5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 66

Considering how long they'd been gone, they half expected the Warblers to have gone, yet they were where they left them. "Nice to see you all return, as we were wondering if we were going to have to find Sebastian's Dad." Thad teased as Rachel leaned against him, his arm securely around her. "How'd things go?"

"As well as expected." Sam replied as he walked over to Courtney who he then kissed. "Where are Blaine and Sebastian?" When the others simply looked at one another, Sam's attention went straight to Wes. "Where are they?"

"We're right here." Sebastian said in response as they joined the others. "We went and touched base with our parents. How'd the little visit with Schuester go?" When Tina cocked her head, Sebastian smiled. "Patrick told us, felt it better we heard it from him."

"He's delusional." Mercedes told him. "Also, Karofsky's presence and speech now makes a lot more sense. I'm sorry Kurt accused you of what he did Sebastian." This time it was his turn to look confused.

"We walked in on Dave telling Mr. Schue what happened." Tina replied. "You two weren't kidding when you said things had gotten ugly."

"We never meant for that to come out." Blaine said to them. "Also, that situation, isn't why Dave spoke. He actually does speak about what he went through, and our Moms felt it was important his experience was represented." He then glanced up at Sebastian who smiled at him reassuringly. "Regarding everything you've all heard today, I'm sorry, as the last thing I wanted was for any of you to get involved. It's was already bad enough Bas got pulled into my problems with Kurt, but now…"

"Honey, you have nothing to apologize for." Mercedes told him, as she took ahold of his hand. "You chose to keep matters to yourself, while Kurt spread lies about what was happening to paint you as the villain, when it was him. If I had known the truth…"

"That's the thing, I didn't want our issues, causing issues for anyone else."

"Blaine, what he did to you, is an issue for all of us." Mike replied. "If he chooses to take issue with us "choosing sides", he brought it on himself."

"And not to make light of the situation." Quinn added. "If he'd simply left you alone once you started to move on with your life, none of us would be aware of what he did to you. So, Mike's statement is wholly accurate, he brought this on himself."

"I…"

"Blaine, just accept the fact we're pissed about what he did." Sam stated, and the others, including the Warblers confirmed his statement. "We're pissed about what he did to you, how he's still treating you, and Sebastian for that matter." He then looked at Rachel. "You didn't deserve him turning on you as harshly as he did either."

"While I appreciate that, this isn't about me." Rachel replied as she sat up straighter. "The only reason he lashed out at me the way he did, is because I was the easy target. He's not allowed near Blaine or Sebastian anymore, and he's too afraid to mouth off at Santana. As for the rest of you, you really weren't in the line of fire outside of a few rare moments or social media."

"No offense taken." Artie told her. "At least now, we understand where his rants were coming from. Gotta say, I'm surprised Burt didn't…"

"Stop right there." Sebastian said to him. "Burt, is part of the problem."

"What do you mean?" Puck asked.

"He means Burt blames them for Kurt's actions." Sam flatly stated. "Pointed out to me, Kurt's issues only really started once Blaine and Sebastian got together. Mind you, Kurt believes Blaine was cheating on him, with Sebastian."

"Which wasn't happening by the way." Blaine told them. "We didn't even get back in touch with each other till my divorce was finalized."

"Hunter and I can attest to that, as once they did, Sebastian's demeanor changed." Thad chimed in, earning him a look from Sebastian. "Come on, you know it's true."

"Tread lightly doc." Sebastian teased, before feeling Blaine take ahold of his hand. "Long story short, B didn't want anyone else involved, yet now, you all have a better idea of what happened. Also, we're not sharing anything else, as B doesn't need to recount what happened, nor..."

"Are the details our business." Mercedes finished for him, earning her a nod from Sebastian. "You have to believe me when I say, I had no idea things were that bad or messed up."

"I do." Blaine assured her. "And again, thank you for coming on such short notice."

"Don't mention it, especially now that I know what actually went down."

