5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 55
It was a good thing that Sebastian started work on Monday after their return, as shortly after he left that morning, Blaine did as well, heading for the studio. Knowing the plan was to release the single at the benefit, Blaine knew he needed to get to work on mixing it. He'd gotten an early enough start, that he beat Malcolm in, and was listening to his cut when he walked in with his coffee. "Clearly you're free to do what you like, but I thought it was best to mix my thoughts based on what you said, instead of trying to explain them." Malcolm told him, before taking a seat beside him, and set down a coffee for him as well. "Thought you might need one, as I have a feeling you're not accustomed to being up this earlier since you were on vacation."
Blaine smiled, before picking up the cup and taking a sip, thankful Malcolm remembered what he liked as he'd finished his shortly before arriving. "That would be correct, though we tried to get up at a reason able time the last few days, so it was easier for Bas, after all, he needed to be coherent today." He then set the headphones which had been around his neck, onto the console. "You certainly captured the feel I want, but…"
"Relax, I'm not offended that you want to tweak it, as I expected as much." Malcolm said to him. "Also, the guitar you hear in the beginning, is you. I was listening to your accompaniment of Sebastian when Justin came in, and he said the opening needed to be you. Said that's a distinct difference in how the two of you play it, and yours is more intimate. Wonder why?" Blaine laughed in response, while nodding. "I did have Justin, Talia, and Morgan record their parts both ways, so you have ample playback to pull from."
"Thank you."
"Don't mention. Now, before we get to work I have to ask, how was your trip?"
"We had a wonderful time, though, I will have to deal with an issue that came up once I get to Ohio." Blaine told him before slipping his headphones back around his neck, as Malcolm cocked his eyebrow. "I guess that isn't enough for you." He shook his head. "My high school glee club director, attempted to tweak my arrangement, and convince others his version was better." Instantly Malcolm laughed, before asking for his credentials, only to laugh louder after Blaine told him.
"I'm so sorry Blaine."
"Don't be, as I feel bad for the students, as well as Shelby and Wes who had to deal with it." Blaine stated. "He thought I could just learn his version the day before."
"You are talented enough to do so."
"Thank you, but you know I'm not the only one this would affect. And while my friends are talented, that's asking a lot of them since they don't sing often anymore. Hell, I took a big chance asking them to join me."
"Understandable, yet they held their own when they joined you in concert when you were starting out."
"That was different, albeit slightly." He then raked his fingers through his curls. "By chance, do you think you could send me a copy of Bas singing this, only him?"
"Of course." Malcolm then pulled up the file to send to Blaine. "Ready to work your magic?"
"Let's do this."
If there was any doubt how long of a day Blaine had, it was confirmed shortly after Sebastian arrived home, as moments later their bell rang, as their dinner was delivered. "I know the plan was for me to cook, but…" Blaine said before his words were cut off by a kiss. "How was your day?" He asked as they headed into their living room, having no desire to head to the kitchen.
"Busy, yet not anything I couldn't handle." Sebastian replied before they started to take things out, place them onto the table. "Also, everything is still approved for me to leave early on Friday."
"Time wasn't really optimal, was it?"
"No, but it actually works out well since I won't be too intrenched in anything at this point." Sebastian told him as Blaine poured them each some wine. "This is actually perfect, less clean-up." He added before reaching for a pair of chopsticks. "How'd your day go, was it productive?"
"It was, and thanks to Malcolm's assistance, the came up with what we feel is a wonderful mix which truly does the song justice." After he finished, Blaine reached for the nearby remote and pressed play so Sebastian could hear the track. It was more than halfway through, when he pressed a kiss to Sebastian's cheek. "So much for you being worried, huh?"
"You tweaked my voice."
"No, that's you, just as it's me, as I hate auto-tune."
"B."
"I'm serious." Blaine assured him. "I had Malcolm give me your track, as you blew me away. Do you want to hear it?"
"Not really." Sebastian surprisingly told him. "Much as I loved singing with you, that's not really part of my life anymore." Blaine was about to interject, but Sebastian raised his hand to ask him to allow him to finish. "You my love, are the songbird, not me, at least anymore. And while I have no issue singing to or with you at home, that's where it ends, at least once the benefit is over."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive, but don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to singing with you at the benefit, it's just, that's where it ends." Sebastian replied before leaning over for a kiss. "I chose my path long before you reentered my life, and I'm happy with my decision. Plus, I told you pretty early on that if I didn't become a lawyer, I would've become a photographer."
"That you did. Guess I'm just surprised you didn't want to hear yourself."
"Is that all to different from you, as you prefer not to listen to yourself much either."
"True, but I've gotten better about that, though, I didn't have much of a choice."
"Maybe, but it's not really a bad thing."
"Says you."
