A/N: Talk about a hiatus...I had lost inspiration for a while but I think I'm finally back on track! I'm planning on moving the story forward in a quicker pace. I'd really appreciate if you guys review and show me that there are people still reading, because as you know, reviews are what encourages me to keep on going! Hope you enjoy :)

It had been three days since Hunter and Sebastian came back to Ohio, back to the Clarington residence. Both boys were still suffering from residual jet lag, but other than that, they were still standing strong. Caroline and Aaron did their best to act normal, and Sebastian appreciated their efforts, because the thing is, he was feeling nervous inside. Being back in Ohio had him breathing in the same negative air that poisoned him from within. He knew his father was somewhere nearby, lurking, waiting to pounce and shred him to pieces. He wasn't safe here. He knew that, but at the same time, he was stronger. He was ready to face what needed to be faced. Hunter was by him, and the notion strangely presented him with a sense of unprecedented security.

It also helped that Mike dropped by to tell them of the good news that they might have a chance at taking Tyler down. Tyler Smythe was a man of many crime, and Harvey and Mike's intense digging, persuading and threatening had them getting closer to uncovering the filth that was Sebastian's father. Just a bit more, Mike had added. It was only a matter of time before more people caved and helped them.

In the meanwhile, Sebastian had to train himself to be stronger, because the truth was going to come out and haunt him just as badly. Mike had explained that their plan was to attack Tyler's other crimes. The man had made poor judgments to keep his company strong, and he had definitely done illegal things to ensure his wealth. There was no telling how long Tyler would be in jail for the crimes, or if he would be able to bail himself out, but that was the best they could do for now.

And Sebastian knew, without Mike having to tell him, that he was going to have to brace himself for the worst. To expose exactly what had happened to him. He was afraid, but he knew that Hunter would keep him strong. All he needed was Hunter, and he had no doubt that the bond between the two were stronger than all this.

Things blew up a week after that. Harvey and Mike had planned it all so carefully, using all the connections they had to orchestrate in a way that wouldn't allow for any escape. The first step was the most difficult, but things quickly followed. The Smythe empire began to crumble, and those who had violated Sebastian, the same ones who had feared being exposed themselves, were doing their best to bury Tyler Smythe deep. It was an act to cover their own asses, but Harvey knew that was the only way.

It killed Sebastian, knowing that he wasn't going to get his revenge on those men. He had lashed out, screaming that it just wasn't fair. He couldn't stand knowing that they were going to continue living their lives as if they hadn't hurt him. It made him feel utterly disgusted with the world.

Yet Harvey persuaded him that this wasn't over. That they were going to have to take things slowly to make sure everything worked out surely. Harvey swore that they were going to get what they deserved, one way or another, and Sebastian couldn't help but believe him.

At the same time, Sebastian knew the fall of his father was going to draw blood. His blood. And lots of it.

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Sebastian opened his eyes and and came face to face with Hunter watching him.

"Jesus!" Sebastian yelped in surprise and rolled off the bed. "What the fuck!" he hissed from the floor. His look of shock quickly turned into an impressive scowl when Hunter began laughing instead of apologizing.

"Wakey, wakey!" Hunter began in a sing-song voice, ignoring Sebastian's enraged expression altogether. "Come on, get ready."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"We got places to go."

"No we don't," Sebastian replied with a roll of his eyes, gathering himself to get back in bed. He hadn't been able to fall asleep well past 3 in the morning thanks to all the fear, panic and general angst that continued to gnaw at him. "Get out, I'm going back to sleep."

"No you're not," Hunter stopped the other teen from pulling the blanket over himself.

"What time is it?" Sebastian asked, growing increasingly annoyed. "And if you say anything before noon, I'll kill you."

"It's seven."

"Get out. Wake me up after lunch."

"Today's a special day. Get ready, now," Hunter growled playfully and began physically dragging the other man off the bed.

"What the hell!" Sebastian protested both physically and verbally, but they were ignored for the most part. "God, you're like a fuckin' brick wall," he muttered, when he realized that Hunter was much, much stronger than he was. His resistance was futile. Hunter was going to get him out of bed sooner or later.

"We don't have much time."

"Can you at least tell me where we're going?" Sebastian asked grumpily. He was in no mood to go out walking around town.

"Today's a big day, alright?"

"You keep saying that, but that doesn't clarify shit."

"Do you want me to drag you blindfolded?"

"You wouldn't dare."

"Don't I?"

"Asshole."

To that, Hunter laughed and leaned over to give Sebastian a quick kiss on the cheek. Sebastian scowled in response and rubbed at the patch of skin in mock disgust.

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"What. The. Actual. Fuck."

Sebastian hissed angrily as he stared at rows of cars and buses alike were parked outside of a building. There were posters and banners plastered right outside, all over the walls, and it didn't take much for Sebastian to realize where he was.

Sectionals.

Hunter Clarington had the gulls to bring him to the Sectionals.

"What the fuck!" Sebastian growled, his face practically purple with anger. How could Hunter do this to him? How dare he force Sebastian to come face to face with all those people who knew who he was. How was he supposed to face all the Warblers, all his friends who obviously knew about him and his father?

He felt sick.

He had never expected Hunter to be so cruel. He didn't want to be reminded of what he had. What his life could've been. All the things he actually cared about were right there in that very building, and they were ripped away from him. He couldn't handle the pain. The anger.

"Turn the car, right now, or I swear to God-"

"Seb. Can you just please trust me on this?" Hunter interrupted, his voice calm yet strong. Sebastian watched the other, his hands shaking against his legs. He was sure he was going to throw up all over the car. He couldn't be here right now. He couldn't be seen by all these people.

