5YL the Adventure Begins

Part 37

When Blaine finally finished with sound check, he and his band made their way off the stage and handed their gear to their crew. They were all talking when he turned and noticed Puck was still standing there. After introducing them all, he got a good laugh when he noticed the way Puck was looking at Morgan and Talia. "Don't even think about it Puck." Blaine said to him as they headed for the steps. "Nice to see some things never change."

"I am who I am Anderson." Puck told him. "Now, where are you heading from here?"

"Chicago, and then onto…"

"Minneapolis." Talia finished for him earning her a thank you. "I looked at the schedule before we headed over here."

"Are you guys heading back to your bus now?" Puck asked as they approached their awaiting ride.

"We are as we need to go over a few things." Blaine told him. "There are a few numbers we need to work on for an upcoming appearance." He then turned to look at his band who was smiling. "Are you working this evening as well Puck?"

"I will be here." Puck replied. "So, I will see you later Anderson."

"Later Puck!" Once they all loaded into the car, Blaine could feel all eyes were on him. "I'm guessing you're all staring because you want to know what happened?" When they all enthusiastically nodded, Blaine laughed softly. "Everything went the way it was supposed to, besides a little outburst."

"You or him?" Morgan asked as they felt the car pull away.

"He started it, but I couldn't keep my mouth shut." Blaine told them. "Needless to say, his Dad got a good luck at the person I've had to deal with."

"Wait, he was worse than he had been?" Justin asked and Blaine nodded. "Sorry man."

"It's alright, hopefully this got through to him." When the guys snickered, Blaine sighed. "Yea, I know. Now, onto something happier…Vincent got approval for all the songs I wanted to do in Columbus, so…we've got some work to do."

"I guess it's a good thing we started playing them once we all woke up." Todd told him with a wink causing Blaine to tilt his head. "Yea, we were part way through Pennsylvania when we started. The arrangements are, different."

"I know, but they capture the feel of the Warblers."

"We know." Morgan said to him which had Blaine look at her. "Jeff gave me a copy of some of the Warblers performances both while you were there, and after you left."

"And we watched them once we had a problem getting the feel on one of them." Talia added. "While we found out how talented you all were last weekend, this gives us a whole new perspective." When Blaine blushed, the girls scooted closer to him before resting their heads on his shoulders. "Also, I can see why you had a thing for Sebastian even back then. He's only gotten more handsome."

"Agreed." Blaine said in response. "I really appreciate that you guys have no problem doing this."

"It's always fun to change things up." Todd told him. "There is no way I would've been able to do what you guys did. Also, it now makes sense why your one buddy is called Beat; it's short for Beatbox, isn't it?"

"That it is. You know you could've asked then."

"We simply went with the flow." Justin replied. "You know that's our mindset for the most part."

"That I do, which is really needed during all this craziness." When Morgan giggled, Blaine turned his head. "What?"

"Blaine, we don't have to worry because you make sure we have nothing to worry about." Morgan said to him. "From the moment this all started, you've been on top of everything. Why do you believe we always do what we can to make it easy for you?" Blaine took a deep breath before turning his head to kiss her on the forehead. "We care about you Blaine, a lot and we want you to enjoy every aspect of what's happening now. With all you've been through, you deserve it."

"I appreciate that, I really do. When everything happened, you guys didn't turn your backs on me, that meant and still means so much to me."

"You know Blaine, your other friends never turned their backs on your either." Todd told him. "The difference between us and them, Kurt couldn't get rid of us because we went to school together. Think about it, he tried to on more than one occasion."

"I know, which is why you guys not turning your backs on me means so much. So many people got pulled into our mess and that's never what I wanted."

"We know." Talia said as she took one of his hands. "That's one of the reasons why it was so easy to stand by you. Plus, Morgan and I got a kick out of the fact that he thought you were sleeping with us, even though you're gay."

"That's something I still can't believe he did."

"When it comes to him Blaine, nothing surprises me." Justin said to him. "Wait, if he did something rational, that might surprise me." When the others all laughed, Blaine leaned his head back and smiled. "That's more like it. Now, does Sebastian have any idea what you have in mind for Columbus?"

"Not a clue and I hope to keep it that way." Blaine told them all. "It's a special little thank you to those that mean so much to me."

