5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 61
Although Blaine had promised his Mom, and Jennifer, he'd do the press line and carpet, that didn't stop him and Sebastian from arriving at the venue early for one last sound check. As he stood on the stage, in the empty room since the last of the volunteers had gone, Sebastian could tell he was taking in the moment. "I think this is the first time you've looked uncomfortable on a stage."
"Because after everything that happened yesterday, I hope I didn't screw everything our Moms works so hard on up." Blaine told him, before reaching for his guitar which was on the stand beside him.
"You didn't screw anything up B." Sebastian assured him as he made his way onto the stage. "You did what was necessary after Will made this about him."
"I didn't ask him to leave."
"By pointing out how blatantly he screwed over his own students, you left him little choice." He continued as Blaine began to play. "I know you wanted the New Directions to be a part of all this, but they weren't ready to perform with everyone else."
"Doesn't make this any easier, but…"
"I don't want to hear you doubting yourself Blaine Anderson-Smythe." The voice caused them each to turn and look at who was walking towards them, making Blaine smile. "Now that's more like it, especially with your handsome husband at your side." Before Blaine could even speak, the two exchanged a hug, as he'd moved his guitar out of the way. "It's been a long time Sebastian."
"That it has Miss Jones." Sebastian replied, before the two hugged, pleasantly surprising Blaine. "Thank you for doing this as…"
"Blaine filled me in, and I have to say I'm disappointed in how Mr. Schue behaved." She told them. "Also, you don't have to be so formal Sebastian." He smiled in response. "While I told you this over the phone Blaine, I hold no hard feelings about not initially being asked, as…"
"I didn't want to put you in an awkward spot, because you and Kurt are friends, but…"
"You needed someone who you knew could bring it." She playfully teased, to which he nodded. "I respect that. I want you to know, that while I haven't cut Kurt out of my life, it doesn't mean I condone what happened, and I've told him as much."
"He won't be happy should he find out you're here."
"Then he can be unhappy, as no one is forcing me to do this, I want to be here." Mercedes stated. "Were you able to solve your other issue?"
"I was, I only hope everyone understands." Blaine replied, intriguing her. "You'll understand once you see my solution."
"Aright, is anyone else here?"
"No, as they'll be arriving in a couple of hours. The only reason we're here is, I needed some time to myself, plus I wanted to make sure everything was taken care of on your end." Blaine told her. "Also, I didn't get a chance to tell the others you're going to be here."
"It's alright, as you've had a lot to deal with." She then watched Blaine look up at Sebastian, who slipped his arm around him, before leaning down to press a kiss to his cheek. "Are the two of you always like this?"
"We are." Sebastian said as Blaine took a calming breath. "You agreeing to do this, means a lot to the both of us Mercedes, as we have no clue if the New Directions are going to show, neither does anyone else."
Before anyone else could speak, Jennifer appeared and told Sebastian she needed to talk with him, earning her quite the look from Blaine. "Relax, I'm relaying a message." She said, before Sebastian kissed him once again, before excusing himself. Once the two were off-stage, Sebastian cocked his head to the side. "You need to call Santana."
"Excuse me?"
"I don't have more information for you, simply you need to call her right away."
"Why didn't she call me herself?" All it took was Jennifer looking out onto the stage where Blaine and Mercedes were talking, to answer the question. "This can't be good." He then thanked her before taking his phone out of his pocket to give Santana a call. Unsurprisingly, Santana answered his call on the first ring. "What's going on?"
"Are the New Directions still welcome to perform their set, even if they aren't part of the big number?"
"Why are you asking?" Sebastian asked, before glancing back out at Blaine and Mercedes.
"Because the kids are at McKinley, yet Mr. Schue hasn't shown."
"How do you know this?"
"Because one of the Cheerios that's a member called Coach Sylvester." Santana told him. "The kids still want to take part, even if they aren't singing with Blaine."
"B filled their spot."
"With who?"
"Mercedes Jones."
