5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 57

Much as Blaine hoped to stop Santana from finding out what was going on, Jordan's call came a bit too late as she was already with Shelby, inside the choir room at McKinley. "Now, just to make sure I'm clear about what happened, Mr. Schue changed Blaine's arrangement."

"Yes, as his kids weren't able to pull-off the harmonies Blaine arranged." Shelby replied. "Once he got it to where they could sing it, he felt it was better than…" She didn't even get to finish as Santana began to laugh, and it took her a bit to regain her composure. "I wish I could laugh, but…"

"I'm sorry, I really am." Santana said before placing her hand on the piano. "But there is no way his version is better than what Blaine wrote. Am I right?" Shelby nodded. "How did the Warblers take things?"

"They handled themselves better than one might expect, but even they mouthed off." The look of shock on Santana's face didn't go unnoticed. "Not that I blame them, as they busted their asses, and sound incredible."

"Did you ever doubt they wouldn't?"

"No, and it actually made what Will did piss me off more, as he should've been helping the New Directions learn it. And for the record, he questioned Wes's knowledge of what Blaine actually wants."

"I'm sure that went over well." Santana said in response. "One can question a lot of us when it comes to knowing what's going on in Blaine's head, Wes, isn't necessarily one of them. Plus, one would presume Blaine filled him in since he asked him to check on the Warblers."

"Precisely. After meeting with the Warblers the day before, Wes texted me and told me how good they sounded, even sent video. Those boys nailed Blaine's arrangement."

"How close are the New Directions to getting it?"

"They know it, but they have no confidence in themselves." Shelby told her honestly. "I can't give them confidence Santana, and if they don't show it tomorrow, they're going to leave Blaine no choice." She said as she sat down at the piano. "Now you know why I extended my stay, as well as why Blaine fibbed to Rachel."

"I must admit, Blaine was right to do what he did as this would've set Rachel off for numerous reasons." Santana replied. "Who does he think he is changing Blaine's arrangement, I mean…" She stopped as she threw her hands up in frustration. "It's bullshit, plain and simple."

"He tried to get the Warblers to learn his version."

"That's rich! There is no way they would've done that. But by chance they had even considered it, ever so briefly, Wes would've stepped up and told them it was out of the question."

"I know, let alone the impact it would have on the rest of you." Shelby then began to play Will's version of the arrangement, which only caused Santana to shake her head. "It has a completely different feel, and tone."

"Just slightly." Santana said sarcastically. "I haven't heard the full thing yet, but enough of us have gotten together to rehearse, that I know this is going to be amazing. Our biggest worry is letting Blaine down, as he's put a lot of faith in all of us."

"He never would've asked, if he didn't believe you could all do it." Shelby then cocked her head slightly. "It's still surreal all he's accomplished, isn't it?" Santana subtly nodded. "Some people go their entire career without all the accolades he's accumulated, yet I can't think of anyone who deserves them more."

"Exactly, in a way it feels like the universes way of saying sorry for all the shit he went through." Shelby smiled. "I'll admit, there were times I was jealous of Blaine in high school, but it wasn't his fault the rest of us got overlooked. It would've been worse if he couldn't really sing his ass off." She then looked around the room. "I have so many great memories in this room, yet there was plenty of discourse along with it, plenty caused by me." The next thing Shelby saw was Santana walk to the white board and write, confidence, on it.

"May I ask why you did that?"

"You said it's what these kids need." Santana stated. "I'm surprised Mr. Schue hasn't made it one of his lessons, finding your confidence."

"Probably because he doesn't see things the same way I do, he thinks they're fine, yet…"

"You know how high Blaine's standards are." Shelby nodded again in response. "Was he even here for morning rehearsal?"

"Part of it, yet left part way through to go meet with…" Shelby didn't finish her sentence as in that moment Will walked back into the choir room.

"Santana, it's good to see you." He proclaimed as he made his way towards her, yet as he went to give her a hug, she put her hand up. "What's wrong?"

"I think that's the question I should be asking you, I mean after all, you're the one that believes he knows better than Blaine." Santana replied, earning her one hell of a look. "And before you start accusing Shelby, she's not to blame, you are."

"Excuse me?"

