5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 62
After she finished speaking, she walked towards the back of the stage as two stools were brought out, yet returned with an acoustic guitar in hand, the strap identifying it as Blaine's. "Sebastian, would you mind if I borrow your husband for this next number?" In response Blaine and Sebastian exchanged a look, before Blaine cocked his head at her. "You played it with me in rehearsal, so who better for me to perform it with." She replied as she held out the guitar, as the audience began cheering Blaine on. "I remember what you said, but maybe we can change those memories of this one. So, what do you say Blaine?" By that point Cooper was standing behind Blaine's chair, ready to pull it out. It only took a kiss from Sebastian who was curious what it could be, for Blaine to get up and join her on the stage.
"You got this Blaine!" Santana called out as there was only one song she could imagine he was hesitant to perform. The shout-out caused Sebastian to look back at her, yet given Sam was smiling, he slowly turned back as Blaine got situated.
"I'm not singing." Blaine stated as she gently rubbed his shoulder.
"We'll see about that." She teased as Tess set a microphone up for him. When he shook his head, she couldn't help but laugh. "You're desire to stay out of the spotlight, is a refreshing trait, trust me."
"I seem to be doing a lot of that today." Blaine replied, earning him a look from her, but Sebastian and Santana knew precisely what he was referring to. "Ready?" once she nodded, Blaine waited as she was going to start things off.
Made a wrong turn
Once or twice
Dug my way out
Blood and fire
Bad decisions
That's alright
Welcome to my silly life
Mistreated
Misplaced
Misunderstood
Miss no way it's all good
It didn't slow me down.
*Blaine*
Mistaken
Always second guessing
Underestimated
Look I'm still around
*both*
Pretty, pretty please
Don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than
Less than perfect
From there on out, Blaine would chime in occasionally as being on that stage, with her in that moment was erasing the previous memories, but he didn't lose sight on why it happened. By the time they finished, the audience applauded once again, as Blaine handed off his guitar to his tech, as her team came out. "Sure you don't want to take another spin?" She teased as she got settled into her harness.
"Positive, don't need to give my brother more future material to use against me."
"You wouldn't do that now, would you Cooper? I mean, you do that, and he might not right you another hit theme for your next movie."The next thing everyone witness was Blaine laugh, before the two exchanged a hug, prior to him returning to his seat. "Thank you for indulging me Blaine, hopefully that's the first in many collaborations to come. Blaine raised his glass in agreement, which earned a chuckle from those behind him. "You'll have to tell me what that was about afterwards. Now, before I take to the air, I want to say to all of you, the fact you're here, whether it's to help someone you love, heal your family, or other reasons, I find it all admirable as self-love, isn't easy. Yet once you, and your families achieve it, nothings impossible, much as Katherine and Victoria stated. Having spent time with each of these remarkable woman, it's not surprising they've put their heart and soul into this foundation. Not only to fulfill their sons dream, but to ensure the hardships you're all feeling, are only a minor stumble along the way." Once she took to the air, everyone's eyes went up, as she dazzled the audience with one last performance.
After she finished, Blaine looked over at his Mom, as while he'd handled the entertainment for the evening, she and Victoria made the arrangements regarding who was to speak. It didn't take long for the additional gear to be removed from the stage, and the next speaker to appear, shocking those in attendance.
Good evening everyone, my name is Dave Karofsky, and I'll try not to bore you after such an incredible performance. I'm sure plenty of you have heard, it gets better, and think it's untrue, nothing wrong with that, as I was too felt that way. And because of those thoughts, being afraid my friends and family would hate me, I became my own worst nightmare, along with almost becoming a statistic.
While some of you might wonder what I mean, wonder no more, as I was a bully in high school, stemming from wanting to simply go along, in part do to fear of being outed, outed at a time when I hadn't quite come to terms with who I am.
Adolescents is already hard enough, without having to question who are you, in a world where you're unsure how you'll be treated. While there were a few resources available to me at the time, I never spoke to anyone till after I reached my breaking point after being outed. The sad thing looking back, is people I was cruel to, were some of the first to come to my aid. It didn't erase what I'd done or said, but it gave them a bit of understanding, some having dealt with similar issues.
Standing up here before you, I have no issue admitting I'm ashamed of my behavior in the past, something to this day I continue to try and make amends for, in part by speaking about my experience.
For some, me being here is hypocritical because of my past, instead I choose to believe it can be used as a learning experience. No one knows what's going through anyone's mind in a given moment, especially if we don't reach out when we're hurting.
Dave was still speaking when Sue saw Will rake his fingers through his hair. "Problems William?"
"Just thinking about something Santana said to me, saying Dave knew the type of person Kurt's become." Will told her. "Do you know what she meant by that?
"No, yet if I was in your shoes, I'd go and speak with David later this evening, ask him."
"Why not Santana?"
"Because if I've learnt anything since her return, if she's this tight lipped, it has to do with the Anderson-Smythes, which means…"
"She's not going to talk, especially to me." Will said, which Sue confirmed. When he went to walk away, Sue stopped him. "I was going to find the backstage area, so I could talk with Dave once he's done."