"From what Jeff's told me and what I've personally seen, this is going to mean the world to them." Morgan said as the car came to a stop and they waited to exit. "Not to mention, he's personally going to love my get-up."

"You think?" Blaine said with a laugh as the back door opened. "I'm pretty certain, once he sees you like that, there are going to be plenty of impure thoughts going through his head."

While they were getting ready to work on the new numbers, Xavier and Victoria were enjoying a quiet walk through Central Park while they waited for Sebastian's day to end. "Is there a reason you wanted to go for a walk after Patrick and Kate left?" Victoria asked as she enjoyed this quiet time together as they didn't get it too often. "Or do I already know the reason?"

"You already know." He told her before leaning down to kiss her on the cheek. "Representing people you know, is hard because you're more affected by what they're going through. And watching not only Blaine, but his parents go through this…hurts."

"That I understand as my heart broke when Kate told me how nasty things got between them." She replied. "She said she's never heard that sort of tone from Blaine. From what we've gotten to know, I can't imagine seeing Blaine in that way."

"Kurt knows just what to say to get under his skin; it's awful as he seems to get a sick pleasure out of it." Xavier told her. "Blaine held it together until…" he then sighed softly while tightening his arm around her.

"It's alright love, Kate told me Sebastian got brought up and that seemed to be what really set him off." Victoria stated. "I know Sebastian told us not to look, but, did you see the picture?"

"I did and understand completely why neither one of them wanted us to see it." When Victoria laughed, he looked down and saw her looking up at him. "Why are you laughing?"

"Coming from you, I can only imagine what the picture looked like."

"Let's me put it this way, take those cute moments you've seen of the two and amp it up ten-fold." When she only laughed louder he kissed her once again.

"So, it's safe to presume in regards to sex drive, like father, like son." This time Xavier couldn't help but laugh loudly. "I'll take that as a yes."

"You know if Sebastian heard us, we'd get that death glare of his."

"He learnt it from you."

"I beg to differ as it's more like yours." Xavier told her before they found a bench to sit on near the lake. "He contorts his lips when he gives it."

"Fair enough, but the eyes are you so it's a combination move." Victoria said in response and he nodded.

"Much as we worry about him, he and Blaine can take care of themselves."

"I've never doubted that, and neither has Kate or Patrick."

"I know, it's just now more is on the line than their own pride." Xavier told her. "I'm honestly impressed that they've allowed the lawyers to fight their battles. Our boy has grown up."

"That he has." Victoria replied. "Kate told me she's grateful that Blaine's letting the lawyers handle things as well. The less Blaine has to deal with his ex, the better."

"I couldn't agree more. After what happened at the shoot, Blaine's not going to allow it to happen again."

"Can't say that I blame him as he has enough going on in his life, he shouldn't have to worry about someone not behaving."

"Agreed." While the two were talking, they were surprised to get a call from Sebastian who was done a bit early that day since he'd gotten all his work done and his boss was leaving early for the weekend. After finding out his parents were in the park, Sebastian told them if they wanted he'd meet them there once he changed. Surprisingly enough, it didn't take Sebastian as long as they'd expected to join them. "What has you in such a good mood?" Xavier asked after Sebastian kissed his Mom on the cheek.

"Focusing on all that's right, instead of missing Blaine. I can't believe I'm telling you this, but it's going to be weird sleeping alone tonight."

"Good thing you don't have to get up in the morning then if you don't sleep well." Victoria told him, bringing a slight smile to his face. "Trust me, we understand what you mean as you get used to having another body beside you. How are you feeling though, honestly?"

"Relieved that B was able to take care of everything before he left; frustrated that Hummel pissed him off." Sebastian said in response. "He hated that Hummel was able to piss him off the way he did. But said it felt good to get a few things off his chest." When his Dad cocked his eyebrow, Sebastian smiled. "Yes, he told me what he said to him. B almost said a few other things, but refused to stoop to his level."

"One can only imagine what else he would've said." Xavier replied. "After lashing out, Blaine excused himself to compose himself."

"He does that quite a bit as his therapist taught him quite a few techniques to get his emotions under control." Sebastian then looked between his parents. "Where are we going to for dinner since you two are casually dressed?"

"Your choice." Victoria told him. "While I'm sure your friends were prepared to take you out since Blaine left, we wanted to enjoy a bit more time with you."

