Five Years Later

Part 37

The next morning when the alarm went off, Blaine felt Sebastian's arms tighten around him when he went to turn it off. "You need to let me go Bas." Blaine said to him, his voice much rougher than usual as he was still waking. He heard Sebastian mumble as he turned the alarm off, so he turned to kiss him afterward. "I need to get moving as we're in the studio today." Sebastian's eyes slowly fluttered open as he released his hold on him. "If you want, I wouldn't object to you joining me for a shower." Blaine said as he got up out of bed.

"Tempting as that sounds, I'm going to stay in bed." Sebastian replied, but not before lightly smacking Blaine's ass. "I like this view."

"You'd like the one in the shower more." Blaine practically purred causing Sebastian to push himself up slightly.

"Trust me, I know. It's why I'm staying in bed as I don't want you to be late because we got carried away."

"That's an acceptable answer. Just know, if you do decide to join me, I won't object." With that said, Blaine headed for the bathroom to shower. Considering the state he was in, Sebastian knew his body was going to be yelling at him for denying it what it wanted. Yet he knew today of all days Blaine couldn't risk running late. Today he as well as his band needed to make a good impression as Vincent wasn't going to be the only one in the studio with them. And from everything they talked about, it had been agreed upon that Jeff and Sebastian would swing by the studio after lunch so as not to be a distraction early on.

By the time Blaine returned from his shower, he was surprised to find Sebastian sitting up in bed and a cup of coffee waiting for him on the dresser. Blaine leaned in to kiss him before starting to get dressed. Much as when they rehearsed, Blaine was dressing rather comfortably in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. The entire time he dressed, Blaine could feel Sebastian watching him. More than once, he'd commented about how much his style had changed since high school, yet at times it was still very much the same. Blaine told him he learned pretty quickly he needed to dress for the occasion and that you could still look good while dressed down slightly.

After a rather lengthy kiss, Blaine was on his way yet Sebastian knew it would be a few minutes till he heard the door as Blaine needed to gather his guitar and bag from the living room. Once he heard the door close, Sebastian reached for his phone on the nightstand as he needed to talk to his Dad about what had occurred on New Years' Eve and what could be done to keep Kurt away from Blaine. While Blaine told him he was overreacting when he'd brought the topic up the previous night, Blaine knew well enough that Sebastian wasn't going to drop it.

When Blaine arrived at the studio, the woman at the reception desk handed him credentials after he signed in and then proceeded to tell him where to go. During his walk down the hall, he could feel his nerves building so he took a deep breath to try and get them under control. Unlike the last time he had a bad case of nerves; Sebastian wasn't with him to help him relax. Once he opened the door, he instantly spotted Vincent but wasn't quite sure who the two gentlemen with him were. Not wanting to disturb, Blaine stood off to the side as he wasn't sure where to go next. Though, from where he was standing, he could see Todd inside the studio setting his kit up. It was only a few minutes till Vincent turned to face him. "Sorry about that Blaine." He said as a smile crept to his face. "How are you feeling?"

"A little nervous if I'm being honest."

"That's completely normal." Vincent reassured him before making introductions. Blaine was definitely surprised by who was there. Not only was one of the gentlemen Vincent's boss, but the other was from one of the big recording studios. When he saw Blaine expression change with the last introduction, Vincent was quick to let Blaine know they weren't going to be sticking around. But did let him know they were both at their New Year's Eve show and were more than happy with what they'd heard.

They all only got to talk for about ten more minutes as the rest of Blaine's band made their way into the room. Once the other two gentlemen were gone, Vincent looked at Blaine who still seemed to be in a little bit of shock. "Why didn't you tell us they were coming to the show?"

"Because I wanted you guys to be yourself and not worry." Vincent told him. "And they were more than impressed by what they heard and saw. But speaking of that night Blaine, you and I are going to need to talk about what happened afterwards when you were getting ready to leave."

"I'd prefer if we didn't."

"Sorry, but that's not going to be an option and from the look on your face, you know it."