"I do, and we all know I'll argue this point till you give up, so it's safer to accept your husband's view on this in particular." When Blaine simply smiled, before giving him a kiss, Sebastian knew he'd won. "Now, let's eat before this gets cold, and then make the most of the few days we have before you leave."
"Deal."
While Blaine's and Sebastian's focus was mainly the benefit, Xavier's focus wasn't as narrow as he knew it was only a matter of time till Kurt was released. "You need to work on your game face." Victoria said as she came walking into his office with a glass of scotch. "Because if you still have that look when Sebastian gets to town, he's going to know something is going on." He cocked his eyebrow, and she simply sat down across from him.
"Why do you believe this look pertains to Sebastian and Blaine?" Xavier replied before taking a sip of his scotch.
"Because as I walked in, you had the picture of the two of them you keep on your desk, in your hand." She told him. "So, what don't I know?"
"Actually, you're completely in the know when it comes to our boys." Xavier replied. "That look stemmed more from knowing how happy they are right now, and realizing Kurt's getting out soon. I wouldn't be surprised to get the call tomorrow."
"Not the best timing, is it?"
"Not really, but is that actually a good one?"
"Yes, after the benefit so he's kept from the coverage." Victoria stated emphatically, making him smile. "Similar to when they got married, they deserve to enjoy this moment. Even if they weren't here physically, they were involved in the planning, not to mention none of this would be happening without them."
"Considering when the coverage is slated to begin, per the schedule Jennifer sent, he should be locked up if he's been released from Dr. Brady's care."
"Won't stop him from seeing it the next day, then commenting."
"Victoria."
"I'm sorry, but I don't believe he'll be able to refrain from commenting." She told him. "Think about it Xavier, enough requests were made for interviews, that Jennifer is coming to town, when she initially wasn't going to be here. Plus Scott was here last week going over security measures. This benefit, has grown in was we never imagined."
"How many press credentials did you and Kate need to issue?"
"We sent all those requests to Jennifer, to ensure everyone cleared a background check." She then sat back. "Have you spoken with Sebastian today since it was his first day?"
"I did, though the call was brief as he was on his lunch break, and he caught me heading into court." He told her. "He and Blaine are settled back in at home, and they can't wait to see us."
"Did he ask about what's going on with Kurt?"
"He did not, which means it wasn't at the forefront of his mind."
"Doesn't sound like him."
"Victoria, it was a brief call. If we'd talked longer and he didn't ask, I might be concerned." He said before taking another sip. "Have you spoken with Shelby?"
"Kate spoke with her earlier, and she believes she'll have the New Directions ready."
"She's only got four more days."
"I know." Victoria told him. "Kate and I hate that she had to extend her stay, but she felt she had no choice. Will Schuester did those kids no favors by making it easier on them. Knowing Blaine, I doubt he made it so difficult they shouldn't have been able to learn it."
"Patrick said something similar, as he had quite the talk with Wes after his, Chloe, and Sam's trip to Lima." Xavier replied.
"Speaking of, do you know how Blaine reacted, as I know Wes spoke with Sebastian?"
"I do not, and it's probably for the best as I doubt either of them were happy. The only reason Blaine included the New Directions in the first place, is he didn't want to be accused of playing favorites, imagine if he'd excluded them."
"Good point, though I'm sure those close to him from that time would've understood if he had."
"They wouldn't be the problem, it would've been everyone else as speculation would've run rampant. For those that say all publicity is good publicity, they've never been the focus, and Blaine doesn't need that."
"He could still cut them from the group number."
"True, but he's got Shelby and Wes who'd back his reasoning." He reminded her. "While Wes's word doesn't carry the same weight, he can attest to why it occurred. Imagine if Blaine hadn't taken initiative, imagine the mess he would've walked into on Friday."
"No thank you." Victoria replied before standing. "Remember, contact the rest of us after Sebastian and Blaine, when you get the call."
"Of course."
Since Xavier was in court when his office was informed of Kurt's release the next day, he was already in the department of corrections custody, by the time they found out. "Well, well, well, look whose back." Azimio said after Kurt was processed and brought into general population. "You should've taken my advice."
"Gloating doesn't suit you." Kurt told him as other prisoners were brought to their cells.
"This isn't gloating, and I just repeated what I told you previously." Azimio replied, before escorting Kurt down the hall, to another grouping of cells.
"Why are you taking me here?"
"Because per the judge, you have no privileges while you're here. You'll be able to walk around till lock down, but you have no access to television or internet." Azimio told him, before motioning towards an open cell, which Kurt stepped inside of, and then set his things down. "In case your lawyer didn't inform you, you also won't have access to your cell phone while you're out."
"That's not fair."
"You're in custody of the department of corrections, you brought this on yourself. They don't trust you, as you've given them no reason to."
"How am I supposed to prove myself, if they don't trust me?"
