February 2020

"Welcome back!"

"Thank you Ryan, we are happy to be back," Blaine said with a laugh into the microphone.

Ryan Seacrest adjusted his headphones, "We have the band Stereo Outcast in the studio with us to day. The last time you were here, things we quite different."

"They were," Derby gave a nod, "To be honest we cant believe almost five years have gone by ourselves."

"I have to ask, what took you guys so long to make another album?" Ryan asked them.

"We got married and then I got pregnant with little Alice," Maddie said with a laugh, "It was sort of unexpected, but…"

"But in the most amazing unexpected ways," Kyle interrupted with a bright smile on his face.

"I have a picture of little Alice on my screen here and she is adorable," Ryan said and then he awed as he flipped to another picture.

"She loves helping in the studio," Kyle gushed about his daughter, "She may only be about two and half, but she is a musical prodigy I am sure of it."

"He keeps saying that," Maddie said rolling her eyes and hitting Kyle on the arm.

"They arent the only two that got married though," Ryan turned and gave Blaine a smile.

"No, they arent," Blaine said with a smile. He saw the wedding picture he and Kurt shared with the fans on Ryans computer, "Yeah. That was just something special."

"I dont remember getting my invitation," Ryan teased him, "Not that I was expecting one. Why did you and Kurt have sort of a secret wedding?"

"To be honest," Blaine commented on the subject he knew would come up, "After the past few years, our lives were on display so much, we wanted something special just for us. Our close friends and family were there. We flew most of them to Hawaii ourselves and we got married on the beach. It was beautiful and we enjoyed every moment of it."

"I wish all the best for you and Kurt," Ryan said to him.

Blaine gave him a nod, "Thank you, I will be sure to pass it along."

"And then we have you," Ryan said pointing at Derby.

Derby let out a groan, "Okay, I have a long time girlfriend, but I dont know, maybe I will be next."

"My sister is next," Blaine pointed out.

"Thats right, tell her I say congratulations," Ryan said as he flipped through some papers, "She is marrying her old high school sweetheart correct?"

"Yeah," Blaine nodded, "She dated Jesse while they were in high school, but then met one another about two years ago. He was directing a new musical and she was cast in. As they say, the rest is history."

"You all have had quite the life these past few years, can you tell me a bit about the album you are going to release," Ryan asked.

Kyle adjusted the microphone, "We knew weve changed a lot over the past few years, especially with our life styles and personalities. We put out a couple of EPs along the way, but then we got this huge spark of inspiration."

"You mean Blaine did," Derby interrupted.

"Right, our ever fearless leader, came to us with this song he wrote and it was sort of perfect for us right now," Kyle explained.

Maddie leaned onto Kyles side, "We didnt really think it would be as big as it turned out to be. We knew we had to record it and get it out. So that is what we did."

"You released it as a single right?" Ryan asked.

Blaine nodded his head, "We did, then we had this idea. We were inside our studio in New York and wanted to just play like we used too. So we did. My fi—I mean husband, still not used to it, anyways, my husband came out with us and we set up recording equipment in the street. We just sang old and new songs and recorded it all. We played until we were yelled at or the police chased us off, it was perfect. And we made a compilation of those songs and sold it on iTunes."

"Since Blaines man works close with the Trevor Project, and we have performed at their concerts a few times, we decided to have a portion of the proceeds go to them," Derby explained, "But to be honest, we didnt think it would do as well as it did."

"The New York Streets album sky rocketed to number one on iTunes in less than a few hours of being released," Ryan explained to the listeners who may not have known, "And then proceeded to stay at number one of the charts for a couple of weeks. None of you expected this?"

"No," Kyle said with a snort, "To be honest, we were just trying to give our fans a little something. We felt bad we hadnt released an album for a while, but we had our own lives to take care of first."

"I think they definitely accepted your apology," Ryan laughed. "And one of the songs, Beautiful Life, was nominated for a Grammy. Song of the Year, how did that feel?"