"I do. Would you mind if we do it a bit later though as I would prefer to get set up right now?"

"It won't distract you, will it?" Vincent asked. "Knowing we're going to talk about it at some point today."

"No as everything that happened is pretty cut and dry. But in case you didn't remember, the one that was screaming at me, as well as Bas, was my ex-husband." Once those words came out of Blaine's mouth, everything that happened began to make even more sense to Vincent as he'd heard quite a bit about Kurt including his dislike of Sebastian. With that said, Vincent told Blaine to go in and get set-up as everyone else was doing and they'd get started shortly. Knowing it was Blaine's ex-husband gave Vincent a better idea of how they were going to need to handle the situation. So while Blaine and the others were getting set-up, he went about making a few phone calls.

After Blaine made his way into the studio, things quickly fell into place since they all knew what they needed to do to get ready. Once they started to warm-up, one of the technicians came in with headphones for them all for once they got started. They were just finishing up when they saw Vincent take his seat alongside the producer and sound technician. It wasn't long after that they were given a brief heads up as to what was going to happen as well as what was going to be needed from each of them. They were also told they were probably going to be stopped more than they liked, but this is a process that they'll learn over time.

While they were getting started in the studio, Sebastian was walking around his apartment, clearly frustrated after his conversation with his Dad. Hearing that there really wasn't anything they could do to keep Kurt away from Blaine at that point was not what he wanted to hear. Yet his Dad let Sebastian know that they needed to start documenting any run-in with Kurt. That way should things get any worse they had a record of pattern of behavior. But unless things escalated, there really wasn't anything they could do to keep Kurt away from Blaine. Even with as frustrated as he was, Sebastian knew he was getting ahead of himself like Blaine had mentioned. Though, his Dad said it wasn't a bad thing as often when people don't take things seriously, they get blindsided. It also helped that the first big confrontation happened in front of a rather large group of people.

Knowing he needed to clear his head before getting ready, Sebastian headed to take a shower but not before calling a few of the guys and asking if they could swing by. Sebastian could've easily stayed in the shower longer than he had, but knowing the guys were going to come by forced him not too and to get his head back in the game. He'd just pulled his shirt over his head when he heard the doorbell go off. Considering the timing and where most of the guys were, he could only assume it was probably Hunter or Thad.

Upon opening the door, there stood Hunter as well as Jeff. "This is certainly an interesting duo." Sebastian said as he stepped aside so they could come inside. "Thanks for coming by."

"Not a problem." Hunter replied as did Jeff. "We talked on the ride up that we're assuming whatever you want to talk to us all about deals with Blaine."

"It does." Sebastian replied as he motioned for them to take a seat. "But I really don't want to get into it till the others arrive."

"Who else is coming?"

"Wes, Nick, and Thad as the others have already left aside from Sam. But there really isn't much Sam can do since he's not based in the Northeast. And well, I really don't want to drag the girls into this anymore than need be. Though, they are involved since they kept mine and B's relationship from Kurt."

"Has Rachel heard from him since?" Jeff asked and Sebastian shook his head.

"But B and I know it won't be long as there is no way he's going to drop this till he's said his peace."

"That's usually the case with most people." Hunter added and they nodded in agreement. "And there was no denying he wasn't pleased about it in the slightest.

It was only about twenty minutes later when the others arrived at Sebastian's. Once everyone was settled, Sebastian began to talk and essentially filled them all in on what his Dad had told him. Making certain to stress one point that he wasn't thrilled with but he knew why his Dad had mentioned it. Telling the guys that they needed to try to not and engage Kurt, got him quite a few looks. But once he explained the reasoning behind it, it made sense. While they would all love to give him a piece of their mind, they needed to show restraint so Kurt couldn't play the victim should things get ugly.

"While I know you're not going to want to hear this, Rachel mentioned something when we were all talking after she returned to the loft." Nick said as he looked at everyone. "It seems that seeing Blaine being well, Blaine on stage might've sparked some feelings in Kurt again." When Sebastian just looked at him before falling back in his chair Nick shrugged his shoulders as he hated telling Sebastian this, but knew he needed to know. "It makes sense considering he fell for Blaine when he first saw him in his element."

