Part 10
After heading home to drop off Sebastian's cap and gown along with the box of cupcakes Lexi had given them they were ready to head out. "This is going to be a clear change to pace." Sebastian said as they headed for the bar. "Go from reading children's stories, eating cupcakes, and putting kids to bed. To going out to a bar and drinking."
"What can I say, we're diverse." Blaine replied. "And tonight's not so much about the drinking either, it's going to be nice to just hang with the guys."
"Do you think Thad is going to notice?"
"For his sake, I hope he does or Hunter is going to do nothing but give him shit once the news gets out."
"Hunter won't be the only one considering Donovan now knows."
When they finally got inside it didn't take them long to find Thad sitting at a table in the far corner. "Should we even ask how you got such a prime location away from all the chaos?" Sebastian asked as he and Blaine sat down.
"Didn't you see who the hostess is tonight?" Thad replied.
"Good point." Blaine replied. "She's always had a soft spot for you. Where's Hunter?"
"He should be here soon. He was talking with his Dad about something when I left."
"You left him there?" Sebastian asked as the waitress came over. Once they each placed their orders they got back to their conversation.
"I didn't leave him per say, he told me to go as he wanted to make sure one of us was here when you two arrived. Plus he knew you'd both understand parental holdups."
"That we do." Blaine said. "So are you as relieved to be done as the rest of us?"
"I am, though I was reminded that studying for the bar isn't going to be easy."
"Same here." Sebastian said. "But I know we'll all be up for it. B's got the hardest work to do."
"Have you and Quinn commiserated over your papers yet?" Thad asked.
"A bit. The hardest part was coming up with what we each wanted to write about. Once that was done it was time to start all the research."
"So you've already started?"
"I have."
"Please tell me you're going to put work aside and enjoy your vacation."
"He's going to." Sebastian replied as their drinks were delivered. "We've agreed that this is a laptop free vacation. We both worked so hard at the end of the school year that we're going to do nothing but relax."
"That's good to hear." Just as Thad answered, Hunter slid into the booth beside Blaine. "Glad you could join us."
"Me too. My Dad was on a roll that I swore was never going to stop. Thankfully Cass stepped in since she knew we had plans. I mean, it's not as though he didn't, it's just once he starts on a subject…"
"He doesn't stop." Blaine said.
"Exactly. Anything new happen since I last saw you earlier?" Hunter said before ordering a drink himself.
"Nothing really." Sebastian replied.
Considering Thad was sitting on Sebastian's left, they were all pretty surprised that he seemed so oblivious to what was right in front of him since Sebastian's hands were on the table. "Hunter said the two of you are leaving early tomorrow for Mass, is that correct?"
"It is." Blaine replied. "We want to enjoy the day before rehearsal. Are you guys still coming up tomorrow night?"
"That's the plan, but obviously Dave will see you guys before the rest of us." Thad said. "I'm pretty sure he headed up that way this evening."
"But not to see Wes." Sebastian said with a laugh. "I'm pretty sure Wes was completely blindsided by that whole situation."
"He was, but it's not like Dave planned for it to happen. If anyone's to blame it's Mike's fault for giving Dave that extra ticket to see that show. He's the one that put them in each other's orbit."
"True, but it's not like Mike did it on purpose." Blaine said. "And Dave could've easily walked away from the whole thing and still been polite. But no, he willing accepted her invitation out for a drink after the show. He knew exactly what he was getting himself into. Then once something became of it, he should've called Wes."
"I still wish we all could've seen Wes's face when he and Hailey showed up to surprise Steph and ended up seeing Dave in her apartment early in the morning." Thad said. "That had to be hysterical."
"For us, but not him. He was pretty sure Wes was about to erupt. You do know Dave sent Hailey flowers after the fact as a thank you for calming him down."
"I still can't picture Wes getting that angry." Hunter said. "It seems outside of his demeanor."
"Agreed, but the same could be said for B. But we all know what happens when those quiet ones get angry." Sebastian said. "Though, they've obviously gotten passed it since Dave is one of the ushers for the wedding." At the mention of wedding Hunter quickly took another sip of his drink.
"You okay?" Thad asked.
"I'm fine." Hunter replied before looking for their waitress who quickly returned so Hunter could order another round. "Just enjoying the night." Blaine nudged him in the side and smiled as he knew exactly what was going on. There truly were times where Thad and Hunter weren't much better together than Nick and Jeff. The biggest difference is that Thad and Hunter were a bit snarkier with their comments and had no problems pushing the others buttons while Nick and Jeff behaved for the most part. But given the circumstances, he knew Hunter was dying to say something since Thad seemed blind to what was right in front of him.