"If you'd simply done what Blaine asked, I wouldn't be here."

"I, I don't get the relation."

"If you did as requested, Shelby would be back in New York, with Beth, and Rachel wouldn't have been asking questions." Santana told him. "Instead, Shelby had to stay in Ohio to make sure the New Directions were ready."

"She didn't need to stay, I would've gotten them ready." Will told her as Shelby looked between them. "She's pushing them hard Santana, harder…"

"Harder than you would've, probably, but she knows what's on the line." She then looked at Shelby. "Would you mind giving us a few minutes, as I think it's time Mr. Schue and I have a long overdo talk."

"Of course." Shelby replied before gathering her things.

"And Shelby, you might want to call Rachel, put her mind at ease, I'm sure not only she'll appreciate it, but Thad will too." After assuring Santana that she would, Shelby made her way out of the choir room, closing the door behind her. "So, care to tell me what your issue with Blaine is?"

"I don't have an issue with Blaine." Will told her while setting his bag onto the piano. "What makes you think that?"

"Where would you like me to start?" Santana replied while crossing her arms before her. "But I'll focus on the current situation. What gave you the right to change Blaine's arrangement?"

"I don't know what Shelby or Blaine told you, but I altered the arrangement because the New Directions were having issues with the harmonies." Will told her. "My alterations, made it easier for them."

"While that's all fine and dandy, did you fail to remember you're not the only one performing."

"Shelby made that clear to me repeatedly the day she showed up."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what I said, she made it clear she was in charge and didn't care what I had to say."

"She was in charge, because Blaine put her in charge!" Santana told him. "He wanted to ensure his vision came to light, and that you didn't push that Warblers to the background."

"Of course, his concern was his precious Warblers." Will said. "I bet that's why Wes was there too."

"Possibly, though I know he was in town with his fiancée going over last-minute wedding details with his family." She told him. "Could easily be a happy coincidence, yet I'm glad he was as I know better than most how you love to play favorites."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, and I'm sure that's another reason why Shelby's presence pisses you off so much." Santana replied. "I mean, while the Troubletones didn't win, we forced you to dig deep and allow others a chance to shine, particularly with Rachel not eligible."

"My feelings regarding Shelby have nothing to do with that." Will stated, though it was obvious Santana didn't believe him. "Why do you care so much about whether or not the New Directions get to perform?"

"Because it matters to Blaine, who you never treated as though he beleonged." Santana told him, clearly frustrating him. "What?"

"Why do you care so much what Blaine thinks, especially with how he's thrown…."

"Oh hell no, don't you dare go there!" She exclaimed as she slammed her hands on top of the piano.

"Go where?" Will asked.

"Defending Hummel, that's where! Everything that's happened to him, he's fucking deserved after the hell he put Blaine through!"

"So, he's deserved losing his job and landing in jail?"

"Damn straight!" Santana replied. "You have no idea what Blaine went through. I was there, yet even I didn't know the depth of it."

"There is no way Kurt's capable of doing what he's accused of."

"I was fucking there when he tried to hit Blaine the night he first saw him and Sebastian together. If it wasn't for Hunter, he would've succeeded. If he attempted to do that in front of a group of people, including Rachel, imagine what went on behind closed doors."

"Santana."

"No, as there is no excuse for what he did! Sadly, what you've heard is only the tip of the iceberg in regard to what actually happened between them." She continued. "Why do you think so much of the proceedings are closed? Or why the judge constantly punishes Kurt?"

"Because Blaine's famous." Santana scoffed in response. "You know that plays a part in it Santana."

"All Blaine's fame does is show the world what he's dealing with regarding Hummel's antics! He brought this attention on himself, by lashing out at Blaine and Sebastian in public."

"Sebastian doesn't help the situation, you know he instigates from the videos that have made the rounds online."

"Okay, now I know you're drinking the kool-aid, as Sebastian has taken the high ground throughout this situation. The only times he's lashed out, which has been limited, is when he's protecting Blaine, when he's been unable to do it himself." Santana told him. "Honestly, I can understand Burt defending him, I mean, he is his Dad, but you, I don't understand. Hell, he even went after Rachel who was always your favorite."

"Rachel's got nothing to do with this!"