"Wait, Mercedes is here?" Sebastian confirmed that she was. "Answer my question, are the kids still welcome, I mean, if they have a chaperone accompany them?"
"Santana, what are you thinking?"
"Do you trust me?"
"You know I do."
"Then trust me on this." Santana said. "What's the answer?"
"Yes, as his issue is with Will."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive, and Santana, don't make me regret this."
"I promise, you won't. See you soon."
No sooner did their conversation end, did Sebastian watch Mercedes answer her phone, and shortly thereafter excuse herself to take the call. Without saying a word, as he rejoined Blaine, he told him who Mercedes was talking to, making Sebastian smile. "What don't I know?"
"I'll fill you in, but right now, we're supposed to trust in Santana."
"Bas."
"Trust in Santana." Blaine merely looked up at him. "I do, and once you hear what's going on, I believe you'll have a better understanding." He then watched Blaine's attention go to Mercedes. "I don't know what Santana has planned, but she knows how important tonight is, so…"
"Trust in Santana." Blaine repeated, before taking ahold of Sebastian's hand and leading them off stage, curious to hear what his husband had to say.
By the time the two ventured out onto the carpet a couple of hours later, they happened to spot the New Directions exiting their bus, accompanied by none other than Emma. The two exchanged a confused look as they'd seen Emma earlier at the venue, and were curious how this occurred. Yet just as they thought the bus was empty, Sue made her way off, leaving the two with plenty of questions. "Blaine was choosing the music acts for tonight difficult?" One of the reporters asked, pulling him out of his daze.
"More than you may realize. Luckily for us, those I asked were more than happy to take part in something that means so much to Sebastian, and myself." Blaine replied as they tightened their hold around one another.
"Is it safe to presume Broadway star and McKinley grad, Rachel Berry, was your first ask?"
"Yes, as along with being those things, she's also one of my best friends. And I'm truly grateful her show allowed her the time off to take part."
"The producer, Derek Wells is here, are you aware of that?"
"No, but I'm not surprised given how supportive he is of his casts." Blaine replied, earning a smirk from Sebastian who knew full and well why Derek was there. "Now if you don't mind, Sebastian and I should really make our way inside." The reporters reluctantly agreed, as the two headed inside, curious to get answers to what they'd witnessed while outside. Though getting answers to those questions, was going to prove more difficult than they realized as once they made their way inside, everyone wanted a word with them, keeping Jennifer, Scott, and Marcus busy.
Blaine and Sebastian weren't the only one with questions, as had plenty of them as he drove to Westerville after receiving a text from Sue, telling him she took the New Directions to the benefit. And when he tried to get answers, Sue wasn't responding, nor was Emma who he knew was there since she was volunteering.
Just as everyone was getting seated, Santana came up behind Blaine and Sebastian, and assured them everyone was good, and she'd filled Kate in regarding what was going on. After kissing them each on the cheek, she went to take her seat at a nearby table. "Are you alright B?" Sebastian whispered to him, as it was essentially impossible for the two of them to have a private conversation with all eyes on them. Blaine nodded, in response, before the two shared a kiss.
"Care to tell me what that was all about?" Sam asked from his spot beside Santana.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." Santana replied, while taking ahold of Jordan's hand. "And don't go talking to them, as they're trusting me."
"Santana."
"You'll find out soon." When he gave her a look, she smiled before shooting him a wink. Yet before Sam had a chance to respond, Kate made her way onto the stage, to applause.
Good evening. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Katherine Anderson, chairwoman of the Breaking Through Foundation. Or as I'm more commonly referred to, Blaine's and Cooper's Mom. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful we are that so many of you wanted to be here and donate to the foundation which is near and dear to my heart. I wish I could tell you a sweet story about how our family handled Blaine coming out, yet it was anything but, something we were all to blame for. At one point I wasn't sure how we were going to get through the walls that were being built, but we did. You see, nothing in life is cut and dry, yet as long as we don't lose focus on what matters most to us, nothing is impossible to get through.