"That's true." Thad said. "Too bad we didn't rid him from our midst when we had a chance." While he spoke, Thad glanced over at Wes.

"Trust me, that thought has crossed my mind more than a few times over the years. So, you're saying that the reason he was so upset was not only because he saw that Blaine's new boyfriend is Sebastian, but it could also be because he might have feelings for Blaine again."

"Yes." Nick replied. "And Rachel called Quinn to talk about this and Quinn agreed with Rachel's assessment. So much, that Quinn's going to try and make it into the city for Blaine's next performance since there is a chance that Kurt will show up once again."

"I'm sure she'd have fun taking in the dynamic." Sebastian said and noticed Hunter's expression change. "Quinn is a psychology major."

"Got it." Hunter replied. "Now, I know this isn't really any of our business, but since the two of you have talked about it…are you considering having him move in here sooner rather than later?"

"We talked about it again, but as of right now we're sticking with our initial plan in that we won't do it till he graduates so he won't have to deal with the commute." When the guys looked at him, Sebastian laughed. "Yes, I know we spend quite a bit of time at each other's places, but this makes sense. And we're not with each other every night no matter what you guys think. Plus, if we did it much sooner Blaine would have to break his lease and he really doesn't want to do that."

"But I take it should Kurt ever find out where he lives, the move would happen sooner." Wes stated as he looked directly at Sebastian.

"Correct. After everything, Blaine and I have talked quite a bit about everything."

"So he knows you called your Dad." Thad said and Sebastian nodded. "Not wanting to overstep your bounds."

"Precisely. And before I forget, Hunter, B says thank you though I'm sure he'll thank you in person soon enough."

"So you've already shown him."

"I did and he took it surprisingly well."

"What's going on?" Jeff asked after looking around as he could tell he wasn't the only one that seemed lost.

"Does this have to do with that envelope you had me give Sebastian?" Thad asked and Hunter replied in the affirmative. "Care to tell us what was in it."

"That's up to you Sebastian." Hunter stated. "You'd know better than anyone if Blaine would be alright with it."

"He would be as we discussed it. Due to a conversation Hunter and I had that I'm not at liberty to discuss, it led Hunter to find out more about what Kurt was like while married to Blaine."

"And?" Nick asked.

"He cheated on him." Sebastian told him. "Or more specifically, had an affair as this wasn't a one-time thing, it went on for months."

"After the way he made Blaine feel about one slip up, he went and had a fucking affair?" Thad blurted out, clearly as shocked as the others.

"Yes." Hunter replied. "It was with someone he works with. And since I had the investigator stop once Blaine left him, we have no idea how much longer it lasted or if it's still going on. All we know is they were together when Blaine left him."

"So, accusing Blaine of cheating was a way of deflecting what he was doing." Wes stated as calmly as possible.

"That would be correct."

"And Blaine was okay finding this out?" Jeff asked.

"Surprisingly yes." Sebastian replied. "Considering how rocky things were, it was further proof how wrong they were for one another. The only thing that surprised B was that it happened. But it did piss him off in that he was being accused while Kurt was doing what he was doing. I think the fact that he found out when he really has no feelings for Kurt aside from disgust, made it easier to hear."

"I can't believe Hummel did that." Nick said.

"Neither can I, but goes to show he's not who we all think."

Once the guys were done talking, Jeff sat back while Sebastian showed everyone out as they were going to head to the studio together. When he came walking back in, Sebastian looked at him as Jeff was leaning back against the couch. "Care to tell me how worried you really are about him?" Hearing that come from Jeff, Sebastian tilted his head to the side, clearly weighing what he was going to say. "Sebastian, I'm sure the others noticed but weren't going to push their luck in asking."

"Since when did I become so easy to read?"