"Strange," Blaine admitted into the microphone, "To be honest, I wasnt expecting the call. I was in bed trying to sleep because I had been up late recording and the phone started ringing. Our manager was screaming and all I could do was scream back, which did startle Kurt a bit."

Everyone in the studio laughed. "So tomorrow you are attending the Grammys and will be performing your song Beautiful Life. How are you all feeling?"

"I am all nerves," Maddie admitted, "But knowing these boys like I do, they feel the same way."

"She knows us too well," Derby smiled.

Ryan picked up a paper, "So remember if you havent, check out Stereo Outcasts album New York Streets and their song Beautiful Life which I heard it actually really good by my niece. And I will see you all tomorrow on the red carpet."

"We are looking forward to it!" Kyle said into the microphone.

The following day, Blaine was adjusting his bowtie, when his husband walked into the room, "Help."

"I think you are just trying to get me to help, even though I know you are fully capable of tying a bowtie," Kurt said as took the tie from Blaines hands and wrapped it around his husbands neck.

"Well I am wearing a Hummel original and I wouldnt want to disappoint the designer," Blaine smiled as he Kurt tied the bowtie.

Kurt smoothed out the ends and gave his husband a kiss on the cheek, "You are too much sometimes."

"That is why you married me," Blaine said as he wrapped his arms around Kurts middle, "So I have to admit having little Alice run around the recording studio gave me some interesting thoughts."

Kurt turned his head to look at Blaine, "I thought we agreed we would talk about that when your next album tour was over."

"I know, I know," Blaine said with a sigh, "Its just if its not this next tour, it will be the next one or the next one, and it will be my fault we are like that and—"

"Shhh," Kurt placed a finger over Blaines mouth, "You worry too much. Blaine I want to have a family with you, but we need to both be completely ready for it, mentally and scheduley."

"I know," Blaine said as he leaned on Kurt, "You know for being the younger between the two of us, you seem to have the more rational thoughts."

Kurt smiled, "Its always been that way sweetie, now lets go win you a Grammy."

"Kurt we probably arent going to win," Blaine said with a laugh as Kurt pulled him out of the bedroom.

"Not with that attitude," Kurt said to him. "Come on, I cant wait to see Mr. Rock Star on that big Grammy stage, winner or not."

"As long as I can see Mr. Cute Butt in the audience cheering me on," Blaine said with a laugh.

The car arrived with Derby, Alicia, Kyle, and Maddie waiting inside dressed in their Grammy best. Blaine climbed inside and reached for Kurts hand as soon as his husband was sitting beside.

"I dont think I will ever be used to all this red carpet treatment," Alicia smiled.

"You should have known what you were getting into," Kurt said giving her a wink, "Heavens knows I didnt have a clue."

"I doubt you would have turned and walked away," Derby teased, "You were smitten with Blaine from the moment you saw him."

"Excuse me, I was not smitten," Kurt said pretending to be offended.

"You were more than smitten," Maddie teased.

Kurt grumbled to himself and Blaine gave his hand a squeeze. "So is Alice staying up to see her mommy and daddy rock out?"

"Rachel said she would try to keep her awake, but she figures if she falls asleep then its okay. She said she would record it too," Kyle said to them.

"Surprisingly my sister taking care of the baby, while we attend the Grammys without her," Blaine said, "Its seems strange to me."

"She sang at the Tonys last year, Im pretty sure she is good," Kurt pointed out, "It was her ultimate dream."

"That is true," Blaine said with a nod. "I just hope we dont mess up."

"Dude, theyve had us in for sound check like ten times over the past few weeks, we will be fine," Kyle said to him, "Besides if you do fall on your face, just get back up. If Joe Jonas can do it while falling on broken glass, then you can do it too."

"Why?" Blaine asked him.

