Summary: Blaine and Sam have a conversation on how their lives have changed since rescuing the trophy...and how much change is still to come.

Notes: There will be several flashbacks in italics. One flashback has 2 mini-flashbacks embedded. They are marked beginning and end by **

Warning: Mental health issues will be discussed over the next two chapters. Implied light d/s.

Sunday PM Malibu, California

Blaine jogged up from the ocean and put his board on the rack before heading toward where Sam was sitting. When he reached the blanket, he followed Sam's stare down the beach but had no idea what was so captivating "What are you looking at?"

"That purple car down there. Alice drives one but I always thought it looked weird. The design makes sense with the surfboards on top." Sam brought his attention back and tried not to laugh, but failed, as Blaine basically turned himself into a contortionist to get his wetsuit off. "Are you done?"

"Yeah, my surfing abilities are limited. But him…" Blaine looked out to the waves where Beat was paddling out yet again "He'll be out there for at least another hour. This is his happy place, like my music room is for me." He finally freed himself, then dried off and put on sweats and Uggs until he could warm up before plopping down on the blanket. "You know either Drum or I could teach you."

"I may look like a surfer-dude, but no…maybe someday. It's nice to sit and relax after a crazy week. How do you Warblers do it, not having an advisor? Having Holly and Finn was helpful, but I don't know if I could have kept it together without the surprise of both Rachel and Mike showing up on Friday. My nerves were shot."

"They shouldn't have been. You guys were amazing at Regionals and deserved to win. Plus, remember that it's not only me and Bas, there are five Senior Warblers. They all have positions that highlight their strengths."

"You mean when you're not being a control freak and they have to lock you in the office to get anything done?"

"Well, what do you expect. After all, I am crazy."

That was the first time Sam heard Blaine say something like that. He was still pissed that he hadn't been included in the so-called Intervention "Blaine…"

"Sam, I promise I'll stop but it's going to take me time."

Flashback: Friday AM Andersons' Family Room

"Sweetheart, do you have any questions?" Pam was beginning to worry. Blaine was never this quiet. Maybe they should have had Sebastian in for this portion. Maybe…

"Nope, I'm good but I'm pretty sure there's more to this than what you've told me."

Well, that answer was unexpected "Not more, but think about it, Blaine" Dr. Shepard told him "You have been on a creative juggernaut lately to the point it has distracted you from working on your actual studies. You admitted that. I would never formally diagnose you as having OCD unless we're discussing your music, but you had been hyper-vigilant with your school work due to last year's "academic detour" as you like to call it. You would not lose that focus this close to graduation unless there was more going on."

"So, what's causing this? I mean, yeah I had a brain injury, but that was 4 years ago."

"I don't know, but people usually don't write an entire minor symphony in Italian in less than a week. Especially when they have only had 6 months of High School Italian."

"Blaine Sweetie, try to embrace this."

"Mom, I'll try but did my entire graduation plan have to change? I've worked hard to get my academics back to Dalton's standard."

Mr. Montgomery handed him a piece of paper "Plans are developed around core requirements at Ivy League universities, the usual post-graduation path of a Dalton Boy. You are going to Julliard so your path was altered to reflect that. It was our fault for not doing it sooner. However, if you go down that sheet you will notice that you still must earn a 90% or better on your calculous final."

Blaine found it but something else was off "Why are my community service hours owed so much lower?"

"Because you did a lot at McKinley, but since community service is not a graduation requirement there they were not part of your transcript. Your uncle went to McKinley the other day and asked the principal about them."

Charles broke in because he knew what his son was thinking but not saying "He went in the capacity of your lawyer and not your uncle, that's why she gave him the information."

"We're talking about Sue. She wouldn't have cared." Blaine continued down the page until he came to another question "What is the Dalton Day project?" Dr. Shepard excused himself and left the room which only amped up Blaine's curiosity "What's going on?"

Mr. Montgomery looked over at Blaine's parents, who signaled he had their support "Even though your plan is different, you still needed a major project and that will be yours. Blaine, there's no other way to put this…Dalton is in trouble."

"What do you mean by trouble?"

"Parents and alumni are very unhappy about the scandal to put it mildly. Several parents have given notice of their intentions not to send their sons back next year. We're going to use Dalton Day to demonstrate that even with what happened, the achievements of our students have not suffered. Your acceptance to Julliard plus the Warblers making Nationals are two achievements we want to highlight and you are in charge of that. When you get back from College Visit Week, you will sit with the Dalton Day committee and finalize your plan."

Blaine basically stopped listening when Mr. Montgomery said Dalton was in trouble. After an internal debate, he knew what he had to do. He took a breath and silently begged for forgiveness.

"Mom, Dad, Mr. Montgomery…I'm Wolverine."