"That is something you'll need to address with you lawyer." Azimio replied. "Now, get settled, as your Dad will be here to get you in an hour."
"Wait, I get to go to work today?" Kurt asked.
"Yes, as it's part of your sentence due to the amount of restitution you owe. Before you're released into your Dad's custody, an ankle monitor will be issued."
"Why?"
"You're on work release Kurt, which means you don't get to leave the shop while you're there. The monitor will ensure your compliance."
"That's not necessary."
"It's not an option." Azimio replied. "I'll be back to get you in an hour." He was about to walk away, when Kurt called his name. "What?"
"Don't tell anyone I'm here."
"Why would I keep this to myself, as speculation has been running rampant ever since you appeared in court, in Manhattan?"
"Please Azimio."
"Officer Azimio."
"Fine, Officer Azimio."
"No, as this bit of information is going to make plenty of individuals rest easy, knowing you won't be able to crash the big event."
"What big event?"
"The charity benefit Blaine's foundation is hosting, this weekend."
"Oh, that."
"Now for me to tell you, your dismissive demeanor, isn't fooling anyone." He told Kurt. "No one, and I repeat no one, will believe it. Heck, some might actually understand how you feel, at least if they looked at your life now."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You're in here, while your former bestie, Berry, is starring on Broadway, and your ex-husband, is an international Rockstar." Azimio then looked down the hall, as another officer called for him. "So much for you being better than everyone else. Like I said earlier, I'll be back." Once he walked away, Kurt took a seat on his bed and took in his surroundings. For as much as he hated being in the hospital, this was worse.
By the time Burt arrived, Kurt was ready to get out of there. After being escorted out to Burt's truck, it wasn't long after they were on their way. "Thank you for coming to get me." Kurt told him, as he looked over at his Dad, whose focus was on the road. "Dad."
"Sorry, was just thinking about everything they reminded me of."
"Like what?"
"They went over what you are and aren't allowed to do."
"I know, I'm not allowed to leave the shop." Kurt said to him. "And, I'm not to use the computer."
"Even if you tried, you wouldn't get anywhere as they installed the same blocks on the shop computer, that is on your personal computer." Burt told him. "I was also told not to allow you to use my cell phone."
"They're paranoid."
"Maybe, but do you really blame them."
"Do we really need to do this again Dad?" Kurt replied before looking out the window.
"Per your doctors, I'm not supposed to forget what got you in this situation."
"My inability to control myself, I know." Kurt told him. "Yet according to Dr. Brady, my impulses have gotten better. Think about it, she even told you I didn't freak out when they showed me that photo of Blaine and…Sebastian at the airport."
"True, but she's also aware that you knew you were being watched." Burt replied. "The real test will be how you'll react in a non-controlled situation."
"Considering I'm not…"
"Kurt, don't, as you weren't supposed to be looking before yet you found a way around it." Burt told him, much to his surprise. "Also, get used to watching sports at the shop because the morning shows are off-limits."
"Excuse me?" Burt tilted his head just enough to cause Kurt to sigh. "Let me guess, they don't want you to risk Blaine being on." Burt nodded. "It's not as though he's promoting anything."
"Kurt, I'll talk to them, but nothing is going to change till next week because…"
"I know, Blaine's going to be in town."
"How'd you know?"
"Azimio couldn't help but rub it in. He said it's a big deal, but I'm sure he's blowing it out of proportion."
"Actually, he's not." Burt told him. "Carole actually volunteers at the foundation and, it's a big deal."
"Wait a minute, Carole volunteers, there?"
"Yes."
"I shouldn't be surprised given what she said while I was in treatment."
"Kurt, as she's explained to me, this isn't about you or about Blaine, it's about helping others during what can be a confusing time, as well as helping families."
"According to her."
"Kurt."
"I'm not sorry Dad." Kurt replied. "If she wants to help people, there are plenty of other places she could volunteer, yet she's volunteering there."
"She's volunteering with people she knows, the Berrys volunteer, as does Mirabel Lopez." Burt told him. "If I recall correctly, she's also seen Emma there."
"Not Mr. Schue?"
"No, as right now there is definitely tension between he and Blaine."
"Why?"
"He was supposedly blindsided at a rehearsal by none other than Shelby Corcoran."
"Rehearsal for what?"
"The New Directions, along with the Warblers are taking part at the benefit."
"Really, I'm surprised Blaine included the New Directions." Kurt said to him. "I mean, he tends to forget he was a part of them, even though he won a National Championship with us, something the Warblers never did." He then shifted in his seat. "I have to admit, I'm intrigued that he sent Shelby of all people, I mean, after what happened when she was at McKinley."
"According to Will, it seemed Blaine was trying to make a point."
"Well, if he ever doubted Blaine ever respected him, that move proved where he stood. And shows the type of person Blaine is beyond his perfectly crafted persona."