"You're only easy to read when it comes to Blaine and how much you care about him." Jeff replied. "I hope you know that you're not the only one concerned about him. The last thing any of us want is for Kurt to disrupt what Blaine is building for himself."

"I know. Trust me; reaching out to the guys isn't easy for me. But I know that we all need to be on the same page if we're all going to look out for B. And while he thinks I'm overreacting a bit with my concern, he understands it due to the things I know."

"Are you sure he's okay Sebastian?"

"He's got a better grip on all this than people might realize. Remember, he was apart from Kurt for over a year before he came into my life. And if you add that to the amount of time we've been together it's been well over a year and a half. So while this is still new to us, he's had more time to come to terms with everything."

"That's a good point." Jeff said as he got up as Sebastian pointed to his watch as they needed to get going. "I think we all forget that this isn't as new for him as it is for us."

"That is something I remind myself of all too often Jeff."

Throughout their trip to the studio, the two continued to talk and the conversation took a slightly less serious tone the closer they got. When they finally arrived and walked inside, they waited as the receptionist took their IDs to compare against the names on the list of who was allowed entrance. After being granted access, they were given credentials similar to the ones Blaine and his band were given before being told where to go. The closer they got to the studio doors, they looked at each other as neither knew what to expect once they were inside. So going into this with someone else was certainly making it a bit easier.

Once they made their way inside, they saw a small waiting room which had a rather large window in which allowed you to see not only the mixing tables but also into the actually studio that was beyond another wall. While they were quiet when they walked in, Vincent soon turned and motioned for them to come further in. They didn't know how he knew they were there, but they hung their coats on the rack before coming closer.

After they were seated just beyond Vincent, the producer, and the sound tech they were able to get a good look at everyone. Even after being told Blaine and the others could see in, there was no change in their reactions because of how into the music they were. While Sebastian and Jeff had clearly heard them all play probably more than anyone else, they were impressed with what they were hearing. And it was clear to Sebastian, they'd been playing for quite some time as Blaine's curls were rather prominent as he'd sweated away any product he'd put in his hair. Not to mention, most of their shirts were sticking to them.

When they finished the number they'd been performing, Vincent pressed a button which allowed him to speak to them and let them know that they had company. The moment the words left his mouth, Blaine as well as Morgan's smiles grew. "Why don't you guys take five while we listen to the playback?" They all smiled in response as they were ready for a break. They were all pretty quick about setting their things down or in Todd's case getting up from his stool and head for the sound room. Once they were through the doors, Blaine and Morgan headed straight for Sebastian and Jeff. When Blaine stretched to kiss him, Sebastian was surprised to feel his hands on his chest keeping some space between them.

All it took was one look in Sebastian's eyes after the kiss for Blaine to speak. "I'm too sweaty for you to hold close right now."

"What if I don't mind?" Sebastian replied before brushing a rogue curl off his forehead.

"That's sweet, but not necessary." Blaine told him. "What did you two think of what you heard?"

"You guys sounded great." Jeff said rather quickly. Then before anything else could be said, Vincent let them know they were going to start the playback.

Once it began, Blaine made his way towards the mixing table. It didn't come as much surprise to anyone that Blaine was so hands on in this process. He had a clear vision of the sort of sound he wanted the song to have. While he spoke with the producer and Vincent, Sebastian could only stand back and watch. This was a part of Blaine he was still adjusting to seeing. With as unsure as he'd been when everything started, it was clear he was now completely focused on making sure his dream came true.

After some time working on the track, they all headed back into the studio knowing they'd be taking another break soon as lunch was being brought it. Once they were back inside, Sebastian and Jeff got comfortable again as this was a learning experience for them as well. Seeing the other side of the process gave them a new appreciation of the music they listened to. While they knew a lot went into it, they had no idea of just how much.