"It takes a lot of audacity to show your face here." Shelby said to him as they caught her eye on her way backstage.
"Shelby."
"What are you even doing here?"
"I came to see my students."
"Students you abandoned, because your ego couldn't take another hit."
"He's says it's not about ego." Sue said as Dave was finishing up.
"Right, which is why he stormed off after Blaine called his arrangement garbage." Shelby replied, causing Sue to chuckle. "I think it would be best if you leave, as you lost sight what this is about. Also, you've shown an utter lack of respect for Blaine, Sebastian, and their families who are our hosts." Yet before she could say anything else, one of the production assistance came and pulled her away as she was needed backstage. Once she was gone, Sue looked at Will who said he didn't plan on going anywhere, regardless of what Shelby might've said. He intended on getting answers before the evening was over.
"Who's that walking onto the stage?" Will asked as a young woman took the stage, and walked straight to the baby grand which was there.
"That would be Talia Davies, Blaine's keyboardists, which must mean it's time for another musical interlude." He nodded, before shaking his head upon seeing the next performer take the stage, as it was none other than Jesse St. James. Instead of saying anything after his introduction, Jesse looked over at Talia who began to play. Within a matter of chords, everyone knew what he was starting with.
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace, you
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Being surprised by everyone's song selection was making the evening more enjoyable for Blaine as he didn't know what to expect. Then to hear such a heart felt rendition of one of his favorite songs, only added to it.
"Thank you." Jesse said once the applause died down. "I'm honored to be here this evening, along with being extremely proud of how Blaine's chosen to use his fame. The fact the foundation embraces not only the individual coming to terms with who they are, but those close to them, is an often-forgotten aspect. With Blaine's fame, it would've been easy for the Anderson family to pretend everything was fine when he came out, but they didn't. Instead they chose to be honest, further reinforcing they understood the same fears so many of you are facing or have faced. And why it's important to them, to help those dealing with similar struggles.
Remember, no matter how isolated or alone you may feel, you're all special, and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise." Jesse then looked into the audience, just beyond Blaine. "Ready to join me Rach?" Blaine turned, and saw Rachel getting up from her seat, giving Thad a quick peck before making her way to the stage. "Rachel Berry everyone! And I promise, you'll be getting to hear her a bit later, I just couldn't pass on the chance to duet with one of my favorite partners." While he was speaking, Talia left the stage, and Justin took it, getting settled on a stool a little behind where Jesse was.
You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged, oh I realize
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
The darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small
Show me a smile then
Don't be unhappy
Can't remember when
I last saw you laughing
This world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
Just, call me up
'Cause I will always be there
And I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
Once the two finished, they immediately hugged one another as the audience applauded before taking their bows, prior to leaving the stage, and heading back to their seats. As the next speaker began, Cooper noticed a bit of commotion near the stage door, so he quietly excused him, before going to find out what was going on. Upon reaching the doors, he saw Jennifer and Shelby having a rather intense conversation. "You two might want to take this backstage, as I could tell something was wrong." Cooper said, before carefully ushering to the side a bit more, as neither wanted to go backstage. "What's going on?"
"Will's here." Shelby pointedly stated. "And after what went down yesterday, I…"
"You're afraid he's going to cause a scene." Cooper replied which she confirmed. "Can't say I blame you from what I've heard."
"You clearly don't know the whole story, or there is no way you'd be this calm." Jennifer said to him.
"You're right, I don't, as neither my parents, Blaine, nor Sebastian will do so, which tells me all I need to know." Cooper told them. "Now, what's the issue?"
"I don't think he should be here after what he pulled, while Jennifer believes having him leave, might draw attention to the issue."
"I need to go with the PR specialist here, as you don't know how he's going to react." Cooper told her. "While I understand where you're coming from, especially how my family is tiptoeing around this, you need to let Jennifer handle this."
"Are you going to take your own advice?" Jennifer asked, having heard enough stories about Cooper from Blaine.
"What are you talking about?"
"Cooper, you need to let me handle this situation, so that it doesn't bring on any negative press." The word press caught his attention. "There are numerous reporters here, outside of Jordan."
"I…"
"Cooper, I will not hesitate to get one of your parents."
"Seriously?"
"Given the importance of tonight, absolutely." Jennifer replied. "Better yet, I'll let your brother-in-law handle it, as we all know how Sebastian handles matters which could upset Blaine."
"That won't be necessary." Cooper said while straightening his suit jacket. "And saying you'll get Sebastian, is playing dirty. No wonder Blaine doesn't cross you."
"A good publicist knows the best way to get the necessary response." Jennifer then looked at Shelby. "I will let Scott know he's here, and to have someone keep an eye on him."
"Thank you."
"You are very welcome." Jennifer said. "Now, go back to your seats, both of you, before others start wondering what's going on."
Once the two of them left her side, Cooper looked at Shelby. "Where is he?"
"At the back of the room near the entrance." She replied. "What about the promise you made Jennifer?"