"How about we end things on an upbeat note, take some pictures to document this moment?" Quinn said, knowing all too well Rachel wanted to go home, and from the looks of it, Blaine did too.

"Sounds good to me!" Sam said, and soon they began figuring out what shots they wanted taken. While the shots of the Warblers were being done, Mercedes made her way over to Sam who was off by himself, watching what was happening.

"She seems nice." Her words, caused him to follow her gaze to where Courtney was talking to Quinn, making him smile. "I'm happy for you."

"Thank you, and she is nice." Sam replied. "Anyone special in your life?"

"Not right now." Mercedes told him. "How are you, I mean, dealing with all this?"

"Focusing on now, versus what I can't change." He said, catching her by surprise. "I already passed my anger for the most part. What matters now, is making sure Kurt doesn't hurt him anymore. How about you, how are you feeling?"

"Confused, angry, but I guess that's expected." Sam nodded in response, before laughing as Sebastian pulled Blaine onto his lap. "They really are happy together, aren't they?"

"They are." He then gave her a slight nudge. "Don't over think things, you won't get the answers you want from him."

"What makes you think I'm going to talk to him?"

"I know you, you're not going to leave without attempting to get answers from him. He's going to deny it, always does. And in case you didn't know, over two years passed from the time Blaine officially filed for divorce, and getting with Sebastian."

"Why are you telling me that?"

"Because I know Kurt will try and twist the situation, try to earn your sympathy."

"Well, I'm sure he's already going to have a problem with me since I performed at the benefit."

"Depends if he knows, remember, he's in jail, so he'd have to hear about it from someone."

"Out of all of us, he's the last person I expected to wind up there."

"Tell me about, yet he is, which should tell you how serious this all is." Mercedes could only nod, knowing he was right. Yet before the conversation could go further, it was time for the McKinley grads to change places with the Dalton grads.

While they were taking pictures, a majority of those still there, started to leave. "In case you were wondering, Sue took the New Directions back to McKinley." Carole said once Emma and Will appeared.

"Carole, I…"

"Don't, as I'm done with excuses tonight." She replied. "Those kids didn't deserve to be stuck in the middle of whatever your problems are with Blaine. And if they were so bad, you should've declined the invitation to begin with." Her frustration evident. "Why did you even bother coming, as you didn't even talk to them after they performed?"

"He didn't want to look worse than he already does." Jesse said as he was returning inside after seeing Vocal Adrenaline off. "By the way, Vocal Adrenaline thanks you for the opportunity you presented them. It was a honor, and a privilege to perform with Blaine."

"You're loving this, aren't you?" Will replied.

"I wish I was, at least more than I am, as I know how upset this all made Blaine."

"Not Rachel?"

"Tonight, wasn't about Rachel, nor was your little stunt." Jesse replied. "Must've stung that she chose to sing with the Warblers and not your kids, but I can't say I blame her."

"Are you done now?"

"I think so, have a nice night everyone." Once he walked off, Will ran his fingers through his hair, then looked at Emma.

"Don't look at me, you did this to yourself." Emma said in response. "I'd say you owe Blaine an apology, first and foremost, but I doubt he wants to talk with you after what you did."

"That would be correct." Cooper said in passing as he and Whitney headed towards their car, before he said good night to Carole.

"Must say, I didn't expect to hear that."

"Why, because of what Kurt did?" Will nodded. "I've made my stance clear, and if there were issues between me and the Andersons, do you really think I would be here?"

"Good point."

"I understand why this situation is hard for you to believe, but it doesn't change what's happened. So, if even the slightest bit of your issue with Blaine, is about Kurt, let it go as it's misplaced." Carole then turned her attention to Emma. "Are you going to ride home with Will?"

"I think so." Emma replied. "As we have a lot to talk about. Are you going to be alright?" Once she confirmed that she would be, they said their goodbyes, before each heading towards their cars after what was a long day.