"You're right, they were, but understood me wanting to go out with you. This trip didn't end up the way any of us expected, I'm sorry."

"We got to spend time with you and Blaine, that's all we wanted and we got that." Victoria then kissed him on the cheek. "Also, Kate and I spoke and neither of us have an issue if the two of you want to stay together when you're in town. All we ask is we get to spend time with you." That last bit had Sebastian tilt his head to the side. "Does that really surprise you given the two of you live together?"

"I guess I…we assumed…never mind."

"Sebastian, all either set of parents ask is that the two of you are respectful regardless of where you are." Xavier told him. "At least at home, you won't have to worry about photographers seeing you." When Sebastian leaned his head back and ran his hands through his hair, Xavier laughed. "Come now, you know I'd comment at least once."

"True, at least your comment wasn't like Cooper's when he saw it. That's a moment none of our friends are going to let us live down."

"I only have one question for you about it Sebastian." Victoria said to him as she turned to face him. "Were the two of you dressed?"

"Yes, we were dressed Mom."

"Then the two of you shouldn't be worried about it. If people have an issue with the two of you being that close while clothed, that's their problem not yours." Hearing his Mom say that, Sebastian smiled as he loved that he could have this sort of conversation with is parents no matter how awkward it could be at times. "So, dinner?"

"I know the perfect place."

With Blaine and the others out of town, Nick came in as he knew the first day away was always difficult for Jeff. When he arrived at the apartment, Jeff noticed an envelope in his hand. "Is that for me?" He asked as Nick came walking in. After a look, Nick shook his head. "Okay, then what is it?"

"I need to give it to Sebastian tomorrow, it's from Sophie." Nick replied as they went to sit down. Jeff was clearly confused by the comment as he wondered what Nick's girlfriend, could possibly have for Sebastian. "It's an invitation for the Bastille Day celebrations their hosting. Since Blaine knows how important that part of Sebastian's heritage is to him, he asked Sophie if it would be possible for him to come."

"Sebastian's going to love that. How did Sophie pull it off?"

"She's garnered more pull in the last couple of months." Nick said to him. "So, next week when he's not working he'll have something to do to keep his mind off of Blaine." After he spoke, Nick saw Jeff's expression change. "Hey, I know this is hard on you too. It's just with all the other stuff going on with Blaine; he knows it is stressing Sebastian out. This is his way of cheering him up." When Jeff still didn't say anything, Nick leaned forward and looked across at Jeff. "What don't I know Jeff?"

"Nothing. Do you still want to order in or do you want to go out?"

"Stop deflecting Jeff, I've known you too long to not be able to see something else is going on. What is it?"

"Blaine didn't leave with Morgan and the rest of his band this morning. He was in court, with Kurt."

"Excuse me; I thought Blaine was done with him?"

"He'd like to be, but Kurt did something that violated some of the terms of their divorce." Jeff told him. "They went before a judge this morning to handle the matter before Blaine could leave. You know it had to be important for him to not travel with everyone else."

"Does Morgan know what happened?" Jeff shook his head. "That doesn't surprise me since Blaine tends to try not to involve people. Is he okay?"

"Besides being frustrated, yes from what Morgan told me. It shines a light on why Sebastian seemed more protective of him than usual when we were all together Thursday night." With that response, Nick leaned back. "Beer?" Nick nodded and soon Jeff went to get them each a bottle. While it wasn't to the same extent, Nick knew what it was like to go through an ugly break-up all too well and still have to deal with the other well after the fact. "Care to tell me what you're thinking about?"

"My nasty break-up my sophomore year." Nick told him before taking the top off of his beer. "The one that dragged on through part of my junior year."

"Not something I could forget." Jeff said to him. "It's one of the reasons why I never dated anyone with the same major. You're unable to avoid them once it ends."

"You said that a few times once things went to hell. While I'm not excusing what I did, it truly could've been worse considering I was drunk."

"True, she only caught you kissing some girl."

"Yep! And while she had every right to get pissed and break-up with me, she didn't have to constantly throw it at me in front of everyone." Nick said before taking another sip. "I fucked up and kissed another girl while drunk, it happens. Wes said it best when he said it could've been worse, she could've found me having sex while drunk."

"To her, there was clearly no difference."

"No shit! Do you ever wonder if we know everything that happened between them?"

