5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 95
Once dinner was done, Blaine managed to make his way out of the ballroom without drawing too much attention to himself. Yet, for as successful as he believed he was, Sebastian was ready and able to run interference should it be necessary. "Care to tell me where our best man ventured off to?" Whitney whispered into Sebastian's ear as she leant over his shoulder. When Sebastian turned his head, he caught an all too familiar look in her eye, one which meant she wouldn't leave without an answer.
"Fear not, the best man is not being delinquent pertaining to his duties, he'll be back shortly."
"Sebastian."
"While you are the bride, I'm not going to break my husband's confidence." He told her, while turning in his seat and taking ahold of her hand. "I promise you, it's nothing you should concern yourself with. In case you're wondering, all is well on the privacy front."
"You know, that's more Cooper's concern, than mine, yet…"
"You're not upset about it."
"Am I that easy to read?"
"No, but I felt the same way, believe it or not." Sebastian said to her. One of the things you have to accept pretty early on, is we have to share them, whether we want to or not."
"Something I'm already aware of." Whitney replied. "Unfortunately, his fans haven't quite established the same boundaries as Blaine's."
"They'll learn, especially if Cooper puts his foot down. I'll ask B to give him some advice on how to handle it." Almost instantly, Whitney pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Don't thank me yet."
"Still, the gesture is appreciated. And if anyone knows how to get through to Cooper, besides me, it's Blaine."
"And, what am I supposedly getting through to my brother?" Blaine chimed in as he slipped his arm around Whitney.
"Helping your brother put some boundaries in place regarding his fans." Sebastian told him.
"I will do what I can to help, but don't expect things to change overnight." Blaine said in response. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, I was simply curious where you ran off to." Whitney replied. "Was worried Scott might've seen something that concerned him."
"So far, so good as I spoke with him on my way back in."
"Care to tell me where you went?"
"You'll find out soon enough." Blaine told her. "Now, that I'm back, you can go back to Coop and let him know, you left empty handed." When she cocked her head, Sebastian laughed. "What can I say, I know my brother."
"Hey, what can I say, we were both curious and, he knew Sebastian would shut him down. Though, it's not as though he told me either."
"That's because I love B, and you'll know soon enough." Sebastian said to her. "Looks as though the DJ is ready to get this party, so time for you and Coop to wow us."
"No pressure." Whitney teasingly replied, prior to the DJ calling her and Cooper to the dance floor. "I'm holding you to that promise Sebastian."
"Wouldn't have it any other way."
Shortly after all the customary dances were finished, Cooper and Whitney were about to exit the dance floor, when Sebastian stopped them short, before going to retrieve a microphone. "Evening everyone." Sebastian said before glancing towards Blaine and his band who were quietly getting situated. "If I could have your attention for a bit longer before this celebration truly gets underway. Cooper. Whitney. Blaine wasn't exaggerating when he talked about the trouble he had writing his speech for today. While he certain has a way with words, it's often channeled in a particular way. So, if you would make yourself comfortable, Blaine has a little something special for you, to honor your relationship." A statement which had Cooper and Whitney looking at one another wide-eyed. "Whit, you have your answer by the way. For everyone else, I request you adhere to Cooper and Whitney's wishes and not post this on social media." Sebastian then looked towards Blaine once again. "B, the floor is yours."
Sebastian had barely finished speaking and all attention in the room went to the stage near the DJ where Blaine and his band had set up. While Cooper, Whitney, and immediate family moved to the front, Blaine removed the jacket of his tuxedo, wanting to be more comfortable. After placing along the back of a chair, he slipped his guitar on, then approached the microphone. "I know you're all eager to truly get this celebration started, yet as my husband said, this is how I best feel I can honor Cooper and Whitney's relationship. I love you both." Blaine then took a small pause, then looked at his band before starting to play, and their acoustic sound began to fill the room.
Let's drive out to the desert at midnight
To dance in the dust of our headlights
And score some good seats for the sunrise
And get dressed up in clothes we don't mind getting messed up
When no one will know how to get us
We don't need the map, we'll just drive, drive, drive
Before Blaine even finished the first verse, Cooper had his arms wrapped tightly around Whitney from behind, and she leaned into his embrace. As they swayed slowly along, Sebastian could only smile as it was evident Blaine had struck the desired chord based on how they were reacting.
I wanna get lost with you
And hide out, out under the light of the moon
I wanna get lost with you
And see what it's like to spend the whole night
With you, just you
You, just you
After seeing the newlyweds exchange a kiss, Patrick handed Whitney his handkerchief as the tears in her eyes were obvious. She thanked him softly, before carefully wiping at her eyes, as she was overwhelmed by the song.
