5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 81
Even with the concerns Blaine had about what was going on back in Ohio, which were more about the situation escalating, no one was the wiser. For once he arrived at the stage, he effortlessly slipped into his pre-performance routine. One of the only differences this time around, Todd was on the stage setting up his kit, instead of one of the techs. "Is this a desire to do it yourself, or is there something going on I'm not aware of?" Blaine said, causing Todd to look up as he hadn't even heard him make his way out.
"Since it had been awhile, I wanted to do it myself." Todd told him in response before looking around. "Everyone else still on their way?"
"Yes." Blaine replied before setting his sunglasses atop his head. "Earlier this week the weather had me worried, but, this is perfect."
"I said the same thing to Tess when I got here." Todd said to him. "It's supposed to be this way all weekend, including our day in Philly. Couldn't ask for better weather to kick-off the proverbial start of summer."
"No kidding." Blaine replied, prior to putting his glasses back on. "With everything that's been going on, it's going to be nice to lose myself for a couple of hours each night." Almost instantly, he saw Todd cock his eyebrow. "Don't read that much into it."
"Given everything that's happened, do you blame me?"
"Not really." Blaine told him. "My statement stemmed from missing that feeling of being free, which unfortunate for me, tends to only happen on stage, as it's the one place I don't overthink."
"Now that, makes complete sense." Todd said as he got up from behind is kit having finished up. "You and Sebastian deserve to feel that way all the time. Hopefully it won't be much longer till it becomes a reality."
"Wishful as that is, I don't see that happening quite yet, especially after what he did after the benefit."
"Please tell us we don't have to go kick some ass, please." Talia chimed in as she and Justin joined them on the stage, only to see Blaine looking beyond them. "Morgan's here, she's talking with Tess. Now…"
"No ass kicking is needed, but the gesture is appreciated." Blaine told her. "You simply heard me telling Todd why it'll be nice to get back on stage to perform again."
"Without the unnecessary drama that went with it back in Ohio." Justin added playfully.
"Precisely. While performing at the benefit was special, I could've done without everything that accompanied it." As he spoke, Morgan joined them, and Tess wasn't far behind which meant it was time to warm-up a bit and begin soundcheck. After reaching for his guitar, Blaine couldn't help noticing that Morgan seemed off. "Is everything alright?" When she giggled, it piqued Blaine's curiosity. "Care to share?"
"You'll find out later tonight." Morgan happily replied before giving him a peck on the cheek. "Relax, it's good news, but not my news to share."
"Any hints who or what it pertains to?"
"Nope, you'll find out tonight." When he cocked his head, she simply smiled in response, before slipping her bass over her. "Not my…"
"Your news to share, got it." Blaine said before moving towards the microphone. "This better be good."
"Trust me, it is, at least I think so."
With that said, it wasn't long till they settled in and soundcheck began. Unlike when he was on tour, Blaine didn't have to worry about rushing afterwards since there were no meet and greets to head to afterwards. Once they were done, their crew cleared their off to the side, so the next performer could follow suit. After making their way off the stage, they headed towards their trailers which had been brought in for dressing rooms. Blaine was about to lie down for a nap, when his phone went off. "I hate to preface it this way, but, please tell me nothing is wrong." He said after saying hello to his husband.
"You can breathe easy Killer, nothing is wrong." Sebastian told him as he got settled. "Are you done with soundcheck or are you going to be doing it soon?"
"Just finished, was about to take a nap."
"Now, you're teasing me as I'd rather be napping with you, than here."
"I wish you were too. Now, what's going on?"
"I was wondering if you grabbed my bag that I left by the door in my rush this morning." Sebastian replied. "I was going to call earlier, but my day has been a bit crazy. If you…"
"Relax, I grabbed it. It's sitting here in my trailer, waiting for you. And before you worry about your badge, Tess is messengering it over to you, otherwise you won't get passed security."
"I love you."
"I know." Blaine teased, causing Sebastian to chuckle. "Were you going to go home if I hadn't brought it?"
"Depended on when I got out of here today." Sebastian told him. "Sorry if I worried you."
"Don't be, as my mind tends to get away from me sometimes. Which is why I told Todd it's going to feel good getting on stage."
"Understandable, as when I watch you perform, you're my only focus." Sebastian said in response. "Did you get to talk with Rachel?"
"I did, and our thoughts on the matter aren't all that different." Blaine told him. "Um, I might've slipped regarding Carter."