Maddie just rolled her eyes, "Boys please be on your best behaviors. I hope I wont have to separate you"

The group arrived on the red carpet and started their walk. Photographers and fans were everywhere screaming their names. When they finally arrived at the small podium with Ryan Seacrest, the band talked a little about their song and nomination. Kurt and Alicia stayed back and smiled as they watched their significant others doing what they do.

When the group was ushered in, they sat much closer than when they were at the awards show the first time. Blaine reached over and took Kurts hand, "Thank you."

"For what?" Kurt asked him.

"Everything," Blaine smiled, "Just everything."

Kurt smiled and leaned over pressing a kiss to Blaines lips.

The show started and they were having fun watching awards being won and performers singing and playing with everything they have. Stereo Outcast was going to be on deck soon, so during a commercial break, a security guard took them to the back to get ready.

Alicia and Kurt sat closer to one another since they had seat fillers fill in the other seats. She leaned over, "I take it this never gets old then?"

"Nope," Kurt shook his head, "Never." He looked up and saw a man walked toward them, "And there is my ride." He stood up and followed the man, he was introducing Stereo Outcast.

The host introduced Kurt and he walked up to the microphone. Kurt smiled, "Good evening everyone. If someone would have asked me five years ago if the band I am about to introduce was going to be singing at the Grammys and nominated for song of the year, I would have told you I believe you. I have been with this band through some of their highest highs and lowest lows, but through it all they have had each other. Theyve been a family through it all, and their fans are just an extended part of that family, so they really wanted me to thank them for everything. Because as most of you know without those wonderfully talented and slightly strange at times fans, you wouldnt be where you are today. So now I would like to introduce to you, for the first time on the Grammy stage, Stereo Outcast!"

The lights shined bright and Stereo Outcast stood waiting for their cue. When Blaine looked over at his friends, he smiled as he began to count and the music started to flow. He started to sing.

These days
Well, theyre looking up
We got so much to say
We got someone to love
We got good friends
Theyre so good to us
And haters can hate
And fakers can front

The drum beat came in and the rest of the group started to play along with Blaine.

So we try to live
Like its all weve got
Cause for all we know

Stereo Outcast started to all sing together and the crowd sang along with them.

This could be the last night of our lives
Gonna chase down our every desire
We blaze the night
With all weve been waiting for
All this time
Reaches such great heights
Gives us just one perfect night
To say "Oh, what a beautiful life!"
"Oh, what a beautiful life!"

Blaine walked up to the microphone and started to sing.

Comes out of the dark
We got nothing to fear
We got nothing but heart
Cant just wait here to see what it brings
We got too many hopes
We got too many dreams
So we try to live
Like its all weve got
Cause for all we know

Maddie and Kyle stood next to one another and started to sing into a microphone together. Derby pounded on the drums keeping the beat. Blaine kept singing with everyone joining in.

This could be the last night of our lives
Gonna chase down our every desire
We blaze the night
With all weve been waiting for
All this time
Reaches such great heights
Gives us just one perfect night
To say "Oh, what a beautiful life!"
"Oh, what a beautiful -

Blaine tossed his guitar behind him and started to clap his hands over his head in time with Derby, and everyone joined in with him. Maddie and Kyle joined in with Blaine.

Last night of our lives
Gonna chase down our every desire
We blaze the night
With all weve been waiting for
All this time
Reaches such great heights
Gives us just one perfect night
To say "Oh, what a beautiful life!"

Stereo Outcast looked out into the audience as they sang and couldnt believe where they were and what they were doing. They had overcome many obstacles and were happy to be here doing what they love.

The last night of our lives
Gonna chase down our every desire
We blaze the night
With all weve been waiting for
All this time
Reaches such great heights
Gives us just one perfect night
To say "Oh, what a beautiful life!"

"Oh, what a beautiful life!"
"Oh, what a beautiful life!"
"Oh, what a beautiful life!"

Blaine played the last notes of the song, and it was followed by a round of applause from the audience, some even standing for a standing ovation. It was an amazing feeling.