"Bullshit, she's got everything to do with this as Hummel treated her like shit, always making her question herself, doubting her abilities. Not all that different from what he did to Blaine actually." She said in response. "Honest question, do you think Blaine's talented and deserves his success?"

"Of course I do, he's always that "it" factor on stage."

"What would you say if I told you there was a time where he didn't have, it, and he questioned his talent?"

"Impossible." Will replied in disbelief.

"But it did, and Rachel and I witnessed it firsthand." She solemnly replied. "It was honestly painful to see what happened to him, to see him lose his spark. Unfortunately, at the time we didn't know why it was happening. And before you ask, this all started before he even left Hummel, a decision he didn't make lightly."

"What changed?"

"Sebastian, he got him to believe in himself again, and we were there the night things changed."

"None of this makes sense." Will said as he ran his hand over his head.

"Because you refuse to acknowledge who Kurt really is and what he's capable of!"

"Santana, why would he do that after the hell he went through here?"

"I don't know, why don't you ask Dave Karofsky."

"Excuse me?" Will replied, seemingly surprised by what she'd said.

"You know what, you're not worth my time nor my energy." Santana stated as she grabbed her purse. "But I will leave you with this, actually listen to Blaine's music or ask the New Directions what some of his songs mean. Maybe then, you'll understand." She was about to leave, when she stopped once again. "One last thing, if you think Blaine won't call you out on the crap you tried to pull with his arrangement, think again." Will merely looked at her, shocked as she made her way out the choir room and away from him.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Santana Lopez, what brings you back to McKinley?" Sue said to her, stopping her on her way to the exit. "Though from the frustration on your face, I'd have to guess you spoke with Schuester."

"That obvious?" Santana replied, before sending off a text to Jordan, telling her she'd be leaving Lima soon.

"He does tend to do that to people, especially this past week, which says a lot."

What do you mean?"

"He's been complaining to anyone who'll listen how Blaine sent Shelby to Ohio to undermine him." Upon seeing her roll her eyes, Sue tilted her head. "I guess that's not true."

"Far from it." Santana replied. "Blaine asked Shelby to come to Ohio to oversee a joint rehearsal, not trusting Mr. Schue to treat the Warblers fairly."

"He wasn't wrong to do so, as his feelings about the Warblers isn't too different from mine regarding that glee club of his." A comment that made Santana laugh. "Why'd she stay, not that I mind someone else being a thorn in his side."

"He didn't listen to Blaine's instructions regarding the number the New Directions are to perform with others."

"Does Blaine know about this?" Santana cocked her head. "What?"

"You just called Blaine by his name twice, what gives as I was expecting to hear at least one gay Burt Reynolds?"

"One Mr. Blaine Anderson-Smythe has earned my respect with what he's achieved, the same goes for Miss Berry, but don't tell her that." A response which caused Santana to giggle. "Don't tell me you're getting soft on me Lopez."

"Never, but it's nice to see this side of you, and for you to acknowledge what they've accomplished. I'm proud of them."

"As you should be, the best things to come out of McKinley, no offense."

"None taken, but you know Blaine was never really one of us." Santana told her. "Cliché as it may sound, he was always a Warbler, hence his name, Blaine Warbler."

"I do, but that doesn't mean we can't claim him, after all he graduated from here." Sue teased, which she had a point. "So many of you in that glee club did something with your lives, much to my chagrin, other than porcelain of course."

"He did at one point."

"Are you defending him?"

"Hell no, simply stating a fact, that's all. If you don't believe me, go ask Mr. Schue as I told him what I think of Hummel."

"The disgust in your tone speaks volumes, not necessary." Sue said to her. "Since you're here, why don't you come by this afternoon and talk with my Cheerios, they could use a good scare."

"Tempting as that is, I told my girlfriend I'd met her in Westerville once I finished up here."

"Isn't that where the benefit is?"

"It is, she's an entertainment reporter who…"

"Wait, your dating the reporter who always has the inside scoop on Blaine?" Sue asked, to which Santana confirmed. "I take it you're her inside scoop regarding him."

"No, any inside scoop she gets, comes from Blaine, or his people." A statement which actually made Sue laugh. "It's weird saying he has people, but he does, lots of them. Now, I need to get going as I hope to get to the venue before things wrap up."

