5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 94
It wasn't long after the bridal party finished up pictures and made their way into the cocktail hour, Blaine felt a tap on his shoulder. Given in that moment all he wanted was a drink, and to find Sebastian, his reaction wasn't the most personable. Yet upon seeing it was Xavier, he promptly apologized, even though he hadn't said a word. "Considering how long pictures took, your reaction is understandable." Xavier said to him as the bartender handed him his drink, garnering a smile from Blaine.
"Even if that's true, I shouldn't have done so. Imagine if it was anyone other than someone I know." Blaine replied, then took a sip. "With that said, I'd give the bride some space as she's a bit stressed because of how long it took."
"Guess that means it wasn't her call."
"Correct." Blaine told him. "By chance, do you know where…"
"Sebastian is out on the deck, it's what I came over here to tell you." Xavier said to him, causing Blaine to tilt his head. "There was a call he needed to make."
"Now?" Xavier nodded. "Guess I need to go find out what's going on with my husband. See you in a bit." After he walked away, it took Blaine longer than it should've to make his way out to Sebastian, as he was stopped numerous times along the way. By the time he did make his way outside, he spotted Sebastian off to the side, phone still to his ear.
Before he could say his name, Sebastian saw him approach, which led him to ending his call. "I was beginning to think I was going to need to come up with a plan to retrieve you." Sebastian told him before leaning down to give him a kiss. "How are Cooper and Whitney?"
"In need of a drink." Blaine replied. "Care to tell me what was so important, that it couldn't wait till tomorrow?" When Sebastian cupped his cheek, Blaine sighed. "What now."
"First off, you need to take a cleansing breath, as everything is okay, you have nothing to worry about." After Blaine did as Sebastian requested, he continued. "It was Anastasia. One of the little extras I'd asked her to arrange, wasn't available. And while if this was for me, or you, she didn't want to make the wrong choice, since she doesn't know Cooper and Whitney well."
"Promise?"
"Yes." Sebastian said reassuringly. "I can call her back if you like, but…"
"That's not necessary. Sorry for assuming the worst." A response which earned a laugh from Sebastian, before he pulled Blaine into his arms. "Glad you found that funny."
"Killer, given everything you've had to deal with these past few years in particular, I wouldn't expect you to act otherwise." He then kissed him again. "Yours, as well as my instincts are to expect the worse in certain situations, simply because of the crap Hummel's pulled." Blaine nodded subtly. "And B, if it was something of that nature, I wouldn't have been on the phone, the news would've come from my Dad. Who never would've dropped something like that on us, in this moment."
"Good point." Blaine replied, before giving kissing him. "Hopefully, that reaction won't always be our initial one."
"It probably won't, yet given the timing of things right now, it's understandable." Sebastian said to him. "Now, much as I love having you to myself, we…"
"Should probably go rejoin the festivities." Blaine chimed in, to which Sebastian nodded. "I love you."
"I love you, too." Before he released his hold, he tilted his head. "Has anyone noticed the set-up?"
"Not that I'm aware of, but I'm sure that won't last for long." Blaine said before sighing softly. "I don't want to screw this up."
"You won't."
"How can you be so sure?"
"You were able to sing to me on our wedding day. Not to downplay the importance of today, but, your emotions were in a different place."
"I needed to hear that."
"Anytime." Sebastian said as he let go, but not before kissing him again. "For the record, I think it's adorable that you still have nerves prior to performing." The less than amused look on Blaine's face, made Sebastian smile. "You've come so far from where you were at your Fall Showcase, and I'm not only speaking musically."
"No part thanks to you, as you believed in me when I had trouble believing in myself."
"Easiest thing I've ever done, besides loving you."
"While I knew you were sappy when it came to my brother, I didn't expect to hear that." Cooper said as he came closer to them, earning him quite the glare from each of them. "Okay, didn't realize it was a touchy subject."
"If you heard the rest of the conversation, you never would've made such a comment." Blaine told him. "Any other time, we probably would've laughed it off, but not this time."
"I'm sorry, truly." Cooper replied. "Didn't realize, you two were having a serious conversation. So please, accept my apology." Blaine looked up at Sebastian, who nodded, knowing Cooper meant no harm. "Does that mean my brothers aren't leaving?"
"It does." Blaine said in response. "Where's my lovely sister-in-law?"
"Changing, as she has a different gown for our reception." Cooper told him. "While I'm sure you have everything under control, is…"
"You're right, I do, so enjoy the moment."
"Blaine, I'm…"
"Coop, relax, we're good, I promise." Blaine assured him. "Bas and I will be right in."
"Alright, but know even though today is my wedding day, I'm here for you, both of you should you need me."
"We appreciate it, but the gesture isn't necessary." Sebastian replied. "Now go take your best man's advice and get back inside. Afterall, everyone is here for you and Whitney." Cooper nodded, before leaving the two. "He's going to be alright, right?" Blaine nodded, before taking ahold of Sebastian's hand, and heading back inside as well.
