5YL the Adventure Begins

Part 13

By the time Rachel got to Thad's that evening, she didn't want to do anything other than curl up with him. While she had a great show, she was frustrated by the lack of answers she got from Shelby when the two spoke after warm-ups. From what Jean-Baptiste had said, it was clear to her there was more history between Shelby and Derek, than she let on. It was clear to Thad she was emotionally frustrated the way she pressed against him when he hugged her after she arrived. Even though they were by the door, Thad didn't really want to move considering the conversation he'd had with Hunter and Sebastian.

Thad wasn't sure how long they stood there, but before they finally made their way to the couch where she curled up against him. "Long night?" Thad asked after kissing the top of her head. "Rach, talk to me, what's wrong?"

"Shelby was at the theater when I got there tonight." Rachel replied as she intertwined her fingers with Thad's in front of her. "And…she and Derek got into it."

"What?"

"I, I don't really know what it was about as I didn't hear it, Jean-Baptiste told me. It was so bad, Michael forced the two into the office where the three stayed for quite some time." Rachel told him. "And when I finally saw her, Shelby avoided my questions. What the hell is going on Thad?"

"I wish I knew Rach, but clearly the two have a history together."

"I asked Shelby if they ever dated and she got this blank look on her face."

"What do you think?"

"From what I've seen and what you've said you've seen, I think they did." Rachel replied. "But, since Derek's never really left New York, this happened a long time ago. I don't get what they could be fighting about."

"Well, it must be something pretty important for them to both be so passionate about it."

"Jean-Baptiste mentioned something similar. I'm thinking of giving Jesse a call tomorrow and see if Shelby ever told him about any past romances she had." When Thad leaned forward to look at her, Rachel giggled. "One of these days, I'll have to tell you the whole story."

"How is it Blaine never told us any of this craziness?"

"Probably because most of it happened before he was really a part of my life even though he and Kurt were dating." Rachel told him and heard what sounded like a grunt from Thad. "Thad?"

"I'm sorry Rach, but I don't get how you or Blaine for that matter ever had him as part of your lives."

"You never liked him, did you?"

"Nope, and I'll openly admit that I wish Hunter and Sebastian were able to convince Blaine to change his mind to come back to Dalton when they broke up."

"They came close."

"I know, I think if he had a lot of that mess wouldn't have happened."

"Considering everything, how are you guys all friends with Hunter again?"

"For starters, he took full responsibility so no one else got in trouble. By the way, not everyone did them. And secondly, he's actually a really cool guy and it was worth giving him a second chance, at least in our eyes. Hell, Sebastian is the one that stated a case for it. He pointed out that we all make mistakes, but those mistakes shouldn't define us unless they are utterly unforgiveable. Not to mention, those that took part, are responsible for their own actions, not Hunter."

"That was quite mature of you, all of you." Rachel said. "I get what you mean though, as Santana and I, as well as Quinn and I weren't always on good terms but worked through things. While I didn't always see the grey in things, I know not everything is black and white."

"Exactly! Rarely are things as simple as one might like or believe for that matter." After he spoke, Thad tightened his hold around her. "Are you going to be okay Rach?"

"Yea, I just wish Shelby would tell me what's going on."

"I'm sure when the time is right, she will. Considering Derek is your boss, it might not be easy to do."

"Good point." Rachel said before looking up at him. "How much longer are you going to be?"

"Are you wanting me to join you in bed my dear?"

"I'd like that, but I understand if you've still got more studying to do."

"I've probably got another hour's worth." Thad told her. "Can you wait that long?"

"I think so. Do you mind if I take a shower?"

"Not at all." Thad then kissed her once again. "I shouldn't be too long."

"I'll be waiting." Rachel replied before leaning up to press a kiss against his jaw before getting up off the couch and heading for her shower.

Once she was out of the room, Thad leaned back against the couch and ran his fingers through his hair. Everything Rachel told him, only fueled the thoughts that Sebastian and Hunter had mentioned to him. Then once he added in what Jean-Baptiste said, it made sense as whatever is going on, the both of them are passionate about. While Thad wanted nothing more than to talk with the guys, he knew they were both sleeping, or at least Hunter was while Sebastian could be talking with Blaine. Not to mention, he still had some studying to finish up before going and joining Rachel in bed.