Hunter continued to drive, eventually pulling the car up to the back of the building.

"I'm not getting out of this car," Sebastian growled as Hunter opened the door for him. "We're going back home, right now."

"Trust me on this."

"You expect me to trust you after what you just pulled?"

"Sebastian."

"No. God, I can't believe you. I can't fuckin' believe you," Sebastian answered dryly. He felt betrayed. So, so betrayed.

"Just do me this, please. I promise we won't be seen by anyone."

"You really expect me to come out of this car."

"Yes. Yes, I do, now come on, or we're going to be late."

"Late for what."

"Sebastian. Please," Hunter continued and took Sebastian's shaking hands into his. "Trust me on this."

Sebastian stared into the other's eyes. Deep inside, he knew that he could trust Hunter. Hunter would never do anything to hurt him or put him in danger. He was well aware of how protective the other was.

"Fine...fine...only for a little bit..." Sebastian answered quietly. The truth was, he wanted to experience what it was like being a Warbler again. He wanted to feel the excitement, the energy. He wanted to watch his friends on that stage, doing what they did best. He missed it all so much.

Sebastian let Hunter lead him through a maze of corridor and staircases, and somehow, they were now huddled on a ledge overlooking the stage.

"How the hell did you find this place?"

"I have my ways," Hunter replied with a cheeky grin.

Sebastian opened his mouth to comment but stopped when the Warblers were announced onto the stage. They were up last, as usual.

Sebastian inhaled sharply as he registered the familiar faces. He could see Nick and Jeff exchange grins. He could spot Trent looking both excited and nervous as always. Every single one of them, he could see from above, and it killed him. It killed him to think that he used to be a part of that. He should be on stage with them, laughing and dancing, taking it all in. But he was here instead.

Hiding.

Whistle was on, and Sebastian had to give it to them. The choreography was excellent, with Hunter's name written all over it. It was then he realized that Hunter had sacrificed his opportunity on stage to be with him. He clenched his jaws to keep himself from crying. He wasn't going to cry. Not now. Now here.

"I'll be right back," Hunter whispered into Sebastian's ear halfway through the song and disappeared, leaving Sebastian alone on the ledge. He felt nervous all of a sudden. It felt as if people could all see him up there, even though that was in no way possible. He had to remind himself to stay calm and patient.

The crowd cheered when the song was done.

What happened next truly surprised Sebastian.

Hunter was on stage.

Sebastian squinted to get a better look, wondering if he was hallucinating. But no, it really was Hunter, wearing that proud smirk of his.

What the hell...?

"We dedicate this next song to one of our finest. One of the best Warblers ever in the history of Dalton Academy," Hunter began in a deep voice, and Sebastian couldn't help but clutch at his heart. It ached so badly, just listening to those words. He watched as the rest of the Warblers nodded in agreement, with soft smiles on their faces.

You're not alone, together we stand
I'll be by your side you know I'll take you hand
When it gets cold, and it feels like the end
There's no place to go you know I won't give in
No I won't give in

Sebastian clasped a hand against his mouth. He was going to cry. He was sure he was going to cry.

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through

His eyes were burning now, and his chest ached as he tried to keep himself from breaking down.

He wanted to run down and see them. Dance with them. Sing with them. He wanted to talk to them, ask them how they have been. He wanted them to laugh along with him. God, he had missed this so much without realizing it. Dalton Academy was his safe haven. Being a part of the Warblers was the small piece of safety and acceptance he had in his life.

Sebastian knew he was crying. His tears made it impossible for him to see them clearly. But he could hear them. He could make out the individual voices. He could feel every word so strongly.

When the song was over, Sebastian let out a small cry that was immediately buried by the applauds and cheering. He wiped his eyes roughly, trying to focus on the stage again. He wanted to see everyone's faces. Wanted to see the look of triumph and relief on their faces. The same faces they wear after every major performances.

The stage cleared, and he knew that the judges were probably making their way to begin the voting process. Sebastian listened to the buzzing of people, random chants and cheers. He couldn't see the audience from where he was, so he had no idea where the Warblers were.

Hunter was besides him again a few minutes later.

"You had this planned all along," Sebastian begin, watching Hunter settle next to him.

"It was their idea."

"Their?"

"All the Warblers. They wanted to tell you in person how much they're waiting for you to come back, and well, they figured this was the best way."

"...They know I'm here?"

"Yeah. Well, they know you're watching, but they don't know exactly where."

"This is all just...crazy."

"I know...They've been calling and messaging me all along, asking how you are. They miss you, you know."

Sebastian stared ahead with his lips pursed.

"You should have more faith in them, Seb."

"Yeah. Maybe. Yeah..."

"They're all dying to see you, but they're willing to wait for as long as it takes."

The two sat in silence, and a few minutes later, winners were ready to be announced. Sebastian listened carefully, his heart beating a mile a minute. He had no idea why he was being so nervous. He had never been nervous. He was one of those people who just expected to win every time, but right now, his palms were sweating in anticipation. He wanted the Warblers to win so badly.

Sebastian did a quick fist pump when the Warblers were announced as 1st place. An overwhelming sense of pride filled Sebastian as he watched the members cheering and hugging.

"Shouldn't you be down there?" Sebastian asked Hunter, suddenly realizing that the captain wasn't present with the rest.

"Nah, I'm good. I'll celebrate when we win the regionals."

"Cocky."

"You know we're going to win," Hunter replied with a cheeky grin. And Sebastian couldn't help but agree.

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