5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 56

Shortly after arriving in Columbus that Wednesday evening, Blaine did his best to put a smile on his face while signing autographs and taking pictures, as his Dad waited for him. Once he was done, Scott and Marcus made sure Blaine and Patrick had space, but that didn't stop people from taking pictures. "Here I thought flying in later, it wouldn't be too bad." Blaine said once he got settled in the front seat of the car, as Scott and Marcus got in back.

"People have been anticipating your arrival." Patrick told him as he pulled out. "Your Mom and I have been stopped numerous times this week, people curious as to when you were arriving." He happened to glance at Blaine as he looked to make his turn. "Are you merely tired or is there something on your mind?"

"I have more than a few things on my mind." Blaine replied before taking his phone out to send Sebastian a text, letting him know he was on his way to Westerville. "How's Mom's stress level doing as she seemed a bit stressed out when I spoke to her this morning?"

"I'd put her stress level just below where it was prior to yours and Sebastian's wedding."

"I'm so sorry Dad."

"Don't be, she's actually handling it pretty well, even though she is stressed." Patrick said in response. "Having you home is going to do wonders for her though. I hope you brought some vacation pictures, as she wants to hear all about yours and Sebastian's trip."

"I did, as we had a feeling the Moms in particular, would want to see some." Blaine told him. "No offense."

"None taken." Patrick replied. "While I'm eager to see them, it's nothing compared to her. You did schedule in some time for us, right?"

"Yes." Blaine assured him. "Once I'm done with rehearsal tomorrow, I plan on being at home with you guys."

"Let me guess, you're seeing Sam in the morning?"

"I am, as he said he's got plenty to talk to me about." Upon hearing his Dad sigh, Blaine cocked his head. "What else don't I know, as it was hard enough explaining to Rachel why Shelby extended her stay, without blatantly saying Mr. Schue was being an ass."

"Nothing, at least that I'm aware of." Patrick told him. "That was simply my reaction to hearing Sam had plenty to tell you. While Wes was gave us an idea of what happened at McKinley, I know more happened than what he stated."

"I don't doubt that, but it's also been awhile since Sam and I had a chance to truly catch up." Blaine reminded him. "So easy as it is to fear the worst, we've got typical life stuff to talk about. Remember, Bas and I haven't met Courtney yet, which is going to be a big deal."

"Wait, you two haven't met her yet?" Blaine shook his head. "I guess I just assumed you had given the times you two have been here."

"It never worked out timing wise. Each time we were here, she was working, and last time, it was an extremely short trip. I take it you and Mom have met her."

"We have, and your Mom and I feel she's perfect for him."

"Nice to hear, as from what Sam's told me about her, she makes him really happy." Blaine then looked back at Scott and Marcus. "Are you sure you guys don't want to stay at the house?"

"Positive." Scott told him. "While we appreciate the gesture, it's easier for us to stay at the hotel near where the benefit is hosted. This way we can do our job, without worrying others. Plus, we know you're safe at home. Just…"

"Don't go anywhere without telling you first, I know." Blaine replied, earning a chuckle from his Dad. "At least Westerville is pretty quiet, so even if I do make a run to the local coffee shop, I should be good."

"Another reason why we're comfortable staying at a hotel." Marcus told him. "You know where you should and shouldn't go without us. We simply want to be kept in the loop should our presence be needed."

After dropping Scott and Marcus off at the hotel, it was only a matter of minutes till they were pulling into the driveway at home. "I was going to ask, where's your guitar as it's unlike you to not travel with it." Patrick said as he pulled into the garage

"With the rest of the gear. It should be arriving early tomorrow morning." Blaine replied prior to them getting out, and then going to retrieve his bags. "It was easier to send everything at once. By the time I arrive at the venue tomorrow, Tess and the crew will have everything set up and ready to go."

"Speaking of, when is everyone else arriving?" Patrick asked as they headed into the house.

"Morgan flew out a couple hours before me, and everyone else is taking the first flight out in the morning." Blaine managed to tell him before being enveloped in a hug from his Mom. Once she kissed him on the cheek, he smiled as she backed away. "Missed you too." Then without a chance to object, she took his carry-on from him, as his Dad took his main bag to the base of the staircase.

"Looks as though your trip did wonders for you." She told him as they walked towards the family room. "You look relaxed."

"I feel relaxed." Blaine replied. "Bas and I made a point of doing no more than we absolutely wanted to do. Which in turn led to lots of time relaxing either poolside or on the beach."

"Good. And how is Sebastian doing?"

"Good, though he's more than ready to join me on Friday. It's a bit of a transition going from school to work, so he's still finding his bearings." Blaine replied as they took a seat, and waited for Patrick. "I figure by the end of next week he'll have a sense of routine."