By the time they called it a day, it was later than they all thought and the five of them were pretty exhausted. Once they were getting ready to leave after agreeing on the time they were meeting the next day, Vincent reminded Blaine that the two of them still needed to talk. With that said, they all exchanged their goodbyes and headed on their way. But as Sebastian was about to head out into the hall to wait, Blaine stopped him as he was a big part of what had gone on that night. Having Blaine stop him was quite the relief as Sebastian knew Blaine's emotions tended to run high when he was tired. And when talking with Vincent wasn't really the time for him to become overwhelmed.

Even with as tired as Blaine was, he was able to explain things rather clearly to Vincent. Though, Sebastian was needed to help fill in a few of the remaining pieces, particularly when it came to their friends and Kurt. From what he'd witnessed along with the conversation, Blaine was a bit surprised to hear that Vincent was going to be talking to security at the office as it was clear to him that Kurt was a bit of a loose canon. And not that he thought Kurt might hurt Blaine, but he didn't want him or the others to have to worry about Kurt showing up out of the blue and harassing them. His main priority was seeing to it that they were able to go about what they do and he'd take care of everything else.

The smile that came to Sebastian's face when Vincent spoke didn't go unnoticed. Throughout the entire conversation, he could see why Vincent was so good at what he does. And it was precisely what Blaine needed. While Blaine preferred to have complete control in regards to his burgeoning career, he was beginning to realize he needed to let the professionals do what they do as well. And part of a manager's job was not only helping to guide them in the right direction, but also worry about the little things so they don't need to.

Once they were on their way home, Blaine relaxed against Sebastian's shoulder in the back on the cab as he was in no mood to deal with the subway. "How did things honestly sound Bas?" Blaine asked through a yawn as he took ahold of one of Sebastian's hands in his.

"Really good B." Sebastian replied before turning his head to place a kiss on Blaine's forehead. "I really like the songs you guys are working on." When Blaine glanced up at him, Sebastian smiled. "I saw the list of numbers you're going to be working on tomorrow as well."

"I still think Dark Side needs a little more work. Something about it didn't sound right to me."

"Well, you can listen to it again in the morning when you're better rested. But from what Jeff and I heard, we loved it. Hell, we're even a bit jealous as it brought back some great memories for us both. While it didn't happen under the best circumstances, it felt so right to so many."

"I know the feeling. After I sang it with you guys back then, I really couldn't listen to it again. It really struck a chord in more ways than one."

When they finally arrived back at Sebastian's building, he took ahold of Blaine's guitar as it was clear to him Blaine was more tired than he was letting on. So much so, he convinced him that they shouldn't go out for dinner but should order in instead. Once they were inside the apartment, Sebastian went and put Blaine's guitar away while he headed for the bedroom to lie down. Before going to join him, Sebastian made the call and ordered dinner for the two of them. And considering the time, he wasn't too surprised to hear it was going to take a bit longer than usual. So when he walked into the bedroom and saw Blaine stretched out, he carefully sat down beside him in case he was sleeping.

It wasn't till Blaine turned his head and looked up at him, did Sebastian speak. "Since we have about an hour till it gets here, why don't you take a bath and relax." When Blaine shook his head, Sebastian leaned back till he was on his side looking at Blaine. "Care to tell me why?"

"I'd rather take one with you and that won't happen if we're waiting on dinner." After he spoke, Sebastian took one of his hands and cupped Blaine's cheek. "I know it sounds silly, but that's what I want…it's what I need Bas."

"Then a bath can wait till after dinner." Sebastian told him. "So, while we wait, why don't you take a nap and I'll wake you once dinner gets here?"

"There are other things I'd prefer to do Bas."

"You need to rest B; there will be plenty of time for that later."

"Are you implying that sex is on my mind Bas?"

"Isn't it?"

"While I would love nothing more than for u to have sex right now, I'd rather we not get caught up in each other and then be interrupted once dinner arrives."

"So then, what do you have in mind Killer?"

"This." Blaine then turned and kissed Sebastian softly on the lips before wrapping an arm around him and pulling him closer. It wasn't long till Sebastian wrapped his arm around him as well as the kiss continued and gradually deepened. While they both certainly enjoyed their sex life, sometimes nothing felt better than getting lost in kissing the other.