5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 63

Shortly after taking the stage to perform, Adam moved towards the microphone, yet it was clear their set wasn't about to begin just yet.

What some of you might not know is I first met Blaine, and shortly thereafter Sebastian, before their relationship became public knowledge, but not long before. The guys and I went to go hear the acoustic set he and his band were playing during the festival, curious to hear what they were about. There was something about the five of them, you could tell in that moment they were going to be something special, which they are. It's rare in this day and age, an act takes the music world by storm, yet Blaine did for all the right reasons.

Too often in this industry people tend to try and make you what they think the public wants, verses letting you be the performer you are. As I stated, I happened to meet them before an overly nosey paparazzi essentially outed Blaine to the public. They tried to make the two of them being together scandalous, when it was far from it. Seeing how the two of them handled the situation, gave me insight into who they are. You see, from the moment we met, Sebastian was introduced to us, as Blaine's boyfriend. They weren't hiding, it was simply Blaine was starting out and didn't feel the need to address his sexuality, and he shouldn't have to, no one should. For who you love, doesn't define who are you as a person, there is so much more that makes up who you are.

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, is being true to who you are.

He only ended up speaking a little bit more before they began their set.

They'd only begun their second number, when Scott made his way over to the table and knelt beside Xavier, who moments later excused himself. Before he got too far, Sebastian reached out for him, only to receive a look from his Dad, resulting in him nodding. Once he was gone, Blaine took ahold of his husband's hand, knowing the temptation to follow Xavier and Scott. The two ended up leaving the hall, and walking into the office Kate and Victoria had been given to use. "Care to tell me what's so important you…"

"Burt Hummel is outside." Scott replied before he could even finish his question. "He wants to speak with his wife, but…"

"You didn't want to let him in, did you?" Xavier stated, which Scott confirmed they did not. "It was the right call, as the mere sight of him could set too many people off. Have you told Carole that he's here?"

"Not yet, as I felt it was important you knew he was here first. Also, are you aware that Will Schuester is here?"

"I appreciate that, and no, I didn't. Does anyone else know he's here?"

"A few people, and we've been keeping an eye on him to ensure a situation doesn't occur."

"Alright." Xavier replied. "Continue to do so, and I'm going to go speak with Burt."

"Would you like for me to come with you?" Scott asked.

"No, stay here with Sebastian and Blaine, as knowing them if at least one of us doesn't return soon, they'll come looking, and that shouldn't be their focus right now." Once Scott agreed, the two left the office, with Scott returning to the hall, and Xavier heading towards the entrance. Upon reaching the doors, he saw Cole along with a member of the venue's security detail, keeping Burt from making his way inside. The moment the door opened, Cole turned, then told the security guard he could go. Xavier looked at Cole, who simply nodded, before stepping off to the side, but not going to far. "You shouldn't be here Burt."

"I need to speak with Carole."

"You should've called or texted"

"She didn't answer."

"That should've told you either she was busy, or not in the mood to talk given where she is." Xavier told him.

"I just want to talk with her Xavier." Burt said as he attempted to reach around him. "Come on, I drove all this way, let me talk with my wife."

"Is it an emergency?" When Burt merely looked at him, Xavier clasped his hands before him. "That's what I thought. You had to know coming here was a bad idea."

"I promise I won't cause a scene, just let me talk with Carole."

"Your mere presence, is an issue considering your treatment of Blaine and Sebastian."

"They're not…"

"The fact you're trying to justify your treatment of them, reinforces why this situation snowballed the way it did." Xavier told him. "You were so busy attempting to protect your son, you were incapable of seeing the big picture."

"Kurt's problems aren't all his own doing, he…"

"I'm aware of his diagnosis, but that doesn't mean he's not responsible for what he's done. Dr. Brady put together one hell of a report for the court, explaining his diagnosis." Xavier told him. "Also, your son is not the first person I've had to deal with, with it. You should focus on helping your son, instead of continuing to blame Blaine and Sebastian for his issues. You now know, they're not at the root of his issues."

"But they are part of it."

"Part of it in the sense, your son is incapable of dealing with their relationship, as well as their accomplishments." Xavier said in response. "What did you…" He stopped upon seeing Kate walk outside. "I've got this."

"I don't doubt that, but I have it on good authority we're not to miss Rachel's performance, and she's about to go on." Kate told him, before looking at Burt. "And you should go, as I doubt Carole would be happy to see you here."

"You don't know what she'd want."

"Burt, you shouldn't be here. Now if you'll excuse us, we're going to go back inside." She then looked over at Cole. "Don't let him in, as seeing him could upset Blaine and Sebastian, which is the last thing I want."

"You've got it Mrs. Anderson." Cole replied, before opening the door for she and Xavier to go back inside.

"You can't stop me from going inside." Burt told him as Xavier and Kate disappeared down the hall.