"I'm going to keep it, just wanted to know where he's at, as I love my brother, and parents too much to ruin tonight for them." He told her. "What about you?"
"I will leave well enough alone for now, but I'm going to keep my eye on him as well." Shelby said to him. "Mainly because I don't want Rachel to accidentally cross paths with him, as I while she knows better, her emotions are too raw right now regarding what went down yesterday."
"Fair enough." Cooper then extended his hand which she took. "To ensure tonight goes off without a hitch." Once they shook, Shelby had one more thing to say.
"Just so you know, Sue Sylvester is with him. She's actually the reason the New Directions are here." Seeing a confused look on her face, didn't surprise him. "I don't understand it either, but I thought you should know."
"Thank you." Cooper said before the two returned to their tables. When he returned to his seat, he wasn't surprised when his Dad leant over to ask where he'd been, given how long he'd been gone. "I'm going to say; the matter has been handled."
"Cooper."
"It's been handled Dad, now attention back to the stage, the next act is about to go on." Cooper told him before slipping his arm around Whitney's chair. Although he wasn't going to engage his Dad again, he didn't miss the look Sebastian shot at him, fully reminding him how good Jennifer was at her job. While he'd never admit it aloud, for as aloof as he could be at times, he'd never intentionally piss off Sebastian. And the only thing that broke that look, was Blaine kissing Sebastian on the cheek, bringing his focus to the stage where Wes stood.
Evening everyone, I'm Wes Montgomery. So much of what I intended to say tonight, has already been stated, so I'll refrain from rehashing it in one form or another. Though I will echo Jesse St. James' sentiment about how proud I am, though not only of Blaine, but of Sebastian, and their families. You see, I'm one of the first people outside of family that Blaine came into contact with after the assault which put him in the hospital. From the scared, timid boy I met when his parents first walked him through the doors of Dalton, to the man he's become, is a sight to behold.
I'm grateful to not only call Blaine and Sebastian friends, but I consider them family. The day they first shared with those closest to them outside of their parents what they intended to do, it warmed my heart given I was aware of Blaine's history. Although I stated I wouldn't rehash what others had said, part of me has to as I feel it's important you all understand this wasn't an easy decision. For once again, Blaine needed to address what he'd been through, which for anyone who'd gone through a traumatic experience, isn't enviable, yet he did it in order to help others, reassure them they aren't alone, and that you can get through it.
The reason music is such a huge part of tonight, is because it's a huge part of how Blaine's dealt with what he's gone through. It was/is his outlet to express himself. So, it is my honor, to welcome to the stage, the Dalton Academy Warblers, a group which for myself, Blaine, Sebastian, and others, holds a special place in our hearts. It's also where Blaine regained a not only his self-confidence, but his trust of others.
It didn't take long for Wes to make his way off the stage, and for the Warblers to do what they do so well.
Sometimes I get so tired
I'm just trying to find a place to lay my head
I look up to the sky
I feel the warmest light comfort me
To those sitting behind them and knew the meaning of the song, they weren't surprised to see Blaine rest his head on Sebastian's shoulder, and for him to rest his against it. For if there was a song he'd written expressing how lost he'd felt prior to seeing the light, this was it. And for Rachel and Santana, it marked the moment Blaine seemingly found himself again. So for the Warblers to choose this one out of all the one's Blaine had written, showed the care they'd taken in choosing their set list.
I've seen the great heights
Reminding me I'm alive
I don't want to die
I don't want to waste another day or night
Once they finished, Sebastian pressed a kiss to Blaine's cheek as they applauded, and since they were up front, the Warblers could see their reaction. When they started their second number, Sebastian couldn't help but smile, as they went with Stand, a song he remembered singing all too well, and why it was chosen. Upon looking back at Thad, Jeff, and the guys, it was clear they remembered too, as did Blaine who gave his thigh a squeeze. "No offense to Skylar, but you did it better." Blaine whispered into his husband's ear, prompting a smirk he knew all too well. "Good thing I love you."
"What can I say, I'm loveable that way." Sebastian replied before kissing him once again.
"That you are."
After the Warblers made their way off stage, Sue looked over at Will who looked even more frustrated if that was possible. "Face it William, they're good."
"And arrogant." Will replied, before looking around for Emma once again. "Do you know where Emma is?"
"Probably with that glee club of yours, as…"
"Why did you bring them?" Will asked, turning to look at her as he did.
"Why wouldn't I?"
"Because you know as well as I do, you do nothing unless there is something in it for you. So again, why did you bring them?"
"Hard as this may be for you to believe, but I do have a heart William." Sue told him. "Though, the thought of bearing witness to your former students telling you off, is quite the motivator as well. And given what Santana told me, they're going to have plenty to say, especially after that little display they started the night with."
Song: Perfect (clean version)
Written by: Max Martin, Shellback, Alecia Moore, Johan Schuster
Song: Imagine
Written by: John Lennon
Song: True Colors
Written by: Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly
Song: More
Written by: Timothy Myers, Tyrone Wells, Danny Larsh