We can head North over the oceans of turquoise
Where after a while there'll be no noise
Set for the sound of our heartbeats beating on
And we'll stand in the Canyon alone
Singing our favorite songs
And wait for the words to return in the echo, echo, echo, echo, echo
"He paid closer attention than I thought." Cooper whispered to Whitney, who simply nodded, remembering those moments of their relationship all too vividly.
I wanna get lost with you
And hideout out under the light of the moon
I wanna get lost with you
And see what it's like to spend the whole night
With you, just you
The final chord was still lingering when Cooper and Whitney made their way towards Blaine, who'd closed his eyes, something he always did after finishing a song. As applause filled the room, he'd barely opened his eyes in time before being engulfed in a hug from Cooper. "I take it you approve." Blaine teased after Cooper pressed a kiss a top his head.
"Right now, I…damn Squirt." Cooper said before tousling what curls Blaine had in the moment. "Guess I can't make fun of Sebastian anymore for being at a loss for words." Blaine merely smiled, before looking at Whitney who clearly wanted her time with him. So he proceeded to remove his guitar, which proved a bit difficult since Cooper still had an arm around him. No sooner was it gone, Whitney was hugging him, and pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"You know, it's not nice to make a bride cry on her big day."
"It wasn't my intention, I promise." Blaine assured her. "My only hope, was writing something that honored your relationship."
"You succeeded." Whitney said to him, before looking at his band who was setting their gear aside before returning to the floor. "Thank you, all of you. You've given Cooper and me a moment we'll treasure always."
"It was our pleasure." Justin replied, a sentiment the rest echoed. "Thank you allowing us to be part of your special day."
"You're Blaine's family, which means you're ours too." Cooper told them, earning quite the smile from them, as well as Blaine. "Now, I've got to ask…"
"Yes, I recorded it, and a copy is waiting for you." Blaine said, before Cooper could even finish. "I mean, if that's…"
"It was." Cooper laughed in response. "So, Sebastian hadn't heard it?" Blaine shook his head, before looking at his husband who was looking on proudly. "You should probably go to him, as we weren't the only one's getting emotional, though he did a better job hiding it. You should also talk with the parentals."
"Anything else?"
"Enjoy the rest of the night." Whitney chimed in, before kissing him once again. "Now, go spend time with your husband." Blaine smiled, before doing as he was told, leaving Whitney and Cooper alone before the stage, as Blaine's band had dispersed. "You still can't wrap your head around what he did, can you?" Cooper shook his head, as he wrapped his arms around her once again. "Think your parents are ever going to get used to it?"
"Nope. I think part of it's because everything he's gone through, it's surreal watching him live his dream." Cooper said to her as music started to play, and their guests made their way onto the dance floor. "I love you."
"I love you too." Whitney then stretched to press a kiss to his lips. "Would care to dance Mr. Anderson?"
"It would be my pleasure, Mrs. Anderson."
"I like the sound of that." She replied as he released his hold, then took ahold of her hand and led her onto the dance floor.
"They're in their own little world, much as we were." Sebastian said, while taking ahold of Blaine's hand. "Nothing else matters, but one another." There was something in his voice, which prompted Blaine to give his hand a squeeze. "I'm fine, just…"
"I know, but try not to go there, I certainly am." Blaine told him, clearly attempting to reassure him. "So, you liked the finished product?"
"More than I thought I could based on what I heard." Sebastian happily replied. "Ever going to share the stories which inspired it, as I doubt those scenarios simply popped into your head, no matter how brilliant you are?"
"I will once I return home." Blaine replied, before glancing towards their parents who were making their way onto the dance floor. "Should we join everyone else?"
"Not yet." Earning him a raised eyebrow from Blaine. "I want to have a few more moments with you, for once we get on that floor, people will undoubtedly try to cut in. This is one of those times, I'm owning my selfishness when it comes to you. You don't mind, do you?"
"Not in the slightest, I actually enjoy it." A statement which earned him a wicked grin in response. "You're incorrigible."
"And you love it." Sebastian said before kissing him. "Would you want me to be any other way?" Blaine shook his head, only to be kissed once more. Once they pulled back from it, Blaine ran his finger over Sebastian's wedding ring. "It's a part of me, as it represents you, especially when we're apart. Any time I miss you, I can't help but touch it."
"I do the same." Blaine told him. "You bring out the best in me."
"The feeling is mutual." Sebastian said as he slipped an arm around his waist. "Not to be crass, but, do you think we could slip out of here a little early."
"I think that can be arranged, we just can't leave before Coop and Whitney."