By the time their fourth round of drinks were ordered, Blaine said that was going to be it for him otherwise there was no way he was getting up in the morning. "Are you becoming a light weight on us Blaine?" Thad asked.
"No, but I had quite a bit of wine with dinner this evening so I'm just playing it safe."
"What about you Seb?"
"B's right, this is it for me too. But I have no objections to us all going out again once we get home. Plus, it's not like we're not going to be able to get our drink on at the reception."
"Very true. You know we'll at least have that celebratory shot that we all decided we'd share at every wedding."
"Flint wouldn't let it be otherwise." Blaine said.
"Is Brooke coming?"
"Yes, she's still able to travel." Sebastian said. "They're hoping the baby is on time so they won't miss out on Jeff and Brittany's wedding."
"What about James and Nicole?"
"They're good for both since Nicole is due in November. She's still in the early stages versus Brooke." Blaine said. "The next generation of Warblers is starting."
"You knew it would be once people started to get married." As Thad spoke, Hunter stifled another laugh. "Man, what is up with you tonight?"
"Hunter needs another drink." Sebastian said while beginning to look for their waitress.
"Or maybe he's had enough." Blaine replied. Though, neither could blame Hunter considering they'd been there for a couple of hours. And on more than one occasion Sebastian spoke with his hands and still nothing.
"For someone who's going to be a lawyer, you're really not that observant." Hunter said as he put his drink down and stared at Thad. "The littlest thing could be right in front of you and you'd miss it."
"I'm very observant."
"Observant my ass."
"You wanna bet?"
"Name it!" Hunter said as he stared pointedly at Thad.
"Thad." Sebastian stated as he'd seen that look in Hunter's eyes more than once. And this was one time Thad clearly didn't stand a chance since Blaine and Sebastian both knew what he was referring to.
"Don't worry Seb, I got this."
"That's rich." Hunter said.
"B."
"Leave Blaine out of this Seb." Thad said. "He'd start psycho-analyzing us or something."
"Thad's right, I'm just going to sit back and enjoy."
"Seb, why don't you set the stakes?"
"Fine, a hundred bucks to the winner."
"Deal." The unison response didn't catch anyone off-guard considering how competitive the guys were. The longer they spoke, Thad still had no clue what he'd gotten himself into. And while they went through numerous situations and scenarios, Thad still hadn't gotten what was right in front of him.
"As much as we're enjoying this, B and I need to get going. We need to get some sleep." Sebastian said. "But we will see you guys tomorrow evening."
"What about the bet?" Hunter said. "He's still oblivious."
"True. You owe Hunter a hundred bucks." Sebastian said as he and Blaine stood up.
"For what?" Thad asked.
"Bas and I got engaged." No sooner did the words leave Blaine's mouth, did Thad's jaw drop and Hunter began to laugh.
"Show me the money Harwood!"
"You guys are kidding, right?" Blaine and Sebastian both shook their heads and showed Thad the rings on their fingers. "Sit your asses back down, we're having a celebratory drink!"
"Come on guys, you can't deny him after all the shit we put him through."
"B, it's up to you."
"Sure, it's for a good reason." Once they were seated, Thad went into his wallet and immediately paid Hunter.
"How did I miss those rings?"
"You're oblivious." Hunter said.
"Funny smartass."
"You can't fault me for stating the obvious. Man, Seb was even speaking with his hands and you didn't see it."
"First off, when? Then, Hunter, when did you notice?"
Once the questions started coming, Blaine and Sebastian explained everything to Thad. Much like Nick he wasn't really surprised that Hunter had kept quiet, but was shocked that Jeff had been able to keep something so big to himself. "You guys do realize you're going to give Jeff a complex." Blaine said. "I mean, he can keep a secret, we all know that."
"True, but this isn't something little Blaine. This was huge and we all know Jeff loves sharing good news. And this most certainly qualifies."
"You should be thanking Hunter otherwise we would've left here tonight and you still wouldn't have known." Sebastian said. "And while B and I were all for keeping it quiet and he agreed, I know why he did it. He didn't want you to feel like a complete ass at the wedding."
"Thank you for that."
"No problem." Hunter said.
"Think of it this way Thad." Blaine said. "Rachel saw us on Wednesday and didn't notice them. She's going to be kicking herself once she finds out we were wearing them and she didn't notice."
"That's very true." Thad said. "I just…"
"Don't beat yourself up too badly over it. Hunter will do that for you." Sebastian said. "And we will too."