With everything going on around them, it wasn't surprising if they were hesitant upon seeing messages from certain people when they awoke in the mornings. Given he'd talked with Blaine the previous evening, Sebastian was surprise to find a message from Blaine on his phone when he awoke. Having a message that said call me when you wake up, surprised him considering the crazy hours Blaine was keeping. Yet, Sebastian wasn't going to argue with Blaine about something he specifically requested assuming he had a reason for it. When Blaine answered, Sebastian could picture him rather clearly from how sleep he sounded. "Now, why precisely did my B ask me to call him and interrupt his beauty sleep?" Sebastian asked as he walked to the kitchen to make himself a cup of coffee before hopping in the shower.

"Because he's got a long day today and wanted to share his news with you this way versus in a text or email?"

"You must be tired B, you're speaking in the third person." Sebastian replied before stretching. "What's this news you want to share with me?"

"That shortly after you leave me next, I'm coming to New York." Sebastian froze the moment Blaine spoke. "Bas."

"Don't tease me like that B, it's not funny."

"I'm not teasing you. With the reception my second single is receiving, they're bumping up my album release date and…that includes performing on one of the big morning shows in the city to promote it."

"You're really not playing with me, are you?"

"I wouldn't do that to you Bas. Think you can put up with me for a few days."

"Is that even a question?"

"You know I had to ask."

"Yes, I can put up with you for a few days. Is it still okay if I come to see you the weekend before as we talked about?"

"Of course it is, as I said I'd be coming to the city shortly after you left me." Blaine told him. "Now you know why I wanted you to call me as soon as you got up."

"I do, this is fabulous news B. Will you get to stay at home…with me?"

"I'm not sure yet as they're still working on details." Blaine replied. "The moment I know more, I'll let you know. You still with me Bas?" The last bit came as Sebastian had become uncharacteristically quiet.

"Yea, this is possibly the best news I could've received B. I'm so proud of you Killer; you know none of this would be happening if people weren't responding in a crazy positive manner."

"I know, I'm still adjusting to it." Blaine told him. "You should probably start getting ready for work though."

"I know, I wish you were here to join me."

"If I was there, you might be late, knowing our tendency to celebrate and all."

"That's very true, but the first opportunity we get, we're going to be celebrating."

"I'll be looking forward to it Bas."

With the conversation he'd just had, Sebastian's day was getting off to a better start than he could've imagined. Even though he had all the faith in the world in Blaine's abilities and talent, he knew the music scene was finicky. Having his first two singles garner the response they were getting was rare, so it didn't surprise him hearing Blaine's label was jumping on the momentum. This bit of news also brought some earlier thoughts to the forefront of Sebastian's mind, in that Blaine could be heading off on a tour of his own. The only benefit of when it could be happening was that his class load the next school year was heavy along with having to take part in the law review. While the first year of law school wasn't easy, the second year truly weeded out those that weren't meant for it.

During his trip to the office, Sebastian got quite the surprise when he got a call from Santana. "What can I do for you this morning Miss Lopez?" Sebastian asked as he walked up the stairs from the subway station.

"I wanted to see how you were doing." Santana replied, while trying to contain her excitement as Jordan had confirmed the dates with her the previous evening. And while she'd been tempted to call Sebastian then, Jordan told her to wait in case Blaine hadn't gotten to talk to him yet. The instant she gave her explanation, Santana knew she had to wait as this was the sort of news Sebastian should hear from Blaine. "So?"

"I'm on my way to my internship so I'm jumping for joy." Sebastian replied sarcastically before laughing. "Seriously though, I couldn't be much better actually."

"By chance have you spoken to Blaine?"

"I did, as he sent me a text in the middle of the night asking me to call him as soon as I got up today. It sounds as though you might've known something about this."

"I do, as Jordan told me last night as she's going to be a part of the segment as well." Santana told him. "I wanted to call you as soon as I knew, but Jordan felt Blaine needed to be given a chance to tell you. That's why I was so vague."

"That was a good call, as I probably wouldn't have believed you. Hell, I barely believed B when he told me." Sebastian said in response. "This is huge for him as this truly puts him on a National stage."

"Jordan said the same thing. Supposedly they wanted to get Blaine on the week before but his schedule couldn't be rearranged." Santana told him.