Back on the Beach

"Thanks for not saying anything." Blaine had told Sam about what he'd done, but not why. Even with as much as he trusted him, this was a Dalton problem.

"Here" Sam handed him a bottle of water. He looked like he needed it. "When are you going to tell the guys?"

"Saturday, I want David and Wes to be there."

"That makes sense. I mean, how surprised were you when Wes' dad said he not only knew about Fight Club but David had been the one to tell him?"

"With all that we did to keep things secret, pretty fucking surprised but not as surprised as Mr. Montgomery and my parents were when I showed them the bank accounts. David may have figured out we were funding his scholarship with Fight Club money, but I'm sure he had no idea how much money was involved."

"Ok, I have one final question. What was your dad's reaction to all of this?"

Blaine took another drink of water but couldn't hide his smug smile "What do you think?"

Flashback: Friday AM Andersons' Family Room continued

"Dad…Dad…Dad…"

"Charles, let him breathe." Pam's tone of voice made it known that she wasn't happy with her husband's reaction to Blaine's revelation. She wasn't particularly happy with her son either.

"Dad…"

"Fine" Charles freed Blaine from his embrace but kept his arm around his shoulders.

That didn't help "I can't believe you are proud of the fact Blaine knocked that Hunter boy out. This is not the time for all that macho, my son can beat up your son, crap!"

"Mom, Dad's not proud of the fact I knocked Hunter out, who by the way was 25 and not a boy." Both father and son knew that wasn't true, but Blaine was trying to help. "My CFO father is proud of how I handled the money."

"My son!"

Back on the Beach

Sam laughed as he could see Mr. A doing that. Blaine had said on several occasions that the improvement in the relationship with his father was beyond anything he could have imagined. Not only did they communicate better but his dad now had no issues being tactical, something Blaine craved. Touches, hugs and even kisses to the top or side of the head were the new norm between the two. Would he have loved Blaine to follow in his footsteps and join him at Ford? Of course, but that didn't mean he wasn't ridiculously proud of the path his son was about to embark on.

Beat headed up the sand toward them but stopped, smiled, turned around and headed back to the waves. "Shouldn't we be going back to the house?" Sam asked.

"He's got plenty of time. His mom knows by now to time his return to the sunset." Blaine could see Sam was still unsure "Trust me, we want him as relaxed as possible before he has to deal with Jackie."

"Why? She seemed great, a little over the top maybe…"

"No, Jackie Fredrickson is not a little over the top. She is over the top of over the top…up and down Mt. Everest over the top…from Earth to Mars and back over the top…"

Sam interrupted him since it was apparent Blaine could go on for quite a while "But she's one of the vice-presidents at a record company. Shouldn't she be like that since her job is to deal with artists?"

"Yes, and she is extraordinarily good at what she does. You'll see that when we go into the studio. Drum's problem is she doesn't have an off switch. She's like that all the time, including when she insisted we call her Jackie."

"Well, that explains a lot, like why we're recording your Italian song with a full orchestra."

"Tell me about it. I've already been thinking of ways to slip Drum a tranquilizer."

Flashback: Friday AM cont. Mr Montgomery gone, joined by Uncle Robert and Xavier

"You called JACKIE? Are you INSANE? Does Drum know?"

Charles laughed as he watched his wife roll her eyes at the memory "We told Beat we wanted to tell you so don't get mad that he didn't say anything, and let's just say his reaction was similar to yours."

**mini flashback in a flashback* "You called my fucking MOTHER? Are you fucking INSANE? Does Bud fucking know this? Fuck, she's never going to fucking let up on him now. Oh, sorry about the f-bombs Mrs. A."**

"Blaine, why did you never say anything about Jackie offering you a development deal?"

"Because you can't perform in amateur, high school show choir competitions and have a professional recording contract. I told her to talk to me after graduation. Actually, I had pretty much forgotten about it until the YouTube videos and Drum said she had brought it up." The adults in the room side-eyed each other but didn't say anything. It was unnerving. "What's going on?"

"We…" his mother started but it was obvious she couldn't find the words.

His dad jumped into help but wasn't much better "All of us…"

Fortunately, Uncle Robert always told him the truth, even when he didn't want to hear it "We all thought it was that Alpha Gay shit. That you hadn't said anything because you were suppressing your talent."

"Suppressing? Seriously? I wasn't that bad." Ok, he didn't believe that either. "So, why did you guys involve Jackie?" Blaine wasn't happy that no one answered him yet again. "I take it this is the part that's going to piss me off."

"Probably" Charles admitted "Xavier and I are going to California with you. He and Jackie have already begun the process of registering some of your songs…Blaine say something."

"Xavier's not my lawyer, Uncle Rob is." Blaine knew what he said didn't really matter but being pissed was overriding the logic part of his brain.