"I have such loving friends." Thad said with a smile.
"You do, otherwise we would've let you feel like an idiot this weekend."
"Before you even say it, don't compare this to Rachel. There weren't outside sources to consider. Plus Donovan knows and he'd never let you hear the end of this."
"My fucking brother knows."
"Cass figured it out at graduation, though at first she thought they'd gotten married." Hunter told him. "That whole dual ring thing."
"I could see why, if Blaine hadn't said they'd gotten engaged I would've thought the same thing. I need to say this; though I'm sure you've both heard it already, but…"
"It's about time." They both said which made Thad laugh.
"Yea, that. Seriously though, I'm really happy for you guys. You went through hell to get where you are now."
If it hadn't been for the fact that they'd packed earlier in the week and that Blaine's tux was in a garment bag along with Sebastian's suit ready to go they would've gotten a late start to their morning. "When did our common sense go out the window B?" Sebastian asked as he waited for the coffee pot to finish so they could leave."
"That would've been somewhere during the second congratulatory drink. I'm honestly surprised we're both as awake as we are and neither is feeling the effects of all the drinking we did." Blaine said before taking a bite of his bagel. "But it probably helped we weren't drinking on an empty stomach. Do you want me to bring some of the cupcakes with us?"
"Yes please." Sebastian said as he poured the coffee into their travel mugs. "They were really good. No need waiting till we get home to enjoy them again. Plus, think of them as travel sized birthday cakes." Sebastian then gave Blaine another kiss. "Do you have everything?"
"Yep. Bags are at the door, plus I double-checked that we've got their card and gifts. We're good to go."
"Wes is going to be in shock."
"It's only fitting." Blaine said as Sebastian handed him his cup. "Let's get this show on the road."
The drive to Massachusetts was everything they both of them could've wanted. They had beautiful weather so driving with the top down was perfect. Even during the couple of stops they made it didn't get too warm. "The weather is supposed to be like this all weekend, right B?" Sebastian asked as they drove the last few miles up to the Estate.
"It's supposed to be, which means everything can be outdoors as they originally wanted. Though I'm sure if things had to be moved indoors they'd be fine considering what happened last year."
"So very true. But after last year, they deserve this weekend to be perfect. Did Hailey's parents really rent this place out for the entire weekend?"
"They did. The rehearsal dinner is actually being held down on the beach. Then Sunday morning we're having brunch in one of the other buildings."
"And we're staying in one of the others?"
"Correct. The guys are staying out at the Inn while the girls are staying in the main house. So while they will be in the same place, the chances of Wes and Hailey seeing each other Saturday morning are slim to none. Plus we're all to see to it Wes doesn't leave our little area."
Once they were through the gates, they were immediately met by a member of the staff. Since the Estate had been booked for the entire weekend, everyone needed to check-in if they were part of the group that would be there throughout. After Blaine and Sebastian's names were marked off, they were directed where to park since they wouldn't be in the main lot. As they made their way around the back they soon saw a bunch of the guys out on the lawn in front of where they were staying. "And so they've arrived!" David said as they were getting out of the car. "Happy birthday Blaine!"
"Unlike the rest of you, we had a bit of distance to travel and thank you." Blaine replied. "Where's Wes?"
"Down on the beach with Hailey going over things for dinner tonight with the parents. We're more than welcome to go down and check things out but we all feel it's safer up here." Flint said after the rest of them wished Blaine a happy birthday as well. "Oh, when you get inside there will be an envelope with your name on it Blaine telling you two where to go on the table in the foyer."
"I'm crushed." Sebastian said as he grabbed their suitcase after Blaine grabbed the garment bag.
"Sorry Seb, this weekend you are the plus one." James said. "But if it makes you feel better, Hailey made certain you weren't left out."
"We'll be out here when you're done." David said. The next thing the three of them saw was the two of them head inside. "What did Hailey do?"
"Nothing big, but she made up a gift basket for Seb as well without the "wedding" elements in it. She felt it was the least she could do since Seb was going to be involved with all the wedding festivities even if he wasn't part of the bridal party."
"That was nice of her."
"Agreed. Think about it, Nicole and Brooke aren't getting here till later tonight as are most of the rest of the plus ones. While Seb could've easily come later with one of the others, Hailey knew they'd arrive together. Plus, he's going to be staying with all of us and Wes didn't want it any other way." Flint added.
"Now that Blaine's here, we're just waiting on Hailey's cousin right to round out our side?" David asked.
"That would be correct since I saw Brandon earlier. I think he's out on a run if I remember correctly."