Kate was still talking when Will made his way inside, yet due to how dimly lit the room was, it was next to impossible for him to find Emma, leaving him in the back for the time being.
To start this evening, will you please join me in welcoming the New Directions, from McKinley High School.
As they began to make their way onto the stage, Will was stopped from getting to them thanks to a hand on his shoulder from none other than Sue.
"You're not going anywhere William."
"What are they doing here, I…"
"You walked out on Blaine, not them. Now watch and listen."
You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side
You know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
No, I won't give in
Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you
I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
The New Directions song choice had the former members all exchanging looks, and smiling, curious how the song was chosen. For all the trouble the New Directions had during the joint rehearsal, they showed what they were capable of. Although they were seated at separate tables, Quinn reached over to Rachel who took her hand, leaving Thad and Stephen wondering about the reason behind it. After they finished, Sebastian looked back at Santana who smiled, before he turned back around, slipping his arm around the back of Blaine's chair. He turned back around just as Mercedes walked onto the stage, and a member of the New Directions introduced her.
"For those of you who've felt alone, know you've always got someone to turn to." Mercedes said to the audience, before looking over Brad, giving him the okay to begin.
Oh, why you look so sad, the tears are in your eyes,
Come on and come to me now, and don't be ashamed to cry,
Let me see you through, 'cause I've seen the dark side too.
When the night falls on you, you don't know what to do,
Nothing you confess could make me love you less,
I'll stand by you,
I'll stand by you, won't let nobody hurt you,
I'll stand by you
So if you're mad, get mad, don't hold it all inside,
Come on and talk to me now.
Hey there, what you got to hide?
I get angry too, well, I'm alive like you.
When you're standing at the cross roads,
And don't know which path to choose,
Let me come along, 'cause even if you're wrong
"I had no idea Mercedes was going to be here." Will said as he watched in awe as the New Directions happily allowed her to take the lead.
"She's here, as Blaine had no idea if that glee club of yours was going to show." Sue told him. "And who better to fill in for them. Honestly, it's a huge upgrade of you ask me. It's only out of Blaine's decency, your kids are even performing after what you did."
"Sue."
"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but shush, they're going to sing again."
"Before we start our final number, I want to remind you all that often you can find support in the least likely of places." Mercedes said. "So, if you wouldn't mind indulging me, I would like my second family to join me, that is all of you besides Blaine, as right now this is as much for you, as everyone else here." Again she looked over at Brad, who began to play once more.
Everyday is so wonderful
Then suddenly
It's hard to breathe
Now and then I get insecure
From all the pain
I'm so ashamed
I am beautiful
No matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful
In every single way
Yes words can't bring me down
Oh no
So don't you bring me down today
As Mercedes sang, slowly but surely the former New Direction joined her on stage, but not without passing the Anderson-Smythe table, giving Blaine a gentle touch along the way. Blaine wasn't the only one in awe, as Will watched as former New Directions outside of those who'd been there the day before joined her.
No matter what we do (no matter what we do)
No matter what we say (no matter what we say)
We're the song inside the tune (yeah, oh yeah)
Full of beautiful mistakes
And everywhere we go (and everywhere we go)
The sun will always shine (the sun will always, always, shine)
And tomorrow we might awake
On the other side
We're beautiful
No matter what they say
Yes words won't bring us down
Oh no
We are beautiful
In every single way
Yes words can't bring us down
Oh no
So don't you bring me down today
By the time the song finished, Sebastian wasn't surprised to find Blaine wiping at his eyes as they all took a bow, before either returning to their seats or leaving the stage. Before being able to retake her seat, Sebastian reached out to stop Santana, who crouched down between them. "How'd you pull that off?" Blaine asked.
"Don't worry about it, just know they were all here for you, and to make a statement."
"Which is?" Sebastian asked.
"Again, don't worry about it." Santana told him. "Focus on what tonight's all about, but if you're still curious afterwards, we'll talk." She then gave them each a quick peck on the cheek before joining Jordan once again. Once she was seated, she leaned over and gave Jordan a kiss, before breathing a sigh of relief. "I wasn't sure everyone was going to make it on time."