"Yea, his schedule is pretty full. Timing wise, this works as he's going to be in town for more than one day now. He's not only doing that performance, but a couple of others as well to coincide with the launch of his album."

"Are you excited?"

"I'm excited and nervous." Sebastian replied. "Each time something happens, I hope the response is as enthusiastic."

"That's understandable."

"While I'd rather continue this conversation, I need to head inside and talking in the elevator is close to impossible." Sebastian said to her. "If you want, we can talk later tonight?"

"Can't as I'm bartending."

"Still?"

"Yes, I just don't work the same crazy hours anymore." Santana told him. "Alright, you go do your interning thing Smythe."

"Will do. Later Lopez!"

"Later!" Santana had only ended the call when there was a knock on the loft door. Considering Rachel had stayed at Thad's the previous night, she was curious as to who it could be. Upon opening the door, she was shocked to see Kurt standing there as he hadn't done his usual obnoxious knocking. "Rachel's not here."

"Considering the hour, I'm assuming she stayed at Thad's last night."

"I'm under no obligation to tell you where she is, just that she's not here." Santana told him. "I'm guessing you want me to tell her you stopped by."

"That would be correct since she won't take my calls." Kurt replied. "I know you're going to tell me that it means she doesn't want to talk to me."

"Good start." Santana said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm impressed that you came here though and didn't ambush her at the theater once again. Also, you have to know the chances of Rachel getting back in touch with you are slim."

"I do."

"Then why are you here knowing that she really doesn't want anything to do with you?"

"I came to talk to her about Blaine." When her posture changed, Kurt wasn't surprised.

"Then turn around and don't come back as that's not a conversation she will have with you. Blaine's life is none of your business any longer." Santana said before reaching for the door. "It would probably be best if you forgot all about him."

"And how am I supposed to do that when his music is constantly played on the radio? Or new interviews keep appearing? He's everywhere Santana!"

"That's not our problem, it's yours as Blaine's becoming a success so hearing him or about him, probably isn't going to change." When he looked down at the ground, Santana couldn't help but smile. "Finally grasping the depth of this Hummel?" The moment he mumbled, Santana repeated herself. "What was that, I couldn't quite make that out?"

"I said how could I have been so wrong."

"I don't know, because even I knew Blaine was talented the first time I heard him open his mouth back in high school." Santana said. "The only time I doubted it, was when you beat him down so badly that he doubted himself. If it wasn't for Sebastian, no one besides those that know him would know how truly talented he is."

"I bet Smythe loves that."

"Actually, he never mentions it."

"Right, I doubt that!"

"Believe what you want Hummel, but it's true."

"He's a selfish egotist."

"Maybe, but not when it comes to Blaine, he's completely selfless. The rest of us have thanked him for getting Blaine to believe himself again, but he's never mentioned it. Face it, he's not the person you think he is."

"I doubt it."

"Well, he's the one currently dating/living with Blaine while Blaine has a restraining order against you."

"You really are a bitch, you know that."

"If speaking the truth makes me one, so be it."

"It's not the truth, it's your delivery."

"You're the one that chose to come here Hummel knowing you wouldn't get a welcomed reception. Also, you've known me long enough to know this is who I am and that's probably not going to change." Santana told him. "Now, if you don't mind or even if you do…leave. I have things to do today, all of which are more enjoyable than talking with you."

"Will you still tell Rachel I came by?"

"I will, but don't expect to hear back from her."

"I'll take my chances."

"So I noticed, since you showed up here and there was always a chance of Thad being here. Now, go!" Santana didn't even wait for a response, just closed the door as she'd spent longer talking to him than she cared to.

The moment the door was closed, Kurt turned to leave quietly which was a change to his last few visits to the loft. Finding out Rachel wasn't there was upsetting since she refused to accept his calls, so this was the only way he had to reach her, besides going to the theater. After what happened the last time he was there, he was pretty certain security was told to keep him far away from one Rachel Berry. Frustrating as it was, the only way to try and right things with Rachel, was to talk with her. In his mind, they'd been through too much together to allow what happened between him and Blaine to destroy their friendship.

Considering the time, Kurt knew he needed to get to work as he couldn't be late as Isabelle had already given him more slack than he could've possibly asked for. She was patient with him while the two were going through their divorce, and now she was understanding of how hard it was to watch Blaine find success. Though her being understanding, didn't mean his duties were allowed to be neglected in the slightest of ways. By the time he arrived, he cringed upon hearing Blaine's new single playing throughout the office. Try as he might, he couldn't convince anyone to change the type of music they listened to during the day.