Once the last of the pictures were taken, it took a while for all the goodbyes to be said, as no one knew the next time they'd see one another. When only Blaine and Sebastian were left in the room, Sebastian slipped his arms around him from behind. "I know this isn't how you expected tonight to go, but, I'd still call it a success." He whispered into his ear as Blaine leaned back against him.

"And you'd be right." Blaine replied, before turning his head to give him a kiss. "Ready to go home?"

"What do you think?"

"Then let's get out of here."

Saturday evening was a night to remember, as the Breaking Through Foundation kicked off their first benefit in epic fashion. Not only were the who's who of Ohio in attendance, but plenty of Blaine Anderson's celebrity friends made the trip to support the foundation. While I'll have a separate blog about them, I'm going to start with some moments that I least expected.

Mercedes Jones joining the current New Directions, and showing them how it was done. Not only did Mercedes knock it out of the park, but she was joined by former members of the New Directions. (Rachel Berry/Santana Lopez/Quinn Fabray/Brittany Pierce/Tina Cohen-Chang/Sam Evans/Artie Abrams/Noah Puckerman/Mike Chang/Kitty Wilde/Marley Rose/Unique Adams/Jake Puckerman/Ryder Lynn)

Rachel Berry had two moments that I didn't expect. The first, she had the Dalton Academy Warblers join her for a song, one must presume it had something to do with her fiancé, Thad Harwood, being a past member of the group. The second, and biggest moment, the original song Blaine wrote for her. I only hope we're lucky enough it gets released, as Rachel showed what a true powerhouse she is.

Blaine's manager announced a version of You and Me, sung by the Anderson-Smythes, yes, you're reading that correctly, with all proceeds going to the Breaking Through Foundation. I already bought my copy, and the Anderson-Smythes are as perfect together musically, as they are personally.

The Finale, as Blaine was joined by not only the current version of the Dalton Warblers, but Carmel's Vocal Adrenaline, again, you read that right. One has to wonder how Mr. Schuester feels about that slight. Not only was he joined by them, but members of the Warblers and New Directions he sang with in high school. Again, here's hoping someone recorded it professionally, as it's a moment I won't soon forget.

Now, for things I heard/saw, but probably shouldn't tell you…

Not only did Cooper Anderson have heated words with McKinley's Will Schuester, so did Broadway uber producer, Derek Wells. While it could've been numerous things to set the older Anderson brother off, one can only wonder what set off Mr. Wells, who was accompanied by Shelby Corcoran.

Azimio was in the middle of reading the blog, when Dave and Puck sat down across from him at the Lima Bean. "I thought Dave was kidding that you were in town, yet I just saw a few pictures of you at the benefit last night. Never took that to be your scene."

"Typically, it's not, but when Santana Lopez calls, and tells you to get your ass to Westerville or else, you don't question it." Puck said in response. "I'm actually glad I went though."

"Really?"

"He found out a bit more about why Kurt's in his current situation." Dave replied. "Thought you might be able to fill in a few details for him, since I only know the basics."

"Honestly, I don't know much more than you, as they don't tend to give us details." Azimio told them. "I will say, he didn't come straight to us after his hearing in New York."

"What do you mean?" Puck asked.

"He must've had one serious meltdown in court, because he was sent for a psych eval."

"What?"

"You heard me. I mean, are you really surprised, his obsession with Blaine is extreme."

"I guess not, but I also had no clue things were so fucked up." Puck replied. "Sam said there was more to tell, but didn't want to talk in front of Blaine."

"Considering how ugly this situation is, I'm not surprised." Dave said to him. "Blaine's been with Sebastian for over three years now, yet Kurt can't seem to understand, he wants nothing to do with him."

"Are you working today?"

"I am, why?" Azimio replied.

"Was wondering, if Kurt was getting out to work today, want to have a word with him."

"And how do you know he's in the work release program?"

"Santana. So?"

"What, don't want to visit him in jail?"

"After juvie, right." Puck jokingly replied. "So, is he working for Burt today?"

"You will need to find that out for yourself."

"Seriously?"