"Fair enough. Now, let's grace the dance floor with our presence." Blaine nodded, before following Sebastian onto the floor to dance. No sooner had they made their way onto it, they felt their parents' eyes on them, yet they merely smiled at one another, while subtly shaking their heads at the attention. "You'd think they'd be used to this by now."
"For some reason, I don't believe that'll ever be the case, and strangely, I don't mind."
"Neither do I."
After keeping true to their word, Blaine and Sebastian stayed at the reception until Cooper and Whitney decided to leave, and continue their celebration in private. Scott must've sensed they were going to leave, as shortly after seeing the newlyweds off, he made his way towards them on the dance floor. Seeing him caught them off guard, leading Scott to promptly assure them everything was alright. "I simply wanted to remind you to, give me the heads up before you're ready to go." Instantly Blaine cocked his eyebrow. "You're not closing out the night, right?" They each nodded. "As I said, let me know so we can get you two out of here unseen, ensuring tonight stay secret till the newlyweds are ready to announce."
"Deal, it'll probably be in about a half hour, can't leave immediately after them." Blaine replied. "Does that sound good?"
"Works for me, I'll have a car ready and waiting to take you two back to the hotel."
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it." After walking away, Scott decided to touch base with everyone once again, to ensure things were still quiet, which included calling Jennifer who was keeping tabs on social media. "Please tell me everything is still good, as I just spoke with Blaine and Sebastian."
"You can breathe easy." Jennifer assured him. "People are none the wiser about why Blaine's not performing today. Meaning, you got them all out of the hotel and to the site, unnoticed, which I'm sure wasn't an easy task."
"Easier than initially believed it would be, yet there was always a chance. But I believe the pictures on the beach Blaine posted, threw people off. They presumed the two were going to spend their day relaxing."
"That's what we saw on our end, and I've got a team in place to keep tabs on things through the night to ensure nothing sneaks by us. Much as Blaine and Sebastian did, Cooper and Whitney deserve to have this moment to themselves and only share it when they're ready."
"Agreed." Scott said to her. "We'll be getting out of here in less than an hour. From there, I don't expect Blaine to head out before he has to leave for the venue tomorrow."
"Got it." Jennifer replied. "Let me know when he and Sebastian are secure."
"Will do."
"Thank you, and Scott, get some sleep."
"Once everyone is where they belong, but not till then. Talk to you in a bit."
"Talk to you then."
Considering all the precautions that were taken that day, Scott and his team were finally able to relax a bit once they got Blaine and Sebastian back to the hotel. Given they were on a secured floor, only one of them was needed to take watch, while the rest headed off to get some sleep.
The next morning when Sebastian awoke, instinctually he glanced at their phones and was relieved to see neither had been bombarded by texts. Upon lying back down, Blaine moved closer. "I take it all is quiet?" He sleepily mumbled as he slipped his arm over his husband's waist. "You didn't sit upright, get out of bed, or curse." Blaine said in response, which made Sebastian chuckle. "It's true. If you curse in French, it's usually really bad."
"Here I thought I hid it better."
"Those are simply moments I've caught, not that I blame you. I know I've reacted similarly when I'm the first to get bad news." Blaine told him. "We each try to protect the other, yet we're terrible at it."
"Only because it's impossible for us to hide our feelings when it relates to one another." Sebastian said to him. "Speaking of…"
"No talk of him while we're in bed, new rule."
"Fair enough, but how'd you know I was going there?"
"I know you, and am also aware of what happens in a couple weeks, even if it seems as though I'm not paying attention."
"B, I never…"
"It's okay, I put up a relatively good façade." Blaine replied as he moved over him. "Also, that statement wasn't aimed at you." He then leant forward to press a kiss to Sebastian's lips. "Enough about that topic, time to focus on what really matters, us."
"I think I like where this is going."
"Oh, you're going to love it." Blaine teased, before reaching over towards the nightstand, intent on picking up where they left off the night before. Although he was going to be home the following week, Blaine was all too aware how chaotic things could be once they were back home, particularly with the bar exam looming. Making this time they were spending together, all the more pleasurable. Under typical circumstances, they wouldn't be so relaxed, yet the time difference worked in their favor. If anything was going on or had happened, Blaine's team would've been on top of it, and informed them. Not hearing from Jennifer or anyone else, was allowing the two of them to truly enjoy the time they were spending together, without distraction.
Even with a team in place to keep tabs on things, it didn't stop Xavier from checking in with his office when he awoke that morning. He was sitting out on their balcony with a cup of coffee in hand, when Victoria came to join him. "Since your phone is on the table, I take it things are quiet." She said before sitting down beside him.