"I'm going to Paris. I asked Xavier to do this for me."

**mini flashback in a flashback* "Are you sure about this, Robert?"

"Yes, Dmitri has wanted to move back to Europe to be closer to family and he's the only one of the guys with actual "connections". It's better that he's not working with Cooper as the Security & Investigation company expands to New York. Xavier, it makes sense that I'm the one to go. I can check on the set-up and meet Sugar when she comes from Ireland to spend time with Rosa."

"All of this to watch Julien and keep the bastard away from Sebastian. Robert, I…I don't know how to thank you. I know I tried to distance myself from you…"

"If something happened to Sebastian and I did nothing well, let's not go there. Plus, you called me Robert and not Al. With where you and I started, I'd say that's a good thing."**

Blaine could tell there was more he'd have to find out later, but right then he wanted different answers. "Fine, whatever, but why did you have to fuck with my Spring Break?"

"Blaine…"

"Mom, I'm not going to apologize. Bas and I already had to give up Paris. LA was supposed to be time for us to relax while Sam and Drum got to know each other better. This wasn't time for lawyers and Jackie and me being pissed because you stole my music. Bas is going to be pissed as I am." And then…"What else are you not telling me?"

Xavier really, really didn't want to do this "Sebastian knows."

Blaine's expression went blank. Then he stood, walked out to the hallway that led to the kitchen and yelled "Sebastian Alexander Smythe, get your ass in here."

Back on the Beach

"I bet you got punished that night for yelling at him like that."

Blaine had been watching Beat, but that comment got his attention "Um, excuse me?"

"Come on, Blaine. Number one, you have a sex shop connection you call Santa on your speed dial. Number two, you and Seb are not shy with the PDAs or innuendos. And number three, Song-that-needs-a-title has the line This could get rough. No one believes you two are timid in the bedroom."

Oh, Sam wanted to go there, huh? "Sam? Do you want to be the bestie I talk with about my sex life? Did you want to know I wrote that song for my boyfriend after the night I went all Dom on him? Or that Bas and I own every piece of equipment Jerimiah told Rachel about? I was not the one punished Friday night."

Sam knew by the cockiness in both Blaine's tone and demeanor that he meant what he said "Oh, wow…I guess…I thought…well, you know, he's Sebastian Smythe and you're…"

"A 50's Acapella Dreamboat? But remember, I'm also Wolverine. Maybe I do have mental issues. I thought I was bipolar once. Maybe I have multiple personalities."

"Blaine…"

"I know, I know…not crazy just crazy talented. I think I'm trying to justify in my mind why the adults in my life thought I had to be handled like a 10 year old."

"Have Seb bring some of your sex toy collection and show your dad. That should get the point across that you are no longer his little boy." It was astonishing that they didn't fall over with as hard as they were laughing. When Sam caught his breath, he asked "Are you still pissed Seb and Mike decided not to come until Tuesday?"

"I was until I realized they're doing it so you and Drum had some time to get to know each other better."

"And the Ultra Exclusive VIP pass to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that Seb and the other Warblers got us didn't hurt."

"I think that was more of a thank you since Monday is the 6 month anniversary of Nightbird and the Blonde Chameleon rescuing McKinley's Nationals trophy."

"Maybe we should be thanking them. Six months ago you were in the midst of a debilitating depression and I was living at the Hudmel's, missing my family and had no idea of what my future might be. Now, we're sitting here on a private beach in Malibu about to go into a studio to record songs you've written."

"For a psychiatrist and neurologist to analyze."

"Also, because they are incredible songs and you're sending Sebastian's Heart and Song-that-needs-a-title to Julliard so they understand how you want them to sound at the concert."

Blaine dropped his head and let out quite the groan "I can't believe that was one of the songs I submitted. I'm the one that's always bitching that no one listens to lyrics anymore." He scooted next to Sam and put his head on his shoulder "I'm sorry I'm such a downer and I'm even more sorry you got drug into this."

"Are you kidding? Thanks to you, not only am I going to realize my dream of my abs on the side of a bus, I'm the lead guitarist and musical director of the Yellow Lizards."

"You're going to be in a magazine not on a bus and I thought our band's name was the Blams."

"You are Blaine Anderson. Your back up band, my band, is the Yellow Lizards."

"We'll see, but why the name change?"

"It was a Sueism for the Blonde Chameleon. I thought it sounded like a cool band name."

"It is but what the hell is a Sueism?"

"Like calling all Kurt's jealousy crap Alpha Gay, Artie started calling the weird shit Principal Sylvester says Sueisms. It explains everything without having to go too deep."

"True. You know, I'm glad Artie's coming to New York next week. I didn't know he was accepted to the Brooklyn Film Institute like Drum. I would have invited him sooner if I had."