"Just in time for you to start touring again."

"Yes, but at least my first performance is in New York, makes for a nice transition. Now, how are you?" He asked as he took her hand. "Dad said you're a bit stressed."

"I'm good, even if I am feeling the magnitude of the event. Having you here makes it better."

"I told him that too." Patrick said as he joined them. "Also, don't expect him to hang around the house long in the morning, he has plans with Sam."

"I shouldn't be surprised." Kate told him before glancing over at Patrick, causing Blaine to look between them. Once Patrick nodded, she gave Blaine's hand a squeeze. "How do you feel knowing Kurt's now out of the hospital and in jail?"

"No different honestly." Blaine replied. "I must admit, I'm shocked that my own opinion of his behavior was as accurate as it was. Bas said it explains a lot, not that it excuses his behavior. It also makes us, leery it's going to stop."

"A concern we broached with Xavier, and he and Victoria feel the same way." Patrick told him. "Yet, he stated the diagnosis wouldn't be used to lessen any punishment he may receive in the future. It simply gives Judge Watkins a better idea of what he's dealing with and how to handle him." Just as he finished up, Blaine's phone went off, leaving him to excuse himself in order to take it as it was Tess. "They're being realistic at least."

"Would you really expect them to be anything but given all they've been through?" Kate replied as she sat back. "Being realistic is the only way they've gotten through everything he's done to them."

By the time Blaine returned, he turned the conversation back to the benefit, as Tess had a few questions, plus talking about Kurt wasn't going to do anything but frustrate them. Once the conversation turned back to the benefit, the tone in the room lightened again, which was precisely what they all needed.

The next morning when Blaine made his way down to the kitchen, he was surprised to find Sam sitting at the island along with his Mom. "Hope you don't mind me stopping by, thought hanging here was a better option." Sam said once he saw Blaine enter the room. "Not to mention, if I went home first, I probably would've crashed." He continued as he got up, before the two hugged. "It's good to see you under better terms."

"Tell me about it." Blaine replied before taking the cup of coffee his Mom had poured for him. "Mom, did…"

"He called me yesterday afternoon, didn't want to ruin the surprise." Kate said before excusing herself, leaving the two to talk.

"Have you been here long?" Blaine asked as the two sat down, yet from the look of the empty plate before Sam, he clearly had been.

"Long enough to catch up with your Mom, who by the way, is thrilled your home, though admits it's weird having you here and not your hubby."

"He'll be here soon enough. How's Courtney?"

"She's doing well, and can't wait to actually get to meet you, and Sebastian."

"Tell her the feeling is mutual." Blaine said in response. "Now, care to tell me what actually happened in Lima, outside of the cliff notes version Wes gave me and Bas?"

"You mean outside of the fact that Mr. Schue is delusional." Sam told him, to which Blaine nodded. "Really, there isn't much else to say. He clearly doesn't take all you've accomplished into consideration."

"Or the fact I arranged the song that way, for a reason." Blaine added.

"That might've been mentioned." Sam said to him. "Seriously though, Shelby put him on notice, so don't worry."

"Wes said the same thing, but I can't shake the feeling he's going to say something once everyone is there."

"I dare him to, as you've got to know everyone taking part will be more than happy to put him in his place, particularly a few select people, not including Sebastian as he's expected to defend you." Sam reminded him, earning a slight eye roll from Blaine. "That better of been because of the Sebastian comment, otherwise it wasn't warranted."

"How about, I'm more than capable of defending myself?"

"Oh, I know you are, as does everyone else. But you know Mr. Schue, he'll put his foot in his mouth, pissing others off." This time around Blaine laughed. "See, you know I'm right."

"Never said you weren't, I just hate when people think I need defending."

"Hey, you know better than anyone, we defend those we care about, and a heck of a lot of people care about you." Sam said as he slipped his arm over Blaine's shoulders. "If you've proven anything through the years, is you can take care of yourself, but, you don't need to handle it alone."

"You sound like Bas."

"Your husband's a smart guy."

"But, I…"

"Don't go there." Sam told him, hearing a subtle crack in his voice. "It's easy to say you'd do something different looking back or in my case, saw something, but you handled it the way you felt best at the time."

"Now, you sound like Wes."

"We might've talked a bit while he and Chloe were here." Blaine smiled before getting up to go get something to eat. "When's Sebastian getting into town?"

"Sometime Friday afternoon."

"Sometime?"

"Yes, as he has his flight book, but should he get out of work early or have little traffic on his way to the airport, he's going to try to catch an early flight."

"Does he need a ride?"

"No, as Victoria is picking him up, but thank you." Blaine replied, as his phone went off on the island, causing Sam's eyes to go wide. Upon seeing who the text was from, he understood why. "Guess you now know one of the special guests."

"Are you fucking serious?" Blaine simply laughed before taking a sip of his coffee, smiling as he did. "Since when do you know her?"

"She actually came to see me on tour last year, as she had the day off. I was blown away when Tess brought her, and her family back to my dressing room afterwards."

"Does Sebastian know?"

"Yes, as he was with me at the time, and freaked out as he loves her "I don't give a fuck" attitude." Blaine replied. "She is who she is, no apologies. So, who better than a strong ally to be a part of the first foundation benefit. She didn't even hesitate when I asked her to be a part of it, the only thing she had to do was make sure was that she had no schedule conflicts."

"Which she clearly didn't." Sam said. "I've got to ask, how much of her show is she bringing?"

"That, you'll have to wait to find out." Blaine teased in response before taking a bite of his bagel, as Sam sighed in exasperation. "Have you been to the venue yet?" Sam shook his head. "Then let's take a road trip, as I know for a fact Tess is there getting things set-up."

"Why do I feel there is more to this little trip?"

"Have you ever been inside this building?" Again, Sam shook his head. "I think once you see it, you'll have a better idea regarding the answer to your question. Not to mention, since she and her band have landed, you might just get to meet her."

"Cool!" Sam enthusiastically replied as Blaine continued to eat. "What about your other special guest?"

"Since we're all doing our tech today, you just might get to see him too, depending on when they arrive."

"At least give me a hint or two."

"How about, I've joined him on stage at least once, and he's done the same." By Sam's reaction, it was evident he knew who it was. "Do you approve?"

"Hell yes!" Sam then tilted his head slightly. "Now the AP on your Mom's call sheet makes sense." Blaine nodded. "Does anyone else know?"

"Outside of Bas, and my Mom, who only learnt recently, no, so…"

"Relax, I won't tell a soul, I promise."

"That goes for Courtney."

"I know, and I won't. Thankfully I'll only have to keep it to myself for a few days, don't know how you did it?"

"It's easy when very few people know there are guests others than those already announce." Blaine said before reaching for his phone to text Scott, let him know he was on his way. "I'd offer to drive, but it's probably best we each do. I've got a kind of long day ahead of me, and you'll need to get some sleep at some point."

"Works for me."

Once that was settled, it wasn't long till they were on their way after cleaning up the kitchen, and letting Kate know where they were going. Upon arriving at the venue, Sam was a bit taken back by how much stuff was already set up, even though the event was still technically three days out. "I was wondering when you were going to rear your head." Jordan said as the two approached. "Vacation did you good Blaine."

"Thank you." Blaine replied before giving her a hug, then a kiss on the cheek. "You remember Sam, right?"

"I do. How are you Sam?"

"Good. What are you doing here?" Sam asked as the three of them headed inside, passing security as they did.

"I'm doing a bit of a behind the scenes documentary leading up to the foundation's first big benefit." Jordan replied. "You remembered, right Blaine?" Blaine nodded, before handing Sam a lanyard to slip around his neck, so he wouldn't have issues later. "In case you were wondering, Santana's in town, but she's at her parents right now, as she didn't want to interrupt me while I worked."

"I must say, I'm impressed." Blaine told her. "It's not like Santana to not want the inside scoop." When Jordan cast her eyes down, he stopped in his tracks. "Jordan, why is Santana in Lima?"

"She, might be planning to see Shelby as Rachel didn't believe a word you told her, but knew better than to push." Instantly Sam started to laugh. "I take it you know what's going on." Sam nodded. "Should I be concerned?"

"Depends, did Santana mention her alter ego?" Sam asked, only to hear Jordan mutter beneath her breath. "Dude, if Santana learns what Mr. Schue tried to do, there's going to be fireworks." They then saw Blaine rake his fingers through his hair, before taking a deep breath.

"Call Santana, and ask her to please, stay out of it." Blaine said calmly while taking his phone out of his pocket. "In the meantime, I need to call Rachel and explain what happened."

"I thought you said that wasn't a good idea."

"It's not, but it's better she finds out from me, than from Santana. At least this way more fuel won't be thrown on the fire before he and I come face to face." Blaine then looked at Jordan. "I will fill you in later, but it needs to be off the record, deal?"

"Of course." Jordan replied. "I'll go give Santana a call, but you've got to know, she's going to want answers."

"And I'll give them to her, she'll just have to wait."

"Patience isn't her strong suit Blaine."

"I know, but you all need to trust me on this."

"Will do."

Once Jordan walked away to make her call, Blaine pressed send to make his, not bothering to walk away from Sam since he knew what was going on. Not to mention, should Rachel have questions he didn't have answer for, who better to answer them, than someone who was at McKinley the next day.