"That would be correct. Something I'm grateful for, as no one deserved to wake to chaos this morning. No hint of the nuptials, nor outburst from the ex."
"Do you believe he might be coming around?" The scoff that escaped her husband, caused Victoria to shake her head, which prompted him to take her hand. "Do you think he'll ever adjust?"
"Based on reports I've gotten, I've tempered my expectations greatly. Right now, a victory would be keeping his outbursts to a minimum. Keep in mind, he's locked up for the time being. Meaning…"
"I know, his access to news is more controlled." Victoria said to him.
"Also, he's probably been told by his counsel to behave since his release date is approaching."
"I didn't need to be reminded of that. Isn't it close to Sebastian's test date?"
"Yes, as well as Wes's wedding." Xavier informed her. "If things go according to schedule, his hearing is Sebastian's test date, which is days before the wedding."
"Sebastian doesn't need the distraction."
"I know, which is why it's important things are quiet till them. Less of a chance of…"
"Dear, you're fooling yourself if you think this matter isn't on our son's mind. He knows what his impending release means." Victoria told him. "I've noticed a change in Blaine, meaning it's obvious to Sebastian. He deserves to live his life in peace, not constantly worrying what may happen next."
"I'm not fooling myself, as I'm aware Sebastian can't dismiss it from his mind. Merely, if it's quiet, he'll be more able to focus on his goal. And knowing our son-in-law, he's aware of that too and will do everything possible to reassure him. I know Blaine's concerned, yet he's come to trust not only me, but the court will handle the situation."
"Wish I shared that feeling, just as I'm certain Kate wishes the same."
"Although this might not help, try and look at it from my perspective." Xavier said to her. "Should he screw up again, he's going to be locked up for a substantial amount of time."
"Doesn't help, as the turmoil one of his outbursts causes, is too much. Our boys don't deserve to live that way." Xavier sighed, as he couldn't disagree with her. He to hated seeing them having to deal with such. "I didn't mean to take it out on you, I know you're doing everything you can to protect them."
"I didn't take it that way, no worries. When we get back home, I'm going to reach out to the prosecutor to see what provisions she intends to ask for upon his release. Voice our concerns to her."
"You wouldn't be overstepping, would you?"
"No, as Miss Strauss is aware of our concerns. I'd simply be reminding her of them, maybe even recommend she touch base with Blaine's therapist." He replied. "Also, I'm going to recommend he be seen by Dr. Brady, I want her take regarding any progress or lack thereof he may have had given she made the initial diagnosis."
"That might help reassure everyone involved."
"Agreed. But for now, it's only conjecture until I speak with her. Though given her familiarity with the situation, I don't see it being an issue. Kurt's counsel on the other hand, will probably object."
"Only because they know how unbalanced he is when it comes to Blaine, his marriage, and his life in general." Victoria replied.
"If his New York counsel is representing him, he'd only be objecting because it's his job, not because he doesn't believe it's necessary. He's all too familiar with how irrational his client is."
"Yet shouldn't he agree to help reassure his release won't be an issue?"
"Normally yes, but this case, situation, is anything but." Xavier then leant over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Difficult as it is not to think about the what ifs, try, enjoy what's left of our time here. You know it's what they would want."
"I will try."
"That's all I ask." He then glanced at clock in the room. "We should probably start getting ready if we're to make it to brunch with Patrick and Kate on time. Wouldn't want to keep them waiting."
"Not at all." Victoria replied, before getting up. "Thank you."
"For?"
"Keeping a clear head through all this, I know it can't be easier given everyone involved."
"If I can ease the concerns even in the slightest, I'm glad. Just know, I have my doubts at times as well, for the very reasons as everyone else."
"I don't doubt that, as I know you love them. The more I think about it, it's probably harder on you given part of your job is to protect them and…sorry, I…"
"You don't need to apologize to me, honest." Xavier told her, before getting up as well, standing before her. "The very thing you mentioned, is why I have to compartmentalize what's happening. I have to think/behave as a lawyer in court, not a father. If anything else good comes out of this, Sebastian will know why it recommended not to represent family or anyone you care for."
"Based on conversations I've had with him, he knows, yet is grateful it's you representing Blaine as he believes you're the only one capable of getting the justice he deserves." She then gave him a kiss. "Let's go get ready and enjoy our last beautiful day here before we head back to reality." Xavier simply smiled, before following her back into their room to get ready for the day.
Song: Let's See What the Night Can Do
Songwriters: Jason Thomas Jason Thomas Mraz / Jonathan Ian Green