"But I can." Cole said to him. "This is a private function for which you don't have a ticket. Should you attempt to gain access, I'll call the authorities. And for the record, they're already on alert given the Anderson-Smythes are in attendance. So, take Mr. Smythe's, and Mrs. Anderson's advice, go home Mr. Hummel, go home."

"I want to talk with my wife."

"Fine, I'll have someone tell her you're here." Cole told him. "But you're not going inside, she'll have to come to you."

"Fine, I'll wait."

While Burt waited outside for Carole, she was standing along a side wall, listening to Shelby who was introducing Rachel. Once she took the stage, the two shared a hug before Shelby departed, leaving Rachel on stage along with Blaine's band.

"Before I begin, I want thank Blaine and Sebastian, for asking me to take part in such a wonderful cause. I say this not only as someone who loves and cares for them, but as a daughter with two incredible Dads. You see, my Dads were pretty upfront with me about what they had to go through to be together. I've also witnessed firsthand the difficulties friends of mine went through once they came to terms with their sexuality. So reach out, talk to someone, as there are incredible people and resources available to help you during this time. (Rachel then took a deep breathe)

While I could easily go on, I'm going to spare you all as once I get going, I tend to not know when to stop. (A comment which earned a bit of laughter.) See, those that know me, know it to be fact. Instead, I'm going to do what I'm on this stage to do."

Low
When you're feeling low
And you just don't know where to run to
Broke
If your heart's been broke
And you feel like you're all alone
If you need something to believe in
If you're looking for a light to guide you home
Just look inside
You're light a shining brighter than you know
You should know

I'm never gonna let you down
I'm always gonna build you up
And when you're feeling lost
I will always find you love
I'm never gonna walk away
I'm always gonna have your back
And if nothing else you can always count on that
When you need me
I promise I will never let you down

Once the song ended, Rachel could only smile as the audience applauded and she looked around at those she cares for. "Thank you." Rachel said as the applause tapered off. "Now, I'm going to do something that's not only a little new for me, but for the individuals joining me. Please welcome, the Dalton Academy Warblers once again." A statement which had the former Warblers looking at Thad, as well as Will looking at Sue.

Hands, put your empty hands in mine
And scars, show me all the scars you hide
And hey, if your wings are broken
Please take mine so yours can open too
'Cause I'm gonna stand by you
Oh, tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes
And hurt, I know you're hurting, but so am I
And love, if your wings are broken
Borrow mine so yours can open too
'Cause I'm gonna stand by you

Even if we're breaking down, we can find a way to break through
Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you
Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you
Even if we can't find heaven, I'm gonna stand by you
Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you
Love, you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna stand by you

Seeing the Warblers up there with Rachel, Blaine couldn't help but look back at Thad who was positively beaming. If the look in his eyes was anything to go by, he was pretty certain Thad had no idea what Rachel had planned. Once the song was finished, Rachel thanked the Warblers for joining her, before they made their way off the stage. "I have one more song for you all this evening, and this song is extremely special to me, as it was written by Blaine, for me to sing this evening." A statement which caused everyone at the Anderson/Smythe table to look at Blaine, including Sebastian. "I also want to thank Justin, Talia, Todd, and Morgan for accompanying me this evening. More so now than before, I understand why Blaine says he wouldn't be doing what he does without the four of you, you're remarkable."

Once Talia began playing the opening chords, Sebastian realized he'd heard it before, as it was something he heard Blaine play often as he was studying for finals. "Guess now I know what you were working on." Sebastian managed to whisper into Blaine's ear before Rachel began to sing.

Don't give up
It's just the weight of the world
When your heart's heavy
I, I will lift it for you

Don't give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I, I will break it for you
Everybody wants to be understood

Well, I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don't give up
Because you are loved

Given he'd never heard the arrangement played in full, Blaine's focus was glue to the stage before him as not only did Rachel sound incredible, so did his band, and he couldn't feel prouder. He was so focused on the performance, he was oblivious to the looks he was being given, not only by family and friends, but Vincent and Derek, as well.

Once the song ended, Rachel blew Blaine a kiss as she took in the standing ovation she was given. Before leaving the stage, she made sure to acknowledge Blaine's band once again, as she never would've been able to pull it off without them. Before she could make her way back to her table, she spotted Carole heading towards the doors, so she made a slight detour, and managed to catch up with her. "Carole." Rachel said, causing her to stop, and as Carole turned she saw her wiping at her eyes. "Carole?"

"It's okay, these are good tears." Carole assured her. "That last song, was truly beautiful."

"Thank you, Blaine gave me quite the gift." Rachel told her, smiling as she did so. "I hope he feels the same way."

"I'm sure he does." Carole replied before glancing down the hall.

"Is everything alright?" Rachel asked, noticing she seemed a bit distracted.

"It will be." She told her before giving her hand a squeeze, then releasing it. "You should go back inside, because if I looked at the schedule correctly, it won't be long till Blaine wraps up this evening." Reluctant as she was to do as she was asked, Rachel knew she couldn't risk losing track of time given she was part of the finale. "It's okay Rachel, go."

