5YL the Adventure Begins
Part 26
After sharing his album with his friends, it didn't come as much of a surprise to anyone when Nick went over and started it over again. While it played through again, everyone was finally able to talk as it played though they chose their moments wisely. The songs on the album each told a story that related to Blaine in one way or another. That was why Sebastian knew he was so nervous as he really was putting himself out there with his music.
From the first time he heard it, the two sat quietly in their living room together as Blaine explained the meaning behind each of the songs. It was during that conversation that the two delved deeper into Blaine's past than they ever had before. And in doing so, Sebastian opened up more about the little things in his life. On the surface things can seem so obvious to people, yet they truly have no clue all the little things that made them who they were in that moment.
It was nearing the end when Blaine got up from his seat to head out onto the deck to get some fresh air. The moment Sebastian didn't follow him out, all eyes fell upon them. With gleam in his eyes, Sebastian let them all know there was no need to worry, Blaine only need a bit of time to himself. Once out on the deck, Blaine leaned against the railing and listened to the soft sound of the waves rolling in, blocking out the remaining people on the beach. Ever since he'd left New York on this little tour, he treasured moments like this more and more, the simple tranquility that too often seemed to escape him as of late.
When Sebastian came out to join him, about thirty minutes later, Blaine instantly relaxed back against his chest when he felt his arms go around him. "How'd you know it was me?" Sebastian whispered into his ear, while ghosting the tip of his nose over Blaine's ear.
"I just did." Blaine replied while placing his hands over Sebastian's. "Are they still talking about it?"
"They are as you blew them away, as expected. You really are crazily talented B, this album proves it." He said before leaning over a bit more and kissing Blaine on his temple. "Trent and Beat are having quite the time in explaining to Andrew and Tracy how they knew this was what you were meant to do."
"I almost didn't happen, yet it did because of you." Blaine told him softly before turning in his arms and looking up at him. "I owe you so much Bas."
"You owe me nothing as this is all you Blaine. I only got you to believe again in something you already knew. It was always inside of you and anyone that watched you perform back in high school knew it." The sincerity in Sebastian's eyes brought Blaine up onto his toes to place a gentle kiss on his lip. Even with as tender as the kiss was, plenty was said with it. No matter how many times Blaine would say it; he'd never be able to accurately convey how much Sebastian's belief in him, meant to him. Yet that would never stop him from showing him in the smallest of ways.
The others were about to head outside when Wes and Hunter stopped them upon spotting the duo in such a tender moment. While plenty could be said about what happened to get to this point, none of it seemed to matter upon seeing how happy they were together. They were about to turn back around when Blaine pulled away in a rather startled manner, causing a few looks to be exchanged. Then when they saw Sebastian press a kiss to the top of Blaine's head before resting it on his chest, they carefully made their way out. "We're not interrupting, are we?" Thad asked while watching Sebastian's hands rub Blaine's back.
"No." Sebastian replied before looking towards them. "Our quiet moment was interrupted by someone catcalling." While the words were leaving Sebastian's mouth, the guys moved towards the railing to see if the culprit was still there. "He's gone as Marcus happened to be down below. Safe to say, I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few pictures of our day floating around the internet by morning."
"Speaking of, all of us turned our photo accounts private." Wes told them. "That way only those close to us will see shots of all of us, and what are private moments between the two of you."
"You didn't need to do that, but thank you." Sebastian replied after a faint thank you left Blaine's mouth. While Blaine was clearly becoming more comfortable with everything that was happening around him, he still needed his own little, personal bubble. That was something they all recognized which was why they did what they did without being asked. The last thing any of them wanted was for Blaine to feel as though he couldn't be himself even while he was with friends.
Considering what had happened it didn't surprise any of them that once the two parted, Blaine made his way towards one of the chairs furthest from the railing. Knowing that look all too well, Sebastian excused himself as the others got settled and began enjoying the night. When Sebastian returned, the others smiled as he had Blaine's guitar in hand and proceeded to walk over to him. Blaine slowly looked up at him before extending his hand for his guitar.
"Are you going to sing, or merely play?" Kimberly asked as she was curled up in a chair with Hunter.
"Since I'm performing tomorrow night, how about I play and the rest of you sing." While he responded, Sebastian slipped in behind Blaine and placed his legs on either side of him as he sat. "Except for Andrew and Tracy, no one hear can tell me they have a bad voice and I'd believe it." Blaine then began to play a bit so he could tune before looking over at Wes. "I think our once fearless leader should begin." Wes immediately shook his head, but Thad and Nick were quick to begin prodding him before the others joined in as well. And just when they thought they wouldn't win, Chloe broke his resolve as she wanted to hear him sing as she'd truly never heard him besides in the shower.