The two were finally beginning to enjoy themselves, when the wedding planner came to get Blaine, as she was gathering the bridal party. After he headed off, Sebastian went to reach for another glass of champagne, when he felt an arm slip through his. He was about to say something, but once he saw it was Talia, he relaxed. "Didn't mean to startle you." She said to him, as he handed her a glass of champagne.
"Is it safe to presume, the others are here too?"
"They are." Talia told him. "So, what do you think of what your hubby wrote for tonight?"
"I don't have an answer, as I haven't heard it." Sebastian replied, before taking another sip. "Or at least, I'm not aware of hearing it, as B's always working on something. So, to rephrase, I haven't heard the finished product. What do you think of it?"
"We love it. According to Blaine, he wrote it with things Cooper and Whitney have told him about their relationship in mind." Talia said to him.
"Guess I should keep on eye on them during it then."
"If it's possible." Talia teased, as they followed the rest of the guests inside. "You know what I mean Sebastian, your focus tends to be on Blaine in these moments."
"You have a point." He said as they began looking for their tables. "I can't help it, he captures my attention."
"You have nothing to apologize for, you love him, just as he loves you." Even though they were walking, it was impossible to miss the smile which appeared on Sebastian's face. "Love is a good look on you."
"Thank you, as being with and loving him, along with being loved by B, makes me happier than I knew was possible."
"Don't take this the wrong way, but as cynical as I heard you were, you give me hope."
"Let me guess, Jeff?" She nodded in response. "Not surprised, nor was he wrong in his assessment. It took me time to get to the point where I was not only open to love, but able to accept it, and return it. The stars aligned just right, regarding me figuring things out and B coming back into my life."
"I'm glad they did, as you each deserve the love and happiness you share." Sebastian proceed to pull out her chair as they reached her table. "I don't mean to be getting sappy, it's…"
"A wedding thing, I get it." He told her as she took her seat. Once she was seated, he leaned down and whispered into her ear. "They bring out the romantic in me too, but, let's keep this our secret." Talia smiled, before turning her head and pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Save a dance for me, as I have a feeling after B's done, I'm going to be missing my dance partner, if you don't mind."
"Deal."
Sebastian only needed to maneuver a bit through other tables to reach his table which was beside the head table. Prior to taking a seat, he noticed a card at one of the seats. Reserved for Blaine Anderson-Smythe, best man. Not that he minded sitting with their parents, but knowing Blaine was joining them, made him happy as it allowed the two to talk through dinner. Shortly after taking his seat, his attention went across the table as both sets of Grandparents took their seats. "It's been too long since we've seen you, Sebastian." Grandma Anderson said to him. "You and Blaine aren't trying to avoid us, are you?"
"Absolutely not." Sebastian assured her, much to her delight. "With everything going on right now, we haven't had much free time. Hopefully, we'll be able to rectify it soon."
"Have you taken the bar exam yet?" Grandpa Anderson asked him.
"Not yet, I'll be taking it next month."
"That soon?"
"Dear, now is not the time to be talking shop with Sebastian." Grandma Anderson said to her husband, piquing Sebastian's interest. "Today, is about Cooper and Whitney, tomorrow, the two of you can talk."
"You, were a lawyer?" Sebastian asked, earning him a nod. "I didn't know, Blaine…"
"I rarely talked about what I did around Blaine, as by the time he came into our lives, I was at the beginning stage of retirement." Grandpa Anderson replied. "When we came to visit, or they came to see us, our focus was on spending time together, tried to keep work out of things."
"Understandable, as my Grandparents did the same."
Before the conversation could continue, Xavier and Victoria joined them, just as the lights were dimmed for the bridal party to make their entrance. Sebastian couldn't help but laugh when Patrick spun, then dipped Kate during their entrance, garnering quite the reaction to the guests. Similarly, to when they got married, it was one of the rare times, Patrick and Kate were able to embrace the moment, forgetting everything else going on. Once they took their seats, Kate asked Sebastian if it was too much, and he shook his head, then told her it was good to see them so carefree. A statement which caused her to lean over the chair between them and give him a kiss on the cheek.
By the time Blaine made his entrance, the guests were in a full-on party atmosphere, which Cooper and Whitney undoubtedly wanted. Once he took his seat, Sebastian instinctually hugged him from behind, as they waited for Cooper and Whitney. While she'd look beautiful for the ceremony, her second gown was just as beautiful, yet more suited to enjoying the night. Although Cooper hadn't kept him in the loop regarding certain details, Blaine was pleased to see they took a cue from their wedding, allowing him to sit with Sebastian.
After all the guests had champagne, the speeches began, starting with Whitney's father, and then Patrick. It was obvious from Cooper's and Whitney's expressions, they were grateful neither of their fathers rambled nor embarrassed them, something each were more than capable of doing. Yet once they were finished, it was time for Whitney's maid of honor and Blaine to give theirs. With a look exchanged between them, the microphone was handed to Whitney's maid of honor.