"Yes, as I don't want to lose my job." Azimio told him. "I've gotta say, I'm surprised you're this pissed about what he's done to Anderson."

"This isn't only about Blaine, he fucked with Rachel. And since Finn's not around anymore, it's up to me to set him straight."

"I think you need to talk with Carole." They all looked up at the sound of Quinn's voice.

"What about?" Puck replied

"Just trust me on this, talk with Carole."

"What are you getting at Fabray?

"You and Sam didn't get to have that little chat last night, did you?"

"No, we're going to talk later."

"All the more reason for you to talk with Carole."

"Just give me one good reason."

"Finn, do it for Finn." She then bent over and pressed a kiss to his forehead before saying goodbye, as she and Stephen only stopped in to get coffee before going to the airport.

"She still knows what buttons to push when it comes to you." Dave said to him as they watched the two of them leave. "Take her advice, what's it going to hurt?"

"You know I don't like being told what to do, yet…"

"You're gonna do it." Azimio replied, and Puck nodded. "Considering how messed up this situation is, I think it's the right move. Something the younger versions of ourselves, never would've done. We would've acted first, got the facts later."

"Quinn actually said something similar to Mr. Schue last night." Puck said to him. "Guess I should text Mercedes, tell her I need to make a stop before meeting her."

"Mercedes?" Azimio replied.

"Yea, she's pissed about what she heard last night, and wants to come with me when I talk with Kurt."

"I don't know if he should be more afraid of you, or her." Azimio teased, yet he was being serious all at the same time. "Just, don't do anything that would land you in my custody."

"Trust me, I'll keep that in mind." Puck replied, as Azimio told him Kurt was working in a round about way. "Much as I've enjoyed this moment, I'm gonna go see Carole. Dave, have a safe trip back to Chicago, and Azimio, take good care of Hummel."

"You know I am. Speaking of, I should probably get going too, as I know I hate when those coming in to relieve me are late, especially after working the night shift."

When Puck arrived at the Hudson-Hummel home, he just missed Burt as he was pulling away when he pulled up. After taking a moment to think about what he knew, he made his way up to the house, and patiently waited for Carole to answer. "Noah, I was hoping you'd stop by." Carole said upon opening the door, before giving him a hug. "It's been too long."

"Yea it has, sorry about that." Puck replied. "Do, do you have time to talk?"

"Of course." Carole told him, before stepping aside so he could come in. "Let me guess, this has something to do with last night."

"Yes and no, you see, Quinn thought I should talk to you before, before talking with Kurt." Puck said before taking a seat on the couch. "I was going to come by before leaving, but…"

"She sped things up." Puck nodded. "What do you know?"

"I found out Kurt was the one that abused Blaine, and that, that abuse is why Rachel ended their friendship." Carole nodded to confirm his statement. "I also found out, he, he used Finn against Rachel."

"Multiple times." Carole told him, surprising him. "I take it you didn't know that part." Puck shook his head. "The first time, was shortly after he found out she was dating Thad, Blaine and Sebastian's friend. The next time, was after Thad proposed on…"

"New Year's Eve, I remember he wasn't happy about it."

"That's putting it mildly. He actually confronted them outside of court one day, as either Rachel or Thad were witnesses for the case. Long story short, I testified on Rachel's behalf in court, as I refuse to allow my son's memory to be used as a weapon against someone he loved."

"That certainly explains Rachel's reaction last night. Why do people who claim Finn meant something to them, use him against her?"

"People?"

"Mr. Schue did it too."

"He did what?"

"Said Finn would be hurt that she took Blaine's side over Kurt's." Puck told her. "But I know, Finn would've been pissed to learn what Kurt did."

"He would've been." She replied. "Rachel only took Blaine's side, after learning what Kurt did to him. Up to that point, she did her best to maintain her friendship with both, which wasn't easy. Especially after Kurt found out Blaine was dating Sebastian."

"What does Burt think of all this?"

"Let's just say, he and I don't see eye to eye on it."