"They did, as did the one person you hoped would see it." Jordan replied, before pointing to the back of the room where they could faintly make out Will standing beside Sue. "She really is amazing."
"Told you." Santana said, before giving Jordan's hand a squeeze. "I'm just glad the New Directions had picked songs which I knew were in her repertoire, and were fine with her taking the lead."
"If they didn't, they have bigger problems than you thought." A statement Santana could only agree with given how correct she was. While the two of them spoke, Victoria took to the stage, and Sue made sure Will stayed where he was, as Emma stated she didn't want to see him till the benefit was over.
Talk about some wonderful song choices from the New Directions, and Miss Mercedes Jones. Truly a wonderful way to kick this evening into gear. For those of you that don't me, I'm Victoria Smythe vice-chair of the foundation. Though much like Kate, I'm more often referred to as Sebastian's Mom. I can't begin to tell you the pride we all felt when Blaine and Sebastian brought the idea of the foundation to our attention. And for anyone that knows our sons, it was a very them thing to do, as it was their way of hoping others had an easier road.
One of the pitfalls of Blaine's success, is that it forced him to address parts of his past he would've preferred to forget, the same could be said for his family. I hope that none of you, ever have to go through the pain the Andersons went through, simply because a group of individuals took issue with who Blaine is. Although it had happened years prior, my heart broke the moment I found out what he'd gone through, not only for Blaine, but for his family.
The fear of having something like that happen, is often one of the reasons an individual struggles with opening up about who they are. Another, is how their family will react. What gets lost in all that, is nothing about a person's sexual identity, changes the person. I'd be remiss to say I didn't worry what would happen to my son once he came out, because his father and I did worry, quite a bit. Outside of that, I only ever hoped for what any parent does, for him to find someone to love him the way he deserves.
Once the last line came out, Sebastian pressed a kiss to Blaine's cheek, who in turn turned his head so they could share a kiss.
Now, I'd introduce our next guest, but this woman needs no introduction.
The moment the all too familiar piano chords began; an audible gasp was heard around the room before her voice was even heard.
La-da-da-da-da, la-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da
We are searchlights, we can see in the dark
We are rockets, pointed up at the stars
We are billions of beautiful hearts
And you sold us down the river too far
While her band was on stage, she walked her way through the audience, high-fiving those in attendance on her way to the stage.
What about us?
What about all the times you said you had the answers?
What about us?
What about all the broken happy ever afters?
What about us?
What about all the plans that ended in disaster?
What about love? What about trust?
What about us?
We are problems that want to be solved
We are children that need to be loved
We were willin', we came when you called
But man, you fooled us, enough is enough, oh
When the song finally came to an end, she was standing center stage, and had to wait to speak as the audience was still applauding. It took awhile for them to stop, but once they did she began to speak and shared with them why she was honor when Blaine asked her to take part.
"William, I think you could benefit from listening to her, and everyone, as somewhere you lost focus regarding what this is all about." Sue told him as the speech continued. "Face it, you're a glee club director in Ohio. While I reluctantly admit you've got some talent, you are not in Berry's league, nor Blaine's, so stop making a fool of yourself."
"That's…"
"Not what this is about, right, I forgot, Lopez mentioned that." Sue said. "This is about you believing Porcelain is innocent. Guess what, no one has anything to gain from admitting they've been abused. You dismissing Blaine, is no different from your students back in the day doubting Shannon." When his face went blank, she clasped her hands before her. "Good, you remember, as nothing you said to Berry, was any different from what those kids said to her. And at that point they didn't know better, you do."
Song: Keep Holding On
Written by: Avril Lavigne
Song: I'll Stand By You
Written by: Chrissie Hynde, Tom Kelly, Billy Steinberg
Song: Beautiful
Written by: Linda Perry
Song: What About Us
Written by: Alecia B. Moore, John McDaid, Steve Mac