"I've thought about it." Jeff said in response. "Yet with what we know, if they are keeping anything from us it's got to be bad and I'd rather not know."

"I hadn't thought of it that way. Any particular reason you do?"

"Morgan was around Blaine when they separated and were divorcing, she told me a few things that she witnessed. What happened to you was a walk in the park compared to what he went through and that's saying a lot since you'd probably gone through the worst break-up out of any of us. Kurt flat out screamed and yelled at him in front of people, he didn't care that others were around; he seemed to take joy in it. He would catch him in places where he knew Blaine couldn't run, he'd have to stand there and take it. Lots of nasty things were said to him and about him, most weren't true."

"If I needed another reason to dislike Hummel. How did we all let it happen, I mean, even Wes backed off." Nick replied.

"We didn't want to make things harder for Blaine than they clearly already were. Most of this probably wouldn't have happened if we were around; we would've noticed the difference."

"Something we're all aware of." Nick said to him. "It makes one wonder if this was the plan all along." Jeff nodded as the thought has crossed his mind a few times ever since they found out what happened. Even though Blaine had been back in their lives for almost a year, it was a topic they really didn't broach knowing it was a sore subject for him. With that being the case, they all still had plenty of questions about what happened to Blaine when they were all separated.

By the time Blaine was done performing that evening, he got a good laugh when he saw Puck after getting off the stage. While he'd clearly impressed him during sound check, it was obvious Puck didn't expect the performance he witnessed. "You are a rock star!" Puck told him once he came off the stage with a big smile. "Damn Anderson!" Blaine smiled as this behavior was so unlike Puck. "Male and female alike, they love you dude!" When Blaine didn't say anything, he looked at his band that was helping pack up as they needed to get a move on it.

"He's still adjusting to it." Justin said to Puck. "Though, he'll probably never get used to it."

"I won't." Blaine chimed in with as he closed his guitar case. "The whole thing is surreal."

"I'd be living it up if it was me." Puck told him as he escorted him through the crowd backstage since Scott was speaking with Tess.

"Easy as it is to say so, it takes a lot out of you." Todd said to him. "While we all love to party, sleep is our friend."

"He's right, as being on stage performing takes a lot out of us." Blaine replied. "And if we don't get our rest, our performance would suffer. People tend to forget that we do have things to do during the day as well, we don't only perform at night."

"I love that you have such a clear focus." Tess said as she and Scott came up behind them. "Makes my job easier." Blaine turned and looked at her. "We need to get a move on it as you have an interview in the morning." When Blaine sighed softly, Talia nudged him. "It's only one, so you can relax after that. Considering the week you had in New York, this is going to be a walk in the park."

"Well, you heard the boss…I need to get going." Blaine said to him. "It was good seeing you again Puck."

"It was good seeing you as well. Good luck Blaine!"

"Thanks!" Once they were settled back on the bus, they all fell into their usual routine as their gear was being loaded up in the trucks. While Blaine was waiting for a shower, Tess came up and handed him the updated album sales which left Blaine dumbfounded. "You're kidding me, right?"

"Nope, those are the numbers as of this moment which has you in the top ten for this week and rising." Tess told him. "While we all know the promotion last week was hard on you, it paid off for you Blaine. Vincent is currently quite busy as plenty of people want you on their shows both during the remainder of this tour and once you're done. You might not have as much down time as you thought before you head off on your own tour." When he looked down, Tess sat down beside him. "You'll have time with Sebastian, just not as much as you might've believed."

"How'd you know that's what I was thinking about?"

"Because it's obvious to anyone that spends time around you both, how much you love one another." Tess said in response. "I didn't mean to alarm you; I simply meant that you will have some obligations once tour is over. Trust me when I tell you, Vincent is well aware that you need some quality time at home. He knows getting out on the road like this is quite an adjustment and if anyone says they aren't overwhelmed, they're lying. Whenever possible, he tries to make the transition as smooth as possible because if you burn out, it's not good.

"Good to know, not simply for my sake, but for everyone's. Being home last week, even though we were working was well needed."

"It was noticed as you all had an added bounce in your step. That's why when it gets down to hammering out dates for your tour; you'll be intricate part of it." Tess then got up and his eyes followed her. "Don't stay up too late talking to Sebastian as your interview is in the morning."

"Got it. Night Tess."

"Night Blaine."