"Fine, you all win." Wes said as he looked around while Chloe kissed him on the cheek. "What would you recommend Blaine?"
"I remember a particular song you were quite fond of back in the day." As he spoke, Blaine began to play the first few chords which brought a smile to Wes's face. "Are you game or should we try something else?"
"Actually, that's a perfect choice." Wes told him before looking at everyone. "No wise cracks if I miss a note or two as I haven't done this for awhile and I haven't warmed up."
"We make no promises, but we'll try." Thad told him. With that said, Wes sat up a bit straighter before giving a nod to Blaine letting him know he was good to go. Since David and a few of the others weren't able to make it, Nick made a point to take out his phone to record the moment.
There are places I remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all
Wes was about halfway through, when the guys began to harmonize, filling out the song earning smiles from Wes and Blaine. Morgan rested her head on Jeff's shoulder before kissing his jaw as she was truly enjoying since this glimpse into this part of his life.
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more
By the time the song was done, Nick and Thad were acutely aware that they were without their significant others as all the other couples seemed to kiss after Wes finished his beautiful rendition. They looked at one another across the deck and could only smile. "That wasn't so hard, wasn't it?" Blaine asked as he rested his head on Sebastian's shoulder.
"No, it had just been awhile." Wes told him while holding Chloe tight, who was clearly enamored by what she'd heard. "I can't believe that you remembered."
"I played it a few times after transferring."
"That you did as you felt my piano accompaniment didn't do it justice."
"It doesn't, that opinion will never change." Blaine told him. "While it sounds decent, guitar does it justice." Blaine then began to strum again. "So, who is next?"
"I think it should be Sebastian." Morgan said as she glanced that way.
"While I take that under advisement, I believe it should be your boy." Sebastian stated. "And we'll all do our part to back him up." When Jeff raised an eyebrow, Sebastian cocked his head in such a way where Jeff didn't hesitate to agree to do so. There was something about the look that Sebastian gave him, that let him know this was something he needed to think about first. It only took a few words from Jeff, for Blaine to know which key to play the song in. Then with a short count off, it began.
1-2-1-2-3-4
Give me more loving than I've ever had
Make it all better when I'm feeling sad
Tell me I'm special even when I know I'm not
Make it feel good when it hurts so bad
Barely get mad
I'm so glad I found you
I love being around you
You make it easy
Once the chorus came about, the rest of the guys had no problem filling the echoes and the harmonies to bolster Blaine's playing.
It's as easy as 1-2-1-2-3-4
There's only
ONE thing (one)
TWO do (two)
THREE words (three)
FOUR you... (four)
(I love you) I love you
There's only
ONE way (one)
TWO say (two)
Those THREE words (three)
And that's what I'll do... (four)
(I love you) I love you
With the guys filling in the harmonies, with their only little version it surprised those around them, though for them this was natural. Jeff glanced over at Sebastian who was smiling causing Jeff to lift his head for Sebastian to take the next verse.
Give me more loving from the very start
Piece me back together when I fall apart
Tell me things you never even tell your closest friends
Make it feel good when it hurts so bad
The best that I've had
And I'm so glad I found you
I love being around you
You make it easy
Hearing Sebastian's voice in his ear, Blaine leaned back and was met by a kiss as Jeff happily continued the song. They all could only smile as Blaine somehow managed to continue playing while the two kissed causing some quiet comments. By the time it did end, there was a sense of familiarity around them all that they hadn't felt for quite some time.
"You guys really are amazing." Morgan told them as she held her hands over Jeff's which were around her. "I can see why those years meant so much to all of you."
"You should hear us when everyone is together." Nick said in response. "A few voices were missing to round things out. Not including Blaine who is here, but didn't sing."
"I sang earlier and will sing again tomorrow night. You never know, I might have a few surprises up my sleeve for tomorrow night."
"Might those surprises be along the lines of what you have in store for Columbus?" Jeff asked.
"Like I said, you'll have to wait and see."
By the time they were ready to head in, almost everyone sang a song along with quite a few group numbers. It was during these times, those that were missing seemed to be missed even more. Yet thanks to their phones, the entire evening was recorded. Knowing Rachel was missing Thad, Blaine made sure that Thad's performance was sent to her which Wes had no problem doing. After getting the number from Blaine to do so, Wes noticed he seemed to have more on his mind. "Even though Sebastian headed in, care to tell me what's on your mind?"