"I've got to admit, this is the part of being Whit's maid of honor, which scared me the most. For those of you that know me, know I'm not necessarily shy. Yet speaking before you all, about two people that mean the world to me, is a bit overwhelming. Whitney's been my best friend since we were kids, and all we've every wanted for one another, is for the other to find someone who realizes how special they are and treat them the way they deserve.
The first time I met Cooper, I must admit I had a few reservations upon learning he was an actor. And before I proceed, I apologize to any other actors who are present. But living in LA you tend to get a preconceived perception of those who proclaim themselves to be actors. In my case, most were, are self-absorbed. Yet it only took spending an evening with Cooper, to know he couldn't be further from that. Not to say he doesn't have a bit of arrogance to him, yet you need it that world. Cooper's not only sweet and funny, but he loves his family and isn't ashamed to admit it, unlike too many others.
That not might be a big deal to some, but it was to me because Whitney's family means the world to her. So, she never could've found happiness with someone whom family wasn't a priority. For as long as we've known one another, I've never seen Whitney happier than she is now, and that's all thanks to you, Cooper. You've reminded her about the importance of living, enjoying life, and not losing herself in her career, which she tends to do.
Okay, I've already rambled longer than I intended to, yet kept my promise not to tell any embarrassing stories, and trust me, it wasn't easy. With that, I just want to wish you guys every bit of happiness the world has to offer, as you deserve it. I love you both, so much and I'm so happy you found one another in this crazy world. To Cooper and Whitney!"
After she took her seat, the DJ handed the microphone to Blaine, who slowly got up from his seat. "Surprising as this may be to hear, trying to come up with the right words for today seemed an almost impossible task. And after walking into my studio to find numerous scraped versions littering the floor, Sebastian recommended I simply speak from the heart, which is what I'm going to do." Seeing Cooper reach for his glass, Blaine laughed. "You can breathe easy Coop, I'm not going to embarrass you, at least, I don't intend to.
First, I want to welcome Whitney to the family once again. It warms my heart to know Cooper found someone who looked beyond his quirks, to get to know the man beyond all that. I'll be the first to say my brother can be a bit out there, yet I couldn't ask for a better person as my brother, my friend." A statement which earned him a tip of the glass from Cooper.
"Speaking from experience, the best advice I can give the two of you, is to be open and honest about what you're feeling, even if you feel the other might not like what you have to say. Yet the only way to deal with an issue, is confront it. Often, you'll learn your fear of their reaction, is often far greater than it actually is. I wish I could tell you there aren't going to be bumps along the way, but that's not true as life often throws us curves we simply don't see coming and must deal with once they cross our plates. Yet if you confront these curves together, you'll find there's nothing you can't overcome.
The love the two of you share is precious, cherish it, as at the end of the day, regardless of all the outside noise, it's what matters most at the end of the day. No matter how high the high or low the lows, that love remains constant and can get you through, as long as it's not taken for granted.
Wow, I got way more serious than I'd intended to." Blaine said with a laugh. "None of my rough drafts were anything close to this. Bet if you knew it was going to go this way, you would've been all for me telling stories."
"Not really." Cooper replied, earning a laugh.
"Come now Coop, I had some good ones lined up."
"Not necessary."
"Fine, but only because it's yours and Whitney's wedding day."
"Thank you, I appreciate that."
"Since Coop would prefer I stay serious, I will. Before I get back to the happy couple, I want to thank you all for being here today to share in their special moment. I also want to thank you all for enduring all the special precautions which were put in place to ensure this stays a private moment, at least until they are ready to shout it from the roof tops.
Whitney, you are everything and more, when it comes to the type of woman I'd hoped Cooper would share his life with. You're warm and caring, sweet, yet nonsense, which is needed if you know Cooper. Yet most importantly, you love my brother unconditionally. Speaking as one, I know us Anderson boys aren't always easy to love, but none of our less than stellar moments, changes how you feel about him, and for that, thank you.
Cooper, we've come so far as brothers, and I want you to know how truly honored I am that you asked me to be your best man. To be at your side when you decided to let everyone know Whitney is your one and only, starting this next stage in your life. I love you, I couldn't be happier for you.
Now let us all raise our glasses to love, life, laughter, and the incredible journey they are about to embark on. To Cooper and Whitney!"
No sooner did Blaine take his seat, did Sebastian lean over to give him a kiss, then point towards Kate who was crying. "Was that all really…"
"Yes." Blaine said to her, as he took ahold of her hand. "Talk to Bas later, my studio was a mess trying to write my speech."
"It was wonderful." Patrick told him. "I'm rather certain your brother is going to want to speak to you later."
"I have a feeling you're right." Blaine replied. "Hopefully he'll wait till after I finish, as I'm sure he'll have more to say."
"Has Cooper heard what you're going to perform?" Kate asked, only to see him shake his head. "Sebastian?"
"I haven't either, it's going to be a surprise for all of us." Sebastian said as the waiters began bringing about the first course. "Yet if B's track record is anything to go by, it's going to be special."
"No pressure there." Blaine teasingly replied. "And you wonder why I get nervous."
"As long as you sing from your heart, B, I have no doubt, it's going to something they're never going to forget."