"You mean, being related to Hunter?" Blaine confirmed. "No biggie, as Carter just filed paperwork to be removed from the case after the stunt Hummel pulled. Due to Hummel not being upfront with him, Carter needed a brief recess to familiarize himself with parts of the divorce and, because of that, almost missed his wife's appointment."
"Not good."
"Yea, Hunter said the same thing." Sebastian told him. "Told me he couldn't remember the last time he heard Carter that pissed. Hopefully this time around, they allow him to be removed."
"For his sake, I hope they do as it's got to be difficult representing someone who isn't honest with you."
"That's actually, Carter's argument, at least according to Hunter who most-likely paraphrased his sentiment. They never talk about the case B, but, whatever happened back in Ohio, wasn't good and is probably what pushed Carole over the edge."
"Wouldn't surprise me, since she was kept in the dark from what I'm aware while the divorce was proceeding." Blaine said before yawning. "Much as I'd rather talk to you…"
"Take your nap Killer, and I'll see you soon."
"I can't wait, and Bas, text me once you have your badge."
"Will do. Love you."
"I love you too, see you in a few hours."
"See you then."
By the time Sebastian arrived, the scene was chaotic since concert goers were arriving as well. Luckily for him, Scott saw how crazy things were and made sure Sebastian had an escort through the crowd. He was in the midst of changing when Blaine came walking back into his trailer causing him to stop momentarily. "Since when is my husband self-conscious." Blaine said as he closed the door behind him.
"After seeing numerous people being escorted from this area by security." Sebastian responded before tossing his dress shirt to the side. "I don't remember it ever being this crazy."
"This is a rarity, but doesn't mean it doesn't happen." Blaine told him before walking up to him to give him a kiss. "Remember, people tried getting on the tour bus."
"Good point." Sebastian said before pulling him close. "I'm glad I'm able to join you this weekend."
"Me too, as I can't think of a better way to kick things off."
"Oh, I'm sure you can." Sebastian told him, moving his hands to Blaine's ass.
"I was referring to my summer schedule." Blaine replied, before kissing him once more. "If I wasn't performing this weekend…"
"We'd be in the Hamptons, enjoying ourselves to the fullest."
"That we would, but we'll figure something out."
"Don't we always?" Blaine nodded, before Sebastian leaned in for another kiss, this one slowly taking on a life of it's own, yet was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Guess you need to go be responsible."
"It's still early, so I doubt that's the case." Blaine said before going to answer the door, only to find Tess on the other side. After inviting her in, she said hello to Sebastian, who she didn't know had arrived. "What do you need?"
"What makes you think I need something?"
"You rarely visit him before a performance." Sebastian chimed in as he put on his shoes.
"He's got a point, so, what's up?" Blaine asked while reaching for a bottle of water.
"I just looked at your set list and noticed, You Know My Name, isn't on it, any particular reason why?"
"It's on there, it's part of my encore." Blaine told her before showing his copy of it to her. "Is that a problem?"
"Would it throw your set of to put it in, switch it with another?"
"Any particular reason why?" Sebastian asked as he sat down on the couch, as it was unusual for her to comment on the set list.
"There is actually." Tess replied as Blaine leaned back against the counter. "With as well as Cooper's movie is doing, it would be wise to have it part of the main set."
"Fair enough, I'll switch it with Can't Break Me Down." Blaine told her. "Does that work for you?"
"Perfect, as they have similar feels to them."
"Any other reason behind the request?"
"It's important to have it as part of your main repertoire this summer, as it'll keep it on the airwaves, and in the minds…"
"Nomination committees." Sebastian chimed in, which she confirmed. "They want to ensure the songs you wrote for Coop's movie stay out prevalent, without being over played."
"Impressive Sebastian."
"He might've done some research regarding what it takes to be nominated." Blaine told her.
"Yea, things get a bit strange with the Academy. We simply want to strengthen your case."
"You sound like Cooper, he's already looking forward to us attending together."
"From what I'm hearing, it might not be far out of the realm of possibility as he's getting rave reviews." Tess replied. "I hope this doesn't screw things up for you, I should've mentioned it earlier."
"It's alright, honest." Blaine said in response. "For the record, we do intend on changing it up rather often, so, let me know what songs need to stay."
"I can do that." Tess replied. "You'll be heading to the stage in about forty minutes, sound good?"
"Works for us." Once she left, Blaine took a seat beside Sebastian before texting his band with the set change. "What's going through that head of yours?"
"What makes you think something's on my mind?"
"I know you Bas, and I know that look. So, what gives?"