Blaine raised his eyebrows which only caused Wes to firm up his stance. This moment was proof that if Wes could've seen him, there was no way he would've been able to hide how bad things were when he was married. "Is it that obvious?"
"Only to those that know you. If the others were around, they'd see something was off as well." Wes told him. "So, want to talk about it?"
"It's not really something I can talk about. And before you worry, it's got nothing to do with Bas."
"I figured as much considering how the two of you were today." When Blaine began to blush, Wes smiled. "Relax, it wasn't over the top. It's really good seeing you so happy again."
"It feels good, as I'm truly living again."
"Besides when you have fans around."
"That's only because I don't want all aspects of my life with Bas plastered all over the internet. From the moment those first pictures were posted, it wasn't long till more appeared. Every little kiss on the cheek to the holding of hands." Blaine told him. "So, if at times I seem to want to hide, I think you can all understand why."
"You didn't refrain from kissing him earlier."
"And I won't. Yet should I feel we're in one of those moods where we could easily lose ourselves, I'm going to want my privacy. It's one thing for you guys to see us kissing and get caught up in the moment; it's another for the public to."
"Fair enough." Wes said to him before looking around and seeing they were the only ones left out on the deck. "It looks as though we should head in."
"That would probably be a good idea. From what I saw, Chloe was quite smitten by the fact that you can sing." Once Blaine smiled, Wes pushed him on his shoulder. "I'm only stating the obvious, Bas saw it as well. I guess he and I aren't the only ones with a soft spot for those that can sing." Wes could only smile as he knew it was a conversation he clearly wasn't going to win. "Good night Wes."
"Good night Blaine."
The next morning when they all began wandering after waking, they were surprised to see Blaine and Morgan walking back into the house along with Sebastian and Marcus. "Was there something going on that we missed?" Trent asked as he looked at the four of them who were rather sweaty considering the hour.
"Unless you wanted to take part in yoga on the beach, no." Blaine replied as he slipped the towel out from around his neck. "The hotel down the road offers it so, we went."
"You do yoga?"
"I do, thanks to Morgan and Talia. Hell, all of us do now as it helps us keep our focus." Blaine continued. "They were all there this morning, and will be coming by in about an hour or so." Trent's attention then went to Sebastian. "Yes, Bas took part as well." When Blaine snickered a bit, he earned a playful shove from Sebastian. "You did really well for your first time. Didn't he Morgan?"
"He did. Hell, you were braver than Jeff was as he didn't want to embarrass himself." While she spoke she looked at Jeff who was sipping his coffee.
"Even though I can dance, there was no way I was going to fall in front of strangers." Jeff said before leaning over to give her a kiss as she'd walked over to him. "How'd you do Sebastian?"
"I lost my balance a few times, though never fell on my ass but I came close a couple of times." Sebastian told him. "Justin told me he flat out fell the first time they did it, said he felt like an idiot as the girls made it look easier than it is." Sebastian then looked at Blaine and smiled. "You should try it tomorrow morning."
"I'll think about it. So, breakfast?"
"After we shower." Morgan said in response. "We're all sweaty and sandy. Care to join me?"
"Do you really have to ask?" Jeff then took ahold of her hand and the two headed up the stairs.
With the two of them gone, it wasn't long till Blaine and Sebastian made their way up as well. Once they were gone, Trent was still shaking his head. "Are you really that surprised that Blaine does yoga?" Nick asked as he took a seat at the island. "Or is it more about the fact Sebastian tried it?"
"I think both." Trent replied. "But I can understand it more from Blaine's perspective than Sebastian's."
"Ever think he wanted to spend time with Blaine?" Thad asked him. "I mean, they only get so much time together."
"True, but Jeff didn't go."
"Yet, I bet you anything he goes tomorrow morning." Beat stated. "Hearing Sebastian talk about it, along with what Justin told him makes it easier to give it a go. Heck, I don't know if I could do it. I'd be in the same camp as Jeff, afraid of embarrassing myself."
"But wouldn't it be better to embarrass yourself in front of people you'll never see again." Tracy chimed in from across the kitchen. "Doing it in front of friends, you'd constantly hear about it, with strangers, no worries." She then giggled which brought more attention to her. "There are benefits of yoga besides helping ones focus."
"She's right." Chloe said. "Besides your focus, it helps your flexibility." Once the words left her mouth, Tracy turned and smiled. "It also helps ones stamina."
"Might you be referencing Sting?" Kimberly said from besides Hunter earning her a positive nod. "He's a strong proponent of it."