"Don't take long, as you don't want to miss what Blaine has in store."

"Is that so?" Rachel nodded, before turning to head back inside, leaving Carole to do what she needed. By the time she reached the doors, Cole pointed to a nearby truck, causing Carole to sigh before walking over to it.

"What took you so long?" Burt asked after getting out of his truck.

"I didn't want to miss Rachel's set." Carole told him, before shifting her stance. "What are you doing here Burt, as…"

"I know, I shouldn't be here." Burt interjected. "I've been told that a few times already." He continued as he slipped his hands into his pockets. "How was Rachel?"

"Incredible, but that shouldn't come as a surprise." She replied. "Why are you here Burt, really?"

"I don't want all this coming between us."

"The only thing coming between us, is your handling of this situation." She then reached out and placed her hand on his arm. "Kurt has issues, blaming his situation on Blaine, or Sebastian for that matter, isn't going to help him. You know I love Kurt, but that doesn't mean I'm going to condone what he's done to Blaine. The sooner you wrap your head around it, the better things will be for all of us, especially Kurt." Carole proceeded to lean in and give him a kiss. "You should go."

"Carole."

"Burt, you shouldn't be here, of all places. Nothing good can come from you being here. Please, go home. We'll talk more once I'm there."

"When will that be?"

"I should be done here in an hour or so, I'll call you. Now please."

"Fine, I'll go. See you at home."

Once Burt was on his way, it didn't take Carole long to make her way back inside. Upon making her way back into the room, she heard Victoria introducing Vincent Jennings, Blaine's manager. "I promise not to take up too much of your time, as I'm sure you're all eager for Blaine to take the stage and close out tonight. To say I'm proud of how Blaine's handled being thrust into the spotlight, is probably an understatement given what he had to deal with along the way. Not only did he have to deal with the new-found fame, but his personal life becoming public, the good, the bad, and the ugly of it.

For any of you that doubt the persona he presents in the public eye, I can attest, it's who he is. From the very first moment we met, he's been open and honest about what's mattered to him. It's why when he informed me, that he and Sebastian were starting a foundation, it was a no-brainer for myself and his label to support the endeavor.

That is why, after the social media boom he and Sebastian set off at the movie premiere, after-party, we proposed a proposition to them. It took a bit of negotiating, but we finally came to an agreement, all parties were happy with. So, on behalf of Blaine's record label, I'm proud to announce the release of a studio recording of You and Me, sung by the Anderson-Smythes, with all proceeds benefiting the Breaking Through foundation, available as of this moment." The mixture of cheers and applause, had Blaine and Sebastian smiling at one another, as they attempted to ignore their friends, which was almost impossible to do. Yet they quickly got a good idea of what was going on around them, as Cooper was prompt to show his phone to them, sharing his recent purchase.

Since she was in attendance, Jordan didn't hesitate getting the announcement out on social media, knowing Blaine's fanbase would be all over it. "Did you know anything about this?" Jordan asked Santana after posting the announcement, as Santana's copy of the song downloaded.

"If I did, there was no way I would've been able to keep it to myself." Santana replied before looking over at Jeff, who looked as shocked as everyone else. "Judging by Jeff's expression, they didn't tell anyone. I can't believe Sebastian actually got into the studio."

"Me either, and I fully intend on asking them about it when this is over."

"Good luck with that." Sam said as Courtney happily listened to the song first.

"What do you mean?" Jordan asked.

"I mean, just because Sebastian went into the studio with Blaine, don't expect him to make a big deal of it."

"I don't expect him to, I simply want to talk to them about it."

"And we will, later." Blaine said in passing as he and Sebastian made their way backstage.

"Guess you got your answer." Sam replied with a laugh, given how nonchalant Blaine had been about the whole thing.

"Guess I did."

Once they made their way backstage, they were greeted by Vincent. "That was one hell of a song you wrote for Miss Berry."

"Thank you. Sorry I was so secretive about it, I, I hadn't even told Bas."

"I can vouch for that." Sebastian said as he slipped his arm around Blaine. "Though, I did hear the process."

"You don't have to explain yourself to me Blaine." Vincent assured him. "Are the two of you prepared to deal with the reaction of the song being released?"

"We are." Blaine told him. "While we know some might take issue with it being a duet between us, that's their problem, not ours. Is the label prepared?"

"They are, and essentially see it the same way the two of you do." He then looked at Sebastian. "While I know you were hesitant, you had no reason to be, you sound incredible on it."

"I appreciate that, thank you." Sebastian replied. "Ready to close this thing out Killer?"

"Ready as I can be."

Song: Never Gonna Let You Down

Written by: Kenneth B Edmonds, Colbie Caillat, Brett James, Jason Bradford Reeves

Song: Stand By You

Written by: Matthew B Morris, Jack Antonoff, Joy Williams, Rachel Platten

Song: You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)

Written by: Molly Kaye, Thomas Salter