"Dude, he was so excited when your uncle talked his mom into letting him go. Then Artie had issues with your parents paying for his trip, so I held up the keys to my truck and told him not to fight it. He wouldn't win. Speaking of McKinley people coming to New York, did you remember to tell everyone that Tina and Amanda will be there on Saturday before they go to Rhode Island?"

Blaine tried to sit up but Sam wrapped his arm around him and held him there. Sam could tell the conversation had been getting to him, but it was one they needed to have. "Yes, I told all of the Ivy Leaguers that Tina and Amanda were going to visit Brown. They promised not to say anything. How did you know other Ivy League students feel differently about Brown?"

"Gilmore Girls. The episode where Rory tells her grandparents she's going to Yale and they want to call their friends and rub it in their faces since their grandson couldn't even get into Brown. You also told me that for a Fight Club consequence you made sure some dude didn't get into Harvard and had to go to Brown."

"That's right." Blaine had forgotten about that. He hoped that guy wasn't part of one of the families that had issues with Dalton. He'd talk to Wes about it. "I'm not too worried about Tina and Amanda since their only there for the one night. I'm more worried about how everyone is going to deal with Kurt being included in our activities. Sam, I know you don't like the idea but I talked with Doc, Cooper and Cam. We all thought it was for the best. He would be much more likely to do something stupid if he felt shut out."

"You're right, I don't like it but Finn will be there and that should help. I know you wish it was Puck."

"I do since I still don't trust Finn but Puck's in Paris." He hadn't told Sam that Puck was staying in Paris for good. He wanted to give Puck the chance to tell Finn first. "Kurt said he accepted that Bas and I are truly together and we're not going to behave differently for his benefit."

"I still wish you would have gone all Taylor Swift on him when Coop asked you to sing the other night. You know a little, We are never ever ever getting back together. Oh, you, me and Beat should work on a song here so you can have it ready for New York when you need it. Why are you laughing?"

"Because I missed this when we didn't talk this week. But, I'm also sad that after we all get back from New York, Schuster is going to insist on us becoming mortal enemies until Nationals."

"Blaine, I honestly believe the suspension scared him. That and Rachel screaming at him for 20 minutes when she came on Friday. Also, the fact that we're having a "Ground Rules" meeting with everyone in New York will help."

"If you say so."

Sam watched Beat finally find a wave he wanted to ride, so he didn't have much time. "I do. I also say you and I should make a side bet. Like a Captain's Challenge."

"Ok, but it can't be who places higher because we technically have no control over that."

"Agreed. How about if we each pick something that the other has to get put into their routine somehow? Nothing big but has to be noticeable."

"Agreed. And the prize?"

"I don't know. Right now, the idea of kicking Warbler ass after losing both Sectionals and the Diva-off sounds good."

"Ok, we can come back to it and the Warblers are going to be kicking your ass…again. I can tell by your face you already know what you want us to do."

"I can say the same for you. Whatcha got?"

"Sugar gets a solo. At least 4 lines."

He wasn't expecting that, but Sam countered with "Duet." It would fit into what he, Holly, Artie and Tina had discussed as a possible theme.

"Agreed. And for me?"

"Country, at least 4 lines."

Like with the New Directions, Blaine knew the Warblers could fit that in "Agreed."

"What did you agree to, Bud?" Beat asked as he had finally joined them.

Since they had said the challenge was only for them, Blaine came up with "That you, me and Sam should write a Taylor Swift-style song for me to have ready for Kurt in case I need it in New York."

"When he needs it in New York" Sam corrected as he got up off the blanket.

Blaine tried to get up as well, but he was blocked "What's going on guys?"

Sam went and pulled an envelope out of the bag he brought "We're going back to the house. You stay here and read this."

"What's going on guys?"

"Bud, your dad gave us that to give you and said you were going to need time alone to deal with it."

"I don't understand."

Sam and Beat looked at each other, silently wondering if the person they both loved like a brother was ready for this. The only thing that made them feel better was that they could keep an eye on him from the house. "Blaine" Sam said as calmly as possible "That letter is from Tommy."

Notes:

I don't know if the amateur/no recording contract rule is an actual rule to participate in high school show choir competitions. I did not come across anything in my research but it fit the story. I do know the Ultra Exclusive Harry Potter pass is not a real thing but sounded like something rich people could buy to avoid lines.

Gilmore Girls Episode 3x18 is the one Sam mentions.

I noted a few chapters back that things were going to be happening for Blaine that may feel overdramatic, possibly unrealistic (but as a commenter said would fit in with the Alpha Gay theme). The next few chapters will further that storyline. I will always give my reasoning if you want to ask. However, the end of next chapter has what could be considered a natural ending if you choose not to continue. As always, thank you for reading and comments are more than welcomed.