The following day, Kurt was standing on small stage and smiled as he looked out into the audience of Stereo Outcast fans. "Hello everyone! I did this yesterday, but on a much larger stage and a bit of a more stressful day."

The audience let out a yell back.

"I know," Kurt said, "This was planned last minute, but Stereo Outcast really wanted to thank their fans, which his why this is being broadcasted on a live stream." He picked up the microphone, "When they told me of this plan, I was sort of thrown back, but knowing Blaine, Maddie, Kyle, and Derby as I do, this is them. They like to throw surprises at their fans and make sure they know they are loved."

"Get on with it!" a fan yelled.

Kurt let out a laugh, "Right, of course. I would like to introduce to all of you, the Grammy award winning group, Stereo Outcast!"

Blaine, Kyle, Maddie, and Derby ran out onto the stage. Blaine wrapped an arm around Kurts middle, "Hey you."

Kurt pressed a kiss on Blaines cheek, "Hi." Some of the audience awwwed as they watched them interact.

"I know," Blaine said into the microphone, "I am the luckiest man." Kurt just gave a small shrug and walked off the stage and went to stand next to Rachel and Jesse who were on the side of the stage. She was holding Alice and when Kurt walked over to them, he took her in his arms.

"She seems to really like you," Rachel said to him.

Jesse nodded, "Yeah, no wonder you are the number one baby sitter."

Kurt gave his friends a wink, "Thats because I am the one who designs her fabulous outfits."

Rachel playfully hit Kurts shoulder and leaned into Jesses side.

Alicia walked up to them, "Have they announced it yet?"

"Not yet," Kurt shook his head.

Back on the stage, Stereo Outcast was talking to their fans. Kyle rolled his eyes, "Come on dude, we got to tell them."

"Oh, the big news," Derby teased.

Maddie leaned forward, "And just so everyone knows, this is big news."

"Alright alright," Blaine said as he took the microphone, "We have had big news to tell you all for weeks, but we wanted to wait just a bit. After last night happened, we couldnt have thought of a better opportunity."

Derby took the microphone out of Blaines hand, "We are going to be releasing our new album Just Getting Started on April 7th!"

"DERBY!" Blaine, Maddie, and Kyle yelled at him.

"Sorry, I couldnt help it," Derby shrugged.

Blaine took back the microphone, "Well since now you all know, yes, we are releasing our new album in April. We hope you will enjoy it because weve worked quite hard on it."

"Putting a new spin our music," Kyle said, "We did not want to disappoint you all."

"And it took a lot to work to get it to where we liked it, so be prepared," Maddie added.

Blaine took the microphone back, "And tonight, we are debuting our new single, Just Getting Started, because we are Stereo Outcast and we are bringing the dynamite!"

After getting their instruments, Stereo Outcast stood on stage. Blaine looked over and saw his sister, future-brother-in-law, daughter to one of closest friends, soon to be fianc� to one of his closest friends, and husband. "Hold up, before we get started, we need a little help." He ran over to the side of the stage, "Get out here."

Kurt shook his head, "No, this is your thing."

"And without you, there would be no thing," Blaine took Kurts hand that wasnt holding onto the little girl in his arms, "Come on."

Rachel gave a smile, "Dont have to tell me twice," she took Jesse and Alicias hand and pulled them on the stage with her. Blaine brought out Kurt and Alice who squealed with delight when she saw everyone in the crowd. She wiggled until Kurt set her down and she ran over to her mom.

"Sorry, I just had a few important people to bring out here," Blaine said and stood for a moment. He closed his eyes and then opened them to see everyone staring at him. "I need you all to start clapping to this beat. He held his arms over his head and clapped out a beat. Everyone in the crowd started to clap along and he gave Kyle a nod to start to play. He pulled the microphone close and started sing.