When they found their room they were pleasantly surprised to see they had gotten one of the rooms facing the water. Once the garment bag was emptied, they debated checking out the baskets but decided they'd do it later on. As they were walking down the stairs, Brandon was coming up them. "Nice to see you guys arrived safely."
"Thank you." Blaine replied as they stopped on the stairs to talk. "How are you?"
"Good. Happy that things are going to work out this time around."
"Same here. Well, we'll let you go take your shower and we can talk later."
"Is it really that obvious?" Brandon replied with a laugh.
"It is." Sebastian said. "Later." As they continued, Sebastian took ahold of Blaine's hand. "What did Thad say the over-under was going to be?"
"Twenty minutes from the moment we make contact with him. I've got a text all set to send once we see him since the guys want instant notification." Blaine said as they headed outside. "The other guys are going to kick themselves for not noticing."
"Shit, Thad didn't notice and it was right in front of him. Safe to say, our friends aren't as observant as we thought." Sebastian said with a laugh as they joined the other guys on the porch.
"Is everything satisfactory?" Flint asked as they sat down.
"It is." Blaine said. "No Wes yet?"
"They are back up here but they are speaking with the coordinator." David said as he pointed to where they were standing. "Beer?" They both nodded and were quickly handed one.
"Just remember, we need to curtail the drinking at least till tomorrow evening." James told them.
"That's do-able." Sebastian replied. "When did you all get here?"
"Only a couple of hours before you guys. Wes, Hailey, and their parents arrived early this morning. After everything that went down last year they aren't risking anything going wrong."
By the time they all came walking over, Brandon had joined the others on the porch after his shower. "I told you that was their car." Hailey said as she walked up to Blaine and Sebastian to give them each a hug.
"You were right." Wes said before giving them each a hug as well. As the hug broke, Blaine hit send on his phone; the clock had begun to tick. While Blaine and Sebastian knew Wes's parents, Hailey introduced her parents to them. "Guess we're only waiting on your cousin, my boys are all here."
"Did you have any doubts your boys would get here first?" Hailey said.
"No, because they're responsible."
"Would you two please not do this again?" Mr. Montgomery said. "At least until he's truly late."
"Sorry Dad." Wes said before explaining to the rest of the guys that Hailey's cousin was always late for everything.
"Where's Steph?" Sebastian asked which caused Hailey to laugh.
"They are in town running some last minute errands for us."
"So they're a "they" now?"
"Seb." Wes said as he just looked at him and the rest of the guys began to laugh as well as Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery. "On a different note, you're both done with classes now?"
"We are." Blaine replied. "Classes are done as well as all the pomp and circumstance. And your cohort Mr. Duval survived as well. I'm sure the two of you will have quite a bit to talk about."
"I should warn you both; some of my girlfriends have crushes on you." Hailey told them.
"We'll survive." Sebastian said.
"I had no doubt that you will, Hunter will be another story since the girls know you two are gay and he's not."
"Hunter will bask in it, you know him." Blaine said. "I should warn you, you'll only have one more issue of our brilliance."
"What?"
"Yep, we're doing our last shoot after Rachel's wedding."
"Why?"
"With the bar and Blaine working on his doctorate, time will be iffy." Sebastian told her. "But we told Tasha if she really needs us we'd be willing to work something out."
"Those reasons make sense, I'm sure she's going to miss you."
"She will. But she understands." Blaine said. "She's trying to convince us to do one issue a year."
"You'll do it." David said.
"You seem pretty sure about that."
"That's because no matter how busy you guys get, you can't in good faith walk away from it so easily. You'll have to ease your way out of it. I mean, the only way I know you'll be done for good is once Seb and Hunter start practicing."
"He's got a point B." Sebastian said as he wrapped his arms around Blaine's waist.
"True. So, what's the plan for the day?"
"You guys are free to do whatever you want till rehearsal then you'll be all mine." Hailey said. "But if you're interested, they set up volleyball and a few other things down on the beach."
"You guys going to join us?" Flint said.
"In a bit." Wes said. "We still have a few more things we need to go over, then we'll be down."
"Cool." James said as they all got up from where they were sitting. "So we'll just…" He stopped mid-sentence as Wes walked closer to Blaine and Sebastian. "Everything alright man?"
"Wes?" His Mom asked noticing the look on her son's face. "We need to finish up."
"Hailey and I will be with you guys in a few minutes. Go ahead without us." Wes's parents as well as Hailey's looked at her and all she could do was shrug her shoulders as she had no clue as to what was going on. Once the parents and the coordinator were gone, Hailey took ahold of Wes's hand.