"Just thinking back to the conversation, I had with Hunter."
"About Carter?"
"Yes, but given our situation, the conversation was relatively vague." Sebastian told him. "I think it hit me more since us starting a familiar isn't so far off. I can only imagine being in his shoes, and it pisses me off." Before he even finished, he felt his husband take ahold of his hand. "Bet you never expected this from me."
"Actually, it's very much the reaction I'd expect from you." Blaine replied while giving his hand a squeeze. "We each process things differently, but the feelings aren't all that different. We're each concerned this situation with Kurt is going to impact us, our family, more than we're comfortable with. But as you reminded me, we can't let our fears stop us from doing what we want. Strangely, it's similar to me throwing caution to the wind and going to see you that fateful night. I easily could've let my fears get the better of me, but I didn't, just embraced the unknown."
"One of the best decisions you ever made." Sebastian said before turning to give him a kiss. "You know what the other one was?" Blaine shook his head. "Agreeing to marry me."
"That was actually an easier decision than the first." Blaine told him, causing him to smile. "Which is why we can't let the 'what ifs', get the better of us."
"You're incredible, you know that." Sebastian replied.
"Merely following your lead in this instance, being the voice of reason. It's too easy to let our fears get the better of us, particularly after he pulls one of his stunts."
"And his actions impact those around us." Blaine nodded. "Moments such as this, reinforces why you tried so hard to keep everyone, including me, out of it. Further proof I was done out of love."
"I think nowadays, everyone understands it, unfortunate as that is." Shortly after Blaine replied, Sebastian got up as he heard a bit of commotion outside. "If it's important, someone would've gotten us." His response didn't deter his husband, who looked out the window and was surprised to see Jeff, along with Blaine's band huddled around Tess.
"Something is going on B."
"What makes you think that?" Blaine asked as he got up to join him, now curious as well. After looking out the window, he glanced up at Sebastian.
"See what I mean." Sebastian said to him. "I probably wouldn't have questioned it, but Jeff looks happier than usual. Want to go find out?" Blaine shook his head before slipping his arms around him. "Care to tell me why?"
"Something Morgan said earlier, and if they're happy, it's nothing bad."
"Good point." Sebastian told him before kissing him. "I love seeing you like this, you really are in your element."
"Even more so since you're here. Everything is better when we get to share the moment."
"Couldn't agree more."
By the time they reached the stage, Sebastian pulled Jeff aside to ask what he saw earlier. Yet similar to the response Morgan gave Blaine, he told him not to worry, all is good. After giving him a questionable look, Jeff laughed. "Seriously, I'm not stupid enough to lead you astray Sebastian. Trust me, you're going to approve."
"How can you be so sure about it?"
"It's going to astound your husband, in a good way, probably you too." Jeff told him. "So, trust me and go with the moment."
"Sorry."
"Don't be, with everything you and Blaine are dealing with, on top of what we talked about, I get it."
"I take that to mean you've wrapped your head around it."
"Absolutely, so much so I almost slipped when talking to my Mom earlier. She's so ready to be a grandma, yet…"
"Isn't going to push the issue, something I can relate to all too well." Sebastian replied. "I'm pretty certain my parents thought it was never going to happen till B came back into my life. Made me realize I deserve all those things, too many people said I didn't." He then looked at Jeff who'd placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know the time most of it was said, I, I was an ass, but…"
"Still didn't give people the right to say those things."
"I wasn't much better."
"The same could be said for all of us Sebastian, we've all said things we wish we could take back." Jeff told him. "What matters, is we've learnt from it, realized our parents were right in more ways than we care to admit. And for the record, Blaine saw through your façade back in the day, otherwise he never would've let you into his life."
"Yet look what happened."
"And that moment, had a drastic impact on you. Sure, you were still you, but different if that makes sense."
"It does." Sebastian said as the act before Blaine exited the stage. "One last question." Jeff nodded. "Will we find out tonight?"
"I promise, you'll know before the night is over." Jeff replied, before they went to give their respected other a kiss prior to them taking the stage.
Blaine was about halfway through his set when Sebastian felt a nudge, causing him to glance to his side, only to see Anastasia standing beside him. "What the hell are you doing here?" He exclaimed knowing full and well no one could hear him over Blaine.
"It's nice to see you too." She teased before giving him a hug. "Maybe I wanted to see my favorite cousin and his husband."
"Sweet as that sentiment is, you wouldn't just hop on a plan for no reason to see us, especially with B performing again."
"Are you sure about that?"