Were stepping in the ring
And wont let that lady sing
Its over when we say its over
Been brushing off our shoulders
Its not a twist of fate
We choose our own destiny
A trophy or a bruise
Champions never loose
Champions never loose

Rachel, Jesse, Alicia, Kurt, and Alice started to dance around the stage as the band played. Derby pounded on his drums.

Its time to show the world
What theyve waited for
Something like theyve never seen before
Whooaaa
Were just getting started
Were just getting started

Reaching for the stars
Well raise our colors high
Weve come so far
Whooaaa
Were just getting started
Were just getting started

Theres nothing stopping us
Yeah were just getting started

Blaine started to clap alone again and the audience joined in. He loved this feeling.

Blasting right to the top
Making that needle drop
Do you hear that roaring crowd
Tonight we wont let them down
No time to play it safe
Well set the record straight
This is our walk up song
Everyones gonna sing along
Everyones gonna sing along

Its time to show the world
What theyve waited for
Something like theyve never seen before
Whooaaa
Were just getting started
Were just getting started

Reaching for the stars
Well raise our colors high
Weve come so far
Whooaaa
Were just getting started
Were just getting started

During the instrumental break, Blaine ran over and started to dance with Kurt. Maddie and Kyle were playing, while Alice was dancing beside them as a two year old can. Alicia was dancing with Rachel and Jesse since her boyfriend was playing his instrument.

Nothing stopping us

Nothing stopping us

Nothing stopping us

Its time to show the world
What theyve waited for
Something like theyve never seen before
Whooaaa
Were just getting started
Were just getting started

Reaching for the stars
Well raise our colors high
Weve come so far
Whooaaa
Were just getting started
Were just getting started

Theres nothing stopping us
Yeah were just getting started

When the song ended, Stereo Outcast waved out into the audience. "Thank you everyone!"

"And the awards goes to Stereo Outcast!"

Blaine turned to Kurt and he reached out hugging him. Kurt pulled Blaine out of his seat and pushed him to walk. Kyle, Maddie, and Derby followed close behind him. They walked onto the stage and took the award.

They all linked hands as they surrounded the microphone. Kyle gave Blaine a nod knowing he would probably be the best at a speech.

Blaine let out a shakey breath, but then he looked into the audience and saw Kurt staring back at him. He gave him the brightest smile he had only seen a handful of times. And he couldnt let it go to waste.

"Thank you for this award, I mean we loved writing this song, Beautiful Life, and it came about in probably the most perfect moment in our life," Blaine felt his hand being squeezed by Maddie. "I guess we should thank a few people, um, we should thank our manager who is going grey and its because of us, we are truly sorry. Our team that has been with us through all our recordings, I swear we arent perfectionists like that in our every day life."

"Lies," Derby whispered into the microphone making everyone laugh.

"Thanks Derby, um, our fans! We love you and some have been with us while we were selling our own CDs after shows. I guess that just goes to show you, life can take you anywhere. And I think most of all we need to thank our families. This little family weve had has grown over the past few years and every person has helped us be who we are today," Blaine looked out and gave Kurt a wink. "Quick personal thanks from each of us though, the double dad duo who raised me, my sister for making sure her voice is always heard, love ya Rach, and to my adoring husband, Kurt, who often tells me I write way to many songs about him." Kurt let out a laugh from his seat.

Maddie let out a laugh, "I suppose its my turn. I guess my parents for pushing me to do what I love, and my siblings for annoying me and making me want to follow my dreams. And our daughter, I hope you arent up this late."

"And my parents too," Kyle said with a nod, "But she is right, Alice I hope youre sleeping."

Derby gave a shrug, "I mostly want to thank these guys here. So yep."

Blaine heard some music beginning to play, "Okay, well its sort of nerve-wrecking up here to be honest, so I guess I just wanted to say that were just getting started." He gave a wink and they all took a small bow.

And Stereo Outcast walked off the stage getting ready for there next adventure because they were just getting started.