"Wes." As she spoke, Blaine and Sebastian both smiled as there was no doubt where Wes was looking.
"What's going on?" Flint asked.
"I'd like to know the answer to that as well." Wes said as he cocked his head to the side. "Blaine. Seb. Care to inform the rest of us of your news?"
"What news?" David asked since he was as in the dark as everyone else, but before they could answer Hailey squealed.
"Thad will be thrilled; you figured it out in less than twenty minutes." Sebastian said. "Bravo!"
"Guys?" James asked as now all eyes were on the two of them.
"Please, enlighten us all before we begin to jump to conclusions." Wes said.
"It's not exactly what you think." Blaine said. "That is if you've jumped to the same conclusion as others."
"So?"
"Guys, Bas and I got engaged last Friday." Before any of the guys had a chance to say anything, Hailey was hugging them both and congratulating them. Once the rest of the guys congratulated them, Hailey and Wes sat down.
"You do know you could've called and told us." Wes told them.
"We know we could've." Blaine said. "But shocking everyone has been fun."
"Seb has clearly worn off on you." David said. "And you don't need to apologize to me for how you did it. I couldn't really see you two calling everyone you know spreading the news. This is more you."
"You can help us reminded everyone else of that face." Sebastian said.
"Are you saying that everyone else doesn't know?" Wes stated.
"That would be correct. Thad only found out last night because Hunter couldn't believe how oblivious he was." Blaine said. "I mean, Bas and I have been wearing the rings since we got engaged so it's not as though we've been hiding the fact." Blaine then proceeded to tell them all who knew and how they found out.
"At least we're not the last to know." Flint said. "But you know everyone will know by the end of this weekend."
"Only if they figure it out." Sebastian said.
"The last thing either of us wants is to be a distraction to you guys, this is your weekend." Blaine said as he looked directly at Wes and Hailey.
"It could never be a distraction." Hailey said. "It's wonderful news that needs to be celebrated. And what better time than when all your friends will be gathered."
"She's right. And while we're all thrilled, honestly. Once tomorrow gets here, this lovely lady will be the center of attention." Wes said before giving Hailey a kiss on the cheek.
"And rightfully so." Blaine said.
"But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate right now. So, how about you guys head down to the beach and Hailey and I will finish up and we'll meet you down there. I'll also call Dave and have him and Steph head back."
Dave and Stephanie had just gotten back to the Estate as Wes and Hailey were finishing up. "Care to tell me why we needed to come back immediately after stopping to by a few bottles of chilled champagne?" Dave asked. "I mean, I saw there are quite a few cases of the stuff here already."
"You'll find out soon enough." Wes said as he took the basket of glasses from Hailey that they'd gotten from the coordinator.
To say that rehearsal went smoothly would be a drastic understatement. By the time they'd begun, Hailey's cousin had yet to arrive, so Dave stepped in to fill the groomsman void. Wes and Hailey both decided if he didn't arrive by the time rehearsal was over, Dave was going to be a groomsman while her cousin would be an usher. As it proceeded Sebastian sat back and watched as they went over things multiple times. The longest part being, the fact that the girls had to practice walking down the steps that lead to the aisle. The last thing the coordinator wanted was anyone tripping.
Rehearsal was just finishing up when the rest of the guys and girls arrived. Since they were traveling, Hailey insisted that they come to the rehearsal dinner that evening if they were going to be in town. "You guys weren't kidding, this place is beautiful." Santana said as she looked around.
"Thank you." Hailey said. "We're so glad you could all make it this evening."
"Thank you for inviting us." Thad said. "It wasn't necessary."
"Regardless, you're here and we're glad." Wes said. "So, why don't you all follow us down to the beach for dinner?"
"Nice to see the shock wore off." Thad said as he walked beside Wes and Hailey.
"It took a bit, but it was a good sort of shock."
"Tell me about it. At least you were sober when you got the news."
"Blaine and Seb said you're reaction was pretty amusing." Hailey said.
"I felt like an idiot this morning that I didn't notice. How'd Dave react?"
"He was shocked. We didn't give him a chance to figure it out as he was told as we toasted the happy couple." Wes told him. "So, who's left to find out?"
"Beat, Trent, Rachel, Brody, and Quinn. It took everything Hunter and I had not to spill in the car ride here since three of them rode with us."
"Understandable. I mean, while engagements aren't always something guys talk about. Blaine and Seb waited long enough that it's given us something to talk about."
"That's what I told Hunter. I mean, if they did it a couple of years ago, it might not have had the same shock value."