"This is one thing I'm sure of, so, why are you really here, not that it isn't great to see you?"
"Fine, I'm in town for work and wanted to surprise you." Anastasia told him. "I called your Mom, who put me in contact with…" She hadn't even finished when Sebastian gave Jeff a playful shove.
"Is this what…"
"No, just an added bonus." Jeff said before giving Anastasia a hug, which also allowed him to see Tess getting ready. "One of the benefits of our parents being good friends."
"No kidding." Sebastian replied. "B's going to be ecstatic to see you."
"The feeling is definitely mutual." She said before taking a better look at the stage. "You really do have a great view from back here."
"We think so, yet there are times we still venture out front." Sebastian told her, his attention back on Blaine. "I'll never get tired of watching him perform."
"Good thing, since it is his profession." She teased, earning a laugh from Jeff. "It's true."
"That it is, now, do you have a place to stay because you're more than welcome to stay with us?"
"I do, but thank you." She replied as Tess made her way along side them, drawing Sebastian's attention.
"What's that?" He asked as he went to get a better look, but Jeff stopped him. "What's going on?"
"You'll find out soon." Tess told him, before capturing Talia's attention in the midst of the number. "Jeff."
"I'll take care of things on this end."
"What's going on?" Sebastian asked, visibly confused which caused Anastasia to slip her arm around him.
Before he could ask again, the song ended and Blaine went to grab his bottle of water before starting the next number. With his back momentarily to the crowd, Blaine wondered what caused them to get loud for seemingly no reason, yet Talia told him to turn around. Once he did, he came face to face with Tess, who was holding a draped item before her. As Blaine took in the moment, his band surrounded the two of them.
"I hope you all don't mind, but we felt now was a good time to present Blaine with something, something you all made possible." Talia said to the crowd. "How many of you purchased the charity single which was recently released?" When the crowd erupted again, Blaine glanced towards the wing at Sebastian, seeing not only Jeff, but Anastasia at his side. "I can't begin to tell you all how good it made us all feel to see you support the foundation in that way. Yes, the song is incredible, but the proceeds of that single are going to help so many people."
"When we were in Ohio, we got to see firsthand the work the Breaking Through foundation is doing." Justin continued. "Reinforcing the importance of it, for as much as society has grown/changed, there's still lots of work to be done, and people to be helped."
"Which is why your support, means not only a lot to all of us, and the foundation, but to Blaine and Sebastian." Morgan said, causing the crowd to cheer. "To have you all embrace a song which truly means so much to them, is quite special in ways that are hard to relay."
"So, it is our privilege and honor, to present to Blaine, and technically Sebastian, though we know he won't come out here." Todd stated, prompting a chant for Sebastian. "But I can tell you, he's watching from the wings. To present Blaine with what is certainly only the first, platinum certification for You and Me." Blaine had to take a deep breath after Justin removed the piece of fabric so Tess could hand it to him. While initial sales had been great, Blaine didn't look much beyond the moment as the amount of money already going to the foundation was more than he ever imagined.
After looking at the certification, Blaine looked over at Sebastian whose expression undoubtedly reflected his own. "Thank you, all of you." Blaine said, grateful his voice didn't crack given how overwhelmed he was. "When my manager first approached me, and then Sebastian with the idea, I honestly wasn't sure how it would be received. Yet, I'm blown away once again by your support, as none of this would be possible without all of you, supporting me, us on this incredible ride." He then wiped at his eyes before looking at Sebastian once again. "And while Todd's right, Sebastian won't come out here, I can honestly say from the bottom of our hearts, thank you as you embraced a chance he and I were hesitant to take." He then took a deep breath. "Wow, this is so not what I was expecting tonight. Just know, your support is appreciated in so many ways, and you're helping so many people. Thank you!" As the crowd cheered, Blaine hugged each member of his band, along with Tess, before jogging over to the wings to give Sebastian a kiss, something those in the front undoubtedly witnessed. And while they were each aware it could possibly trigger an outburst from Kurt, neither cared as he wasn't taking this moment from them, or any others from that point forward.
By now, you can probably tell my posting schedule is a bit off, and I apologize. The situation I referred to last chapter, has come full circle. I'm moving, which means there is lots of packing to do. So, until I get a bit more taken care of, the updates may be a day or two later than usual. Will be sure to keep you updated in case of a change.
Quick update: The move has taken on a life of it's own, so the next update probably won't be up until around the 14 of March. Sorry for the delay, but things are happening quicker than we initially expected.