When he rounded the corner, Isabelle was sitting at his desk waiting for him. "I was beginning to think you weren't going to make it." She said to him before getting up from his seat. "Normally you're here early."

"I had something I needed to take care of." He said in frustration as one of the girls had walked by singing along. "Do they really have to do that?"

"They can't help it Kurt, they love the song."

"How do they know most of the words already when it only came out?"

"They must've been playing it on repeat quite a bit." Isabelle told him. "I know it's hard Kurt, but it's something you need to accept, the sooner the better."

"My Dad told me the same thing, numerous times."

"You should listen to him Kurt, as nothing good can come from you trying to get into his life again."

"Well, that won't happen as Blaine has seen to it that I can't get near him." Kurt stated bluntly.

"It's probably for the best Kurt." Isabelle told him. "Blaine has clearly moved on with his life, and up until recently, you had too. It's time for you to focus on yourself once again, and not what's happening with Blaine." She then pointed to a folder on his desk for him to get started on. "We've got a meeting in an hour." Kurt nodded before she turned to head back to her office. While he wasn't necessarily in the right mindset, having to get right to work was what he needed in that moment. While skimming the materials for an upcoming joint issue, he froze upon seeing Blaine's name listed as a possible candidate for an upcoming feature. Kurt didn't know if Isabelle had read the information but if she had, he was curious as to why she didn't bring it up.

While this was going on in New York, Blaine was sitting on his tour bus honestly feeling overwhelmed by all the information he had before him. Even though Vincent had called and spoken with him the night before, when he told him he was sending him information the next morning, he never expected all that he was looking at. Blaine was in the middle of reading when Talia brought him back another cup of coffee. "You looked as though you could use this." She replied with a smile. He smiled up at her and gladly took as he'd been up since getting off the phone with Sebastian. Easy as it would've been to fall back to sleep, Blaine wanted to get a head start on his day.

"That's because I do." Blaine replied. "The rest of you are more than welcome to come back here."

"We know, but you look a bit overwhelmed at the moment. We thought it would be best to give you some space." Talia then watched as he bit his lower lip. "Everything okay?"

"It's a lot to process. Everything is happening so fast." Blaine said before leaning back and running his fingers through his hair. "Have you checked out the new schedule yet?"

"No, but Morgan is positively giddy that we're going to be in New York for a few days." Talia told hm. "Not that it's surprisingly, just as I'm sure you're happy about it as well."

"I am. The idea of getting to see Bas while experiencing all that, is more than I could've asked for."

"Have you told him?" The moment she asked, the smile that came to Blaine's face was all the answer she needed. "I'm sure he's as ecstatic."

"He is. Even though he'll be with us the weekend before, the thought of having me home…"

"It's different, I get it. Are we all going to get to stay at our homes, or are we staying in a hotel?"

"They are figuring that part out, but know I told Vincent we'd all prefer to sleep in our own homes while we're there."

"Good call. Do you mind if I share that bit of information with the others?"

"Be my guest." Blaine replied. "Once I get done reading everything, I'll fill you all in more about what's going to be happening." Talia smiled, and then headed back to the others to give Blaine the peace and quiet he clearly needed. Once she was gone, Blaine looked at the page before him once again. Doing interviews wasn't really a problem for him anymore, and he was getting comfortable with photo shoots, yet doing these with this specific magazine could be a problem. So Blaine quickly grabbed his laptop so he could send off a note to Vincent with his concerns and the reasons behind them. And once that email was sent, he sent one to Xavier because he needed to know where things stand when business comes into play.

With Vincent being in meetings that morning, Blaine was a bit surprised to get an email notification about an hour later. Considering the account it was directed to, it could only have come from a few select people. Upon seeing a response from Xavier already, he relaxed a bit as Xavier was always very upfront with him whenever he had questions or concerns. Shortly after Blaine began to read, he was reassured that the order would still be enforced. It wasn't that he wanted to keep Kurt from doing his job; he wanted insurances that he would be left alone which he'd pointed out to Xavier. The last thing Blaine wanted was for his past to be an issue, but he wasn't going to put himself into an uncomfortable situation.