"Alright, but, are your partners-in-crime coming to town?"

"I presume you're asking if Brittany and Quinn are coming?" Sue nodded. "They are, as it was important to all of us to be here supporting Blaine and Sebastian." Santana then paused for a moment. "Would you mind doing me a favor?"

"Depends, what do you want?"

"Call me if Mr. Schue has any unusual guests between now and day's end tomorrow."

"That, I will happily do, as you know I'm all for causing trouble for him."

"Thank you, as…"

"You don't have to say it, I get it. No go, before any of my Cheerios see me like this!" Santana smiled, before heading out the doors. Once she was out, Sue turned to look back at the choir room. "What are you up to Schuester to have Lopez so mistrust worthy? My interest is piqued"

By the time Santana arrived at the venue, she was prepared for whatever Jordan, as well as Blaine might have to say to her. What she didn't expect, was being stopped at the doorway by security, who stated the venue was closed to the public. After attempting to talk her way in, she finally texted Jordan, hoping she could get her inside. It took a bit, but soon she appeared with credentials for Santana and she was allowed inside. "I'm telling you right now, Blaine wants to talk with you."

"Is he pissed?" Santana asked as they headed down the hallway towards the hall.

"I wouldn't say he's pissed, but he's frustrated that you and Rachel wouldn't leave well enough alone." Jordan told her, which earned her quite the look. "He knows who he's talking about, yet he really wishes you'd have stayed out of it."

"I think once he hears what I have to say, he's going to change his mind. He felt no remorse for what he'd done, and implied Blaine's responsible for Hummel's problems."

"The hell he is!" Sam blurted out as a door closed behind him. "He brought this all on himself!"

"Don't have to tell me twice." Santana said before the two of them hugged. "Oh, and according to Coach Sylvester, Mr. Schue's hatred of the Warblers ranks right up there with hers of the New Directions."

"Not surprising given what Wes said, he basically dismissed all their hard work. Based on what Shelby said, he was probably pissed they got the harmonies right, without a director, while the New Directions couldn't pull it off." When she went to grab the door handle, Sam stopped her. "What?"

"You can't."

"Excuse me?"

"You can't…" Sam didn't get to finish as Blaine came walking out into the hallway. "I was just telling her she can't go inside." As he spoke, Blaine raked his fingers through his curls which were damp.

"You know I won't tell anyone what's going on." Santana told him.

"That's not what this is about." Blaine said before looking at Jordan and Sam. "Would the two of you give us a minute?" They each nodded before walking away, leaving the two of them to talk. "I want you to know, I spoke with Rachel and as suspected, she didn't take what I had to tell her well, hence my initial answer to Shelby's extended stay."

"Well, she's not going to be any happier once I tell her what I found out, and neither will you." In response, Blaine leaned back against the wall and raked his fingers through his hair once again. "I know that's not what you wanted to hear."

"You're right. Is it so hard for there to be no drama, for once in my life?"

"Blaine, this drama isn't being brought on by you." Santana assured him. "It's being brought on by people that don't accept things aren't what they think, what they're comfortable with."

"What do you mean?" Once he replied, Santana took his hand, causing him to tilt his head. "Santana."

"That you made the right call getting Shelby involved, as she knows who you are, understands why you're doing what you are."

"Santana, just tell me what's going on."

"Not now, because you need to concentrate on what matters."

"Then when?"

"Before rehearsal tomorrow, at least that's the plan if Sebastian gets in on time."

"I don't like the sound of this."

"Then your instincts are spot on." Santana told him. "Until them, focus on what you do best."

"Which is?"

"Now you're just being a pain in the ass." She teased in response. "Do I need to tell Sebastian?"

"You can, but he's going to want an explanation, and given what you just hinted at, you're not going to want to tell him that over the phone." He then stood up straight, before leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. "I will get back to rehearsal on one condition."

"Name it."

"You don't go looking for trouble." When she feigned shock, Blaine looked directly in her eyes. "Santana."

"I promise."

"Good, now come with me as I have a feeling you're going to have a few questions after meeting one of my special guests."

"Why?"

"I'm certain you'll know once you meet her, now come with me."