It Started With an Apology

No matter how many times Sebastian replayed the moment in his head, there was no way of stopping what he'd put in motion. They all felt it was the best way to teach Kurt a lesson, without causing him any physical harm, something they knew Blaine would never forgive them for. Yet in the end, they ended up hurting the one person they wanted to protect, Blaine.

Night after night, they those with rooms close to Sebastian's could hear him either call out or pacing his room, due to the scream that was haunting his sleep. Although it looked as though none of them cared when they walked away, with Blaine lying on the ground in agony, it couldn't have been further from the truth. So much so, that more than a few of them got sick outside knowing they were the ones that caused it. Even after Santana paid them a visit informing them how bad things were, they were all at a loss regarding how they were ever going to make things right.

That confusion is what caused David to call Wes, which prompted him to catch the next flight back home the following Friday. From the moment he walked into the common room, they all hung their head in shame, unable to even look him in the eye. "Aren't we missing one?" Wes said as Thad went to close the doors so they could talk freely.

"Yes, but you're not going to see him, at least not right now." Jeff replied as he raked his fingers through his hair. Almost instantly Wes crossed his arms before him, a gesture they all knew too well, meaning that wasn't good enough of an answer. "Hard as this might be to hear, he's taking this harder than the rest of us since he threw it and…never mind, it's not important." Wes then looked at David and Thad.

"He said he'd talk to you later, if that's what you want, but right now he needs to be alone." Thad told him. "Right now, he's trying to catch up on some much needed sleep."

"Fine. Now, what the hell were you all thinking or did you even?" Wes said, his tone that of basically a scolding. Again, they all bowed their heads as they were as disappointed in themselves as Wes was if that was possible. "What was the point of it?"

"It was going to ruin his outfit." Nick mumbled. "Enough to piss him off, but…he'd be fine besides having to replace it."

"Do any of you even know Blaine, seriously?"

"It was a freaking slushie Wes." Thad said. "Getting hit with one is basically a rite of passage at McKinley for the New Directions." Wes sighed, as while he certainly didn't approve, he understood where Thad was coming from.

"Have you spoken with him?" Trent asked quietly, and that brought all their eyes to Wes, waiting for an answer.

"I have, and I'm actually going to see him tomorrow."

"How is he?" Jeff asked.

"Angry, upset, hurt, and sad, but that shouldn't be surprising to any of you." Wes told them. "Easy as it would be for me to scream and yell at all of you, I'm not going to do that as you're doing a good enough job of beating yourselves up over this. By the way, the only reason the headmaster hasn't heard about it, is Blaine refuses to point fingers, though that isn't sitting well with some."

"We never meant for him to get hurt, or anyone for that matter." Beat said to him.

"I know, as does he, which is why he's not turning this into anything worse." Wes responded. "After I see him this weekend, I think it's time you all start going to see him."

"I tried." Nick told him. "But Hummel happened to arrive as I was walking up to the house and…it got ugly. So much so that his Mom sent us away saying Blaine doesn't need the stress. That only set Hummel off more."

"Did you at least ask his Mom to relay a message that you'd stopped by?"

"I did, and she said she would, which didn't make Hummel happy. He told her Blaine would be better off without any of the Warblers in his life. That we're his past and it should stay that way."

"Some of us think he, he won't want to see us." Jeff added, to which Wes could understand. "So, would you mind talking to him about it before we make fools of ourselves? Though if he wanted us to come to scream and yell at us, we probably should, it's not like we don't deserve it."

"Yes, I will broach the subject with him." Wes replied. "But given the conversations I've had with him, expect some anger from him should he want to see you, as you deserve to be the target of his anger. At the same time though, he needs an explanation of why it happened."

"Honestly, it happened because we felt hurt and betrayed." Thad told him. "He left us Wes, with nary a goodbye. Sure, he poked his head in, but…he abandoned us, his friends. And while we know it wasn't all his fault due to a little pest in his ear, it…it fucking hurt! So when Sebastian mentioned getting a little payback on Hummel for taking Blaine from us, we barely had to think about it."

Knowing their depositions as well as he did, Wes wasn't shocked to see even Trent in agreement with what Thad had stated. "All the more reason why you all need to talk with him, because I doubt Blaine has any idea how hurt you all are."

"Because we all get ridiculously happy whenever he shows up." Nick told him. "Hurt as we all are, he's still our friend, at least, was till we screwed up."

"Hard as this might be to hear at this point, I don't believe he'd be as upset as he is, if he didn't feel the same way."

"Basically, you're saying our communication skills suck." Trent stated.

"Essentially, and I'm including Blaine in that since I know he doesn't always voice what's going on in his head." Wes then looked at his watch. "Now if you'll all excuse me, I want to go see Sebastian before going to meet my parents for dinner."

"Wes, could I have a word with you before you do?" David asked, and he nodded.

"I promise I'll swing by again this weekend after I see him so you all know where you stand, okay?" They all nodded before getting up to head back to their rooms to study. Once they had the room to themselves, Wes took a seat on the arm of one of the couches. "What is it you want to talk about?"

"Regardless of what you've heard about Sebastian, there's more to him. In a sense, he's a lot like Thad, in that what he projects, is a persona to stop people from getting too close." Wes nodded in understanding as that description didn't surprise him given what he'd heard. "Also, he knows you looked after Blaine like a little brother, so, he's…"

"Leery to meet me."

"Leery isn't what I'd use, nor is scared, he's nervous. He knows he screwed up, big time, but there's more going on with him regarding all this." David said. "So, in all my rambling, I'm trying to say, tread gently."

"I will take what you said into consideration. And if I don't see you before I leave, I'll give you a call later tonight." It wasn't long after, Wes left the common room and headed for the dorms to speak with Sebastian. Once he was standing before the door, he paused prior to knocking upon hearing Sebastian's voice, though he couldn't quite make out what he was saying. Given he'd made dinner plans, he knocked on the door since he knew Sebastian was expecting him. After he did so, it wasn't long till the door opened and he finally met the man he'd heard so much about, yet never met.

Sebastian stepped back to let Wes in, and at the same time wiped at his eyes which were red. Once he closed the door, Sebastian extended his hand. "You must be the infamous Wes Montgomery." He said as the two shook.

"And you must be Sebastian Smythe."

"Guilty." Sebastian muttered before motioning towards his desk chair for Wes to sit, while he sat back down on his bed. "Before you start, let me just put it out there, I know I'm a horrible person because of what happened to Blaine." The confident façade he'd heard so much about, wasn't anywhere to be seen. All he saw was a boy who was hurting, more than he expected.

"Easy as it would be to tell you, you are a horrible person, I can't, as I horrible person would feel no remorse regarding what happened." Wes said to him. "From what I've heard, and now see, that couldn't be further from the truth. So care to tell me what prompted your actions, as Thad filled me in on everyone else's point of view?"

"What makes you think my reasoning is any different?"

"Because Blaine didn't abandon you, since you didn't know him until recently and hadn't formed the same type of bond with him."

"You want my honest answer?"

"It would be appreciated."

"Fine, I hate Hummel because he's no good for Blaine. Doesn't treat him how he deserves, treats him more like a trophy, than a person."

"And?"

"What makes you think there's more to it?"

"Because David and Thad are good friends of mine. I promise whatever you say to me, will stay between us Sebastian." Wes told him. "Since you've clearly heard quite a bit about me, you know I take my word seriously." Sebastian nodded, before tucking one leg beneath him. "What other reason do you have?"

"You're a smart guy, you go to Harvard after all. I bet you can figure it out." Sebastian said before raking his fingers through hair. "My feelings don't matter, all that matters is I ended up hurting the one person I…"

"Actually give a damn about." Wes finished for him, which earned him quite the look, a look which spoke volumes. "Relax, I meant what I said, anything said in this room stays between us."

"Thank you. I was warned that I might be in for quite the lecture from you since, I hurt Blaine."

"Thad?" Sebastian chuckled lightly. "Not surprising given he was at the receiving end for a few of my infamous lectures."

"Yes, but he said he really deserved about ninety percent of them."

"That's huge coming from him, especially given his attitude at the time they were given." Wes told him. "Mind me asking who you were speaking two prior to me knocking that you let your guard down?"

"My sister, as she's the only person in my life who really would understand how I feel." Sebastian replied. "Have you spoken with Blaine?"

"I have, and as I told the guys, I'm going to see him tomorrow. He's a mess of emotions Sebastian, but you should know he hasn't said anything to his parents yet, and doesn't know if he will."

"If he decides to, he should know it was all my idea, the guys simply went along with it."

"Sebastian, I know those guys and they don't simply, go along with things unless they agree with it." Wes replied. "Trust me, if they wanted to stop you, they would have."

"Still."

"None of them will let you take the fall for it Sebastian, trust me."

"Better I do, than they ruin their college prospects."

"What about you?"

"I'd figure it out."

"Well, don't get ahead of yourself, alright. I told the guys the same thing. Part of my conversation with Blaine, led me to believe it's not going to go that far."

"Why do you say that?"

"Without sharing what he said to me, trust that I know him. And as I told everyone else, a heartfelt apology will go a long way."

"He won't want to see me."

"You should probably let him decide that, otherwise you're taking the choice out of his hands, something he hates."

"Good point. I appreciate that you're willing to talk to him for us."

"I'm not only doing it for all of you, but I'm doing it for Blaine too." Wes told him. "He needs answers, some of which he can only get from all of you."

"Hummel won't be happy that you're playing mediator."

"I don't care if he likes it or not. I'm not going to let one moment destroy friendships which mean so much to those involved." When Sebastian bowed his head, Wes tilted his knowing he could still be seen. "Blaine cares about you Sebastian."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. While I'd heard plenty about you from your fellow Warblers, I also heard about you from Blaine." That last comment clearly piquing Sebastian's interest. "It's true. Think about it, do you really think he'd keep someone in his life, who his boyfriend clearly doesn't like, if the person didn't mean something to him."

"I hadn't thought about that." Sebastian told him. "I mean, I get a kick out of how frustrated Hummel gets when I'm around Blaine."

"And that has nothing to do with your constant flirting." Wes said with a laugh as Sebastian feigned innocence. "If it really bothered Blaine, he would've put a stop to it."

"Everyone loves flattery."

"That they do, though don't often freely admit it. But what you say to Blaine goes beyond flattery." The once innocent expression changed to one a bit more devilish. "Like I said, if he really wanted it to stop, he would've. Just as he's made his position clear."

"He's not completely happy, otherwise my flirting, wouldn't have the same effect on him."

"Maybe, but it's something Blaine has to figure out himself." Wes stated. "Now, while I believe you all need to speak with him, I recommend you let a few of the guys go first."

"Even if he wants to see us Wes, Hummel won't allow it." Wes couldn't help but laugh. "I take it you spoke with Nick."

"I did, but goes to show you really don't know Blaine's Mom. If it's something her little boy wants, she'll make sure it happens, Kurt's feelings be damned. So if Blaine wants to see you, I'll make sure I fill her in regarding Kurt's feelings for all of you, though she probably has a good idea because of his behavior around Nick."

"Fair enough." After he spoke, he saw Wes look at his watch. "If you need to go, I get it as I'm sure there are plenty of people you intend on seeing while you're home."

"Actually, outside of visiting with Blaine and coming here, I'm spending most of my time with my family."

"Enjoy it." Sebastian said before getting up off his bed. "Thank you again."

"Don't thank me yet, as I haven't broached the topic with Blaine yet."

"It's the thought behind it, you're trying which is what matters. It all lies in Blaine's hands, we simply have to wait and see."

Needless to say, once Wes left Dalton the guys were on edge waiting to hear back from him. Although they knew he was spending the evening with his family, it didn't seem to make time go any quicker. A majority of them were in the common room late Saturday morning, and immediately looked at David who'd begun texting. Judging from the looks on their faces, he proceeded to share without being asked, informing them that Wes was leaving for the Andersons. Knowing he was now on his way, they knew it was only a matter of time till they learnt whether or not Blaine was willing to see them.

When it had been over two hours without word from Wes, the guys all started to get justifiably anxious. Though David was quick to remind them that Wes, wasn't only going to play peacemaker, he was going to spend time with and catch up with Blaine. While knowing this was true, it wasn't helping the nerves they were all feeling. Much as they wanted to call him, they knew interrupting him while he was with Blaine, wouldn't come off very well.

Just when Trent was starting to fear the worst given how much time had passed from when they knew Wes was heading over to Blaine's, he appeared in the doorway of the Warbler common room. "How'd it go?" David asked as he made his way into the room.

"It was good, though there was a moment which had to be dealt with."

"Do we even want to know what it was?" Jeff asked.

"Kurt showed up and wasn't happy I was there."

"Welcome to the club." Nick said with a laugh.

"Thanks." Wes replied with a smile before taking a seat. "Though I didn't come face to face with him, Blaine's Dad dealt with him, but we heard just about everything."

"How's Blaine?" Thad asked in response.

"Frustrated, as he's sort of stuck in his room since he needs to be kept out of bright light. So, during the day he's mainly up there as he can't wander till the sun goes down."

"But how is he?" Sebastian inquired.

"Still the mix of emotions I described earlier, but, he's willing to see you, all of you." Wes told them. "There are a couple of caveats, only one at a time, and you need to call in advance."

"Any particular reason, though having to see us all at once could be a bit overwhelming." Beat said.

"That's part of the reason, but he wants to actually be able to talk. The second part, is so Blaine can tell Kurt what days aren't good for him to visit."

"Won't he get suspicious?" Jeff asked.

"He would, if Blaine didn't have follow-up appointments concerning his surgery." Wes said and watched Sebastian's expression fall. "He's going to be okay according to his doctors, no permanent damage."

"When can we start setting up visits?" Trent asked.

"Feel free to start texting him, just don't do it all at once since he can't look at his phone for long periods of time, even with it dimmed."

"Anything else we should know?" David asked.

"No, as the rest of my conversation with him is between the two of us." Wes replied, and saw a sense of relief on most of their faces, everyone except for Sebastian. Once they all started to talk regarding who would go first, Wes made his way over to Sebastian who was standing near the back of the room. "He wants to talk to you too."

"Probably to scream at me."

"Sebastian, you need to do this, not only for him, but for yourself." Sebastian nodded, but it was subtle enough that if Wes wasn't standing right before him, he would've missed it. It was lacking enough to cause Wes to make a mental note to talk with David or Thad before he left, to ensure Sebastian went to go see Blaine.

It took a couple of weeks, but soon all the guys besides Sebastian had gone to see him. During the last few visits though, Blaine had a better understanding of why it happened, which lead him to ask more questions. The one that bothered him most, why hadn't Sebastian reached out to him besides the few rather generic texts seeing how he was doing. While his friends could be a bit dense, they caught on enough to know they needed to give Sebastian a proverbial kick in the ass, as his fears were stopping him from doing what was needed.

By the time they got through to him, Sebastian knew he needed to do it in that moment, so he took a chance asking if he could see Blaine that evening. Although his Mom was a bit hesitant given she and his Dad had plans, Blaine assured her it would be alright since Kurt had plans with Mercedes so wouldn't be stopping by unannounced. With that matter settled, it wasn't long till Sebastian was leaving Dalton and making his way to the Andersons.

Upon arriving at the home, Sebastian sat in his car for a few minutes before getting out, bringing a bag of goodies with him, which he'd dubbed a peace offering. After ringing the bell, it didn't take long for Blaine's Mom to answer and let him in. It only took one look at her to know she and Mr. Anderson were leaving momentarily. Since she hadn't escorted the rest of the boys up, she simply told Sebastian where Blaine's room was located, leaving him to make the trip on his own.

When he reached the top of the stairs, it didn't take him long to make it towards the open door which had music coming from it. The moment he looked inside, he almost turned back when he saw the eye patch he was wearing, but instead took a deep breath before knocking. "Up for a visit?" Sebastian asked from the doorway.

"If I wasn't, do you think I would've agreed to you coming over?" Blaine replied. "Come in Sebastian." Slowly Sebastian made his way into Blaine's room, before setting the bag beside him. "What's this?"

"Just some things I thought you might enjoy." Sebastian told him. "Wes told us you were getting a little stir crazy."

"That I am. Please sit." After looking around, Blaine patted his bed so Sebastian took a seat on the edge. "I've never seen you so, uncomfortable."

"Guess I'm waiting for the inevitable to begin." Just after he spoke, Blaine's Mom called up the stairs to let him know they were leaving. After responding to her, he turned his attention back to Sebastian.

"Inevitable?"

"The screaming, yelling, you know." Blaine laughed softly, but understood where he was coming from. "You find this funny."

"A little." Blaine replied as he started unpacking the bag, shocked to find so many of his favorite things. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. While I know you can't necessarily use everything right now, it'll give you something to look forward to." Sebastian told him before reaching out to place his hand on top of Blaine's which was beside him. "I'm so sorry Blaine. You've got to know I'd never do anything to hurt you."

"Yet you did." Blaine said pointedly causing Sebastian to swallow. "But I know it wasn't on purpose." He quickly followed up. "Doesn't change the fact it did happen."

"I know. It was only meant to ruining Hummel's clothes. If I could change places with you, I would, in a heartbeat."

"So I've been told." Blaine replied as he watched Sebastian wipe at one of his eyes. "Just as I now know I played a part in what happened, be it unwittingly. And while I appreciate the sentiment, I'd rather no one goes through what I did."

"You…" Blaine raised his other hand to stop him, which worked.

"I hurt my friends Sebastian, more than I could've possibly comprehended, but…"

"That didn't give us the right to go after Hummel."

"Normally I'd say yes, but after talking with everyone I know he is the cause of most everyone's anger. While I don't necessarily agree with your tactics, I understand why it happened."

"We shouldn't have just left you, lying there in pain."

"No, but looking back it was probably best or all hell would've broken loose. There's blame to be had on all sides Sebastian."

"Mostly on me though, it was my idea after all."

"You might've thought of it, but the others went along with it." Blaine told him. "It was hard hearing them say they felt I deserted them, and it wasn't only on one front. It was a reality-check on my end, as I had no clue."

"How would you when they act like puppies anytime you came around?" Sebastian said causing him to laugh. "Please don't tell them I said that, especially Thad."

"Deal, though the description works."

"This isn't how I expected any of this to play out."

"You're getting the broken in version, just as it was wise that Trent was the first person I saw after Wes."

"That's what everyone figured, and sort of how the order was chosen."

"So why weren't you scheduled?"

"I really didn't think you'd want to see me." Once he spoke he felt Blaine squeeze his hand. "How is it you're not screaming at me Blaine?"

"Because I know it was an accident. You have to know, everyone at McKinley is livid still."

"I do, and honestly, I don't care. The only person I need to have forgive me, is you, because you're my friend, not them."

"Sebastian."

"It's true Blaine, I don't care what they think. You know as well as I do that Hummel's been in their ear about me from day one."

"Ever think it's because he doesn't take kindly to you flirting with me."

"I'm not going to pretend I'm not attracted to you Blaine, because I am. But at least I treat you like a person and not…" Sebastian stopped before taking a deep breath as he didn't want to ruin what was going relatively well. "Forget it."

"Sebastian."

"Just forget it, alright. I mean, you know how I feel about him and I really don't want to argue with you, especially about him."

"Fair enough." Just as Blaine spoke, