response. "Once in the morning, and again sometime in the evening."
"Why doesn't that surprise me." Wes said in response.
"Because you know them." Sam chimed in, making Wes laugh. "Hey, you know I'm right. With so much going on, there is no way they wouldn't keep tabs on what's happening at home."
"Good point. Now here's hoping Sebastian takes what I have to say well." Something which everyone standing there agreed with, knowing if he didn't, things could get interesting, real quick.
Meanwhile in St. Croix, Blaine and Sebastian were enjoying their morning, as they'd gone out on a catamaran to do some snorkeling. The fact they were going about their vacation as intended, didn't mean they weren't wondering what was going on back at home. Instead of heading back once they were done, the two decided to sail for a bit, enjoy the day. "Are you sure you're okay with me relaxing while you sail?" Blaine asked as he looked back over his shoulder at Sebastian.
"Positive, though tomorrow I'm going to teach you how to sail, as it's easier than you might think."
"Only because you've been doing it longer."
"Actually, I'm being serious B." Sebastian replied, while moving his focus between Blaine and what was before them, which at that moment, was nothing. "I never took you for having a defeatist attitude, what will that teach our kids someday."
"That's playing dirty."
"Did you forget who you were speaking to, yet it got my point across. You can't in good faith tell me you wouldn't have played the same card with me."
"Touché." Blaine said in response. "Speaking of, did you get a chance to look at the paperwork I picked up?"
"I skimmed it over, as I was a bit pre-occupied prior to us leaving. Safe to say, it's a good thing we're starting our research now."
"I thought the same thing. It helped me put into perspective a possible timeline to play, yet…I don't like the idea of leaving you to deal with a majority of things."
"While I appreciate that, if we want to ensure you're home in the beginning, and not having to leave too soon afterwards, we don't have much of a choice." Sebastian told him. "You're technically only going to be on tour for a few months, give or take a month or break. Once it's over, you're essentially home for two years if we go by what's happening now. I know you don't want to miss out, but wouldn't you rather be here when he or she arrive?"
"Logically I know that, but, I want to be able to attend appointments, crazy as that may sound."
"It's not crazy, and should that be something you want, it's a topic we bring up when interviewing possible surrogates. I mean, we have technology at our disposal Killer, you could be there, just not in person."
"You've really thought about this."
"Of course I have, as I don't take this decision lightly." Sebastian told him. "Plus, you've got to know our parents are going to address all these topics."
"True. Thank you."
"For?"
"Distracting me, as you know it's difficult for me not to wonder about rehearsal."
"You trust Wes, right?"
"You did not just ask me that."
"I did, because it proved how ridiculous worrying is." Sebastian said in response. "From everything I know, and things I've heard, he's not going to let you down. That's not even taking Shelby into account, she's not going to let Schuester play games. Not only because she knows how important this is to you, but she'd have to deal with Rachel's wrath, don't want to unleash her wicked side." Blaine managed to hold it together, until Sebastian winked at the end. "I love seeing you like this, happy and carefree."
"It's easy to be this way when I have a wonderful husband who helps me keep perspective." Blaine told him. "I asked Shelby and Wes for a reason, I need to trust they'll handle anything that comes up."
"Exactly."
If only Sebastian could've taken his own words to heart, as he got a sinking feeling in his gut when his phone rang and he saw Wes's name hours later. Luckily when the call came in, Blaine happened to be taking a nap while he was appreciating being able to read for pleasure now that classes were over. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" Was the first question Wes had asked after Sebastian had said hello to him.
"If you were, do you think I'd have answered." Sebastian replied while setting his book aside, and then looking to make sure Blaine was still napping, along with shaded. "Clearly there is something you need to talk to me about, otherwise you wouldn't be calling."
"Correct." Wes said, before sighing softly and glancing over at Chloe who was driving, following Sam to Lima as he wanted to be around when Shelby and Will spoke. "Is Blaine around?"
"He's next to me, but taking a nap, why?"
"You should probably distance yourself from him, at least to start." Wes told him, so Sebastian slowly got up from his chaise and headed towards the other end of the pool. "I need you to hear me out, before you react, alright?"
"Wes, I don't like where this is going."
"Well, you're not going to like what I have to tell you." After Sebastian sighed, Wes cut to the chase knowing that waiting would only make matters worse. Sebastian kept true to his word, and didn't say anything until Wes finished, yet from the sounds he was making, Wes knew he was pissed.
"Anything else?" Sebastian asked as he raked his fingers through his hair, while looking at Blaine who looked so peaceful. Upon Wes saying no, Sebastian took a deep breath. "Tell Sam he was right, but I'll tell B as I'm going to need to choose the right moment. Secondly, who the fuck does that son-of-a-bitch think he is! B's got multiple Grammys not to mention a plethora of other accolades, all he's got is a fucking Nationals trophy, which B was a part of! You tell him he either gets with the program or he and his fucking precious New Directions aren't going to be a part of it!"
"Sebastian."
"I'm not done yet." Sebastian replied, glancing over at Blaine once again to ensure he hadn't woken him. "B included them, not because of some twisted loyalty to them, he did it because the group brought people he cares about into his life. And if Sam, Rachel, Tina, or Santana heard about the crap Schuester tried to pull they'd go off on his ass. Hell, I'm sure the others would be just as pissed, or close to it."
"Sam knows, he knows everything." Wes replied, as he felt Sebastian needed to know, as did Blaine.
"Then keep an eye on him, last thing we need is Sam getting arrested. But should it get to that point, you do have my Dad's number, right?" Wes told him he did. "Good."
"Sebastian."
"Yes."
"Kate essentially told Shelby the same thing to tell him, either he follows Blaine's direction, or they're out of the number."
"She knows her son well." Sebastian replied. "Seriously though, what the fuck was he thinking as B busted his perfect ass on that arrangement?"
"I wish I knew, because it caused Shelby more headaches than necessary." Wes said in response. "Also, Schuester has no idea the rest of us are joining Blaine."
"Good, and keep it that way. He can find out at run-thru." Sebastian then took another cleansing breathe. "Remind Shelby not to mention this to Rachel."
"I will, though I'm pretty sure she already knows that."
"I know, but better safe than sorry right now as Rachel getting upset, would only piss B off more."
"Which is the last thing any of us want."
"Precisely, and if you saw him right now Wes, it would only strengthen that resolve."
"I don't doubt that, as you sounded pretty relaxed, even for someone who presumed the worst from my call."
"It's because I am, imagine my reaction if I wasn't?"
"Not something I really want to think about." After he spoke, he heard Sebastian laugh. "No offense."
"None taken, as I'm aware of my demeanor when I'm upset, and it's only escalated if the situation pertains to B."
"Something I'm all too aware of." Wes told him. "Now, go back to enjoying your vacation. And Sebastian, we'll take care of it, I promise."
"I don't doubt that, and neither does B." Sebastian replied. "We'll talk again once we get home as I want to know what happens. Till then."
"Till then Sebastian."
Once the call ended, Sebastian raked his fingers through his hair once again, before looking over at Blaine, and then out onto the ocean. Reminding himself to take his own advice, and trust Wes and Shelby, all while knowing he had to confirm to Blaine, his worst fears about the number, had come true.