"What are you girls talking about?" Nick asked as most of the guys had befuddled looks on their faces besides Trent.
"They're referencing the fact that Sting says his practice of yoga has increased his endurance and stamina in the bedroom." Trent told him. "Am I correct ladies?"
"You are." Chloe replied with a smile. "So, don't knock it guys. You never know what inspires one to give it a try."
While this conversation was happening downstairs, Blaine and Sebastian were enjoying a nice shower together. As Sebastian leaned against the wall, he watched as Blaine meticulously moved the soaped up loofa over him. Given what they'd done, Sebastian never imagined being as sore as he was. He'd clearly used muscles he hadn't used in a long time. "Please tell me you were this sore after your first outing B." Sebastian said as he enjoyed the feeling of Blaine taking care of him.
"Not this bad, but my first session wasn't this long." Blaine replied as he looked up at Sebastian, the water flowing over his head. "You really did well for your first time. It's not as easy as it looks, is it?"
"No, but it felt good. I haven't felt like this since I competitively played lacrosse. But, different muscles are hurting. B."
"You'll be okay Bas, trust me." Blaine told him before kissing him on the lips.
"I know. It also answers some of my questions. While you'd always been limber, you've become even more so." Sebastian caressed Blaine's cheek as he gazed down at him, loving the way his curls and lashes looked while wet.
"Are you going to keep it up or is it only going to be when I'm around?" Blaine asked him.
"I'll keep it up. I just have to find some place to go."
"Ask Morgan as I know there are a couple of studios she goes to in the city. She'd be your best bet. And think Bas, next time we're together…though not the immediate next, you can show off your progress to me."
"Wait to be amazed Killer."
"I don't doubt that I will be as you're a fast learner."
The rest of their day seemed to fly-by as before they knew it Blaine and his band were leaving to get ready, so they headed towards the venue as well. With so many artists performing over the weekend, there was literally something for everyone's tastes. Since they had a few hours before Blaine went on, they all separated as not everyone wanted to catch the artists on the main stage. And thanks to the badges provided by Tess, they'd all be able to get up front when Blaine did perform without worry.
By the time they were all back together again, the last ones to join them were Sebastian and Jeff who were going to watch from the crowd and not the wings. Given where they were watching it from, Sebastian knew he was going to get some excellent shots of the performance. From the first performance to now, Blaine no longer worried if the crowd was going to react to when he appeared. It seemed that since he hit the road, the crowd had become louder and louder with every show. Not only was he able to do what he loved, he was getting to share this weekend with some of the people that meant so much to him. And once he was done that night, he was going to get to enjoy the fireworks with them as well.
Considering only Sebastian and Jeff had seen them in this sort of setting the others were all blown away by what they were witnessing. While Blaine had always come alive on stage, he certainly owned it now. There was a confidence to him that proved how comfortable he truly was. When the crowd was singing along to songs that hadn't been released, but were written by Blaine it showed how his career was growing. Sebastian was asked more than a few times about them to which he told them that plenty of Blaine's songs were now on the internet.
With his friends in attendance, Blaine pulled out a few numbers he hadn't played all summer yet used to play constantly in the city. The change in the set list gave him and his band a fresh perspective as they refused to play the same songs every night. Vincent had made it clear, the set list was up to them as long as both of Blaine's singles were on it which they had no issue with. From there, it was up to them which allowed them quite a bit of creative freedom.
When he finally finished, his friends were in disbelief that he was leaving the stage till they looked at their watches and seen how long he'd actually played. Like most things, when you're truly enjoying yourself, time seems to fly. While they all wanted to head back to the corral with Blaine and the others, they weren't able to so they set a time to meet back at the house for fireworks. "Did Blaine mention to you that he's going to sing at another game?" Kimberly asked Hunter as they went for a walk along the beach as she'd made it back in time for the show after leaving after breakfast.
"I faintly recall him mentioning that he was going to be doing it." Hunter replied. "I take it he'll be singing in September, after he's home."
"Yes, and if things keep going as they are hopefully again in October. Yet I was told that's still up in the air as they might be sending him out on the west coast."
"That is something I did hear about. Safe to say, Sebastian's going to make the most of their time together once he's home come September. Though, they are both aware that once the album is released, it won't be long till he'll be going on tour to promote it." Kimberly nodded as she remembered hearing Blaine and Sebastian talk about it. While they weren't excited about being apart again, they knew how crucial this was for Blaine's career. And like the current tour, they'd make it work.
Song: In My Life
Writers: John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Song : 1234
Writer: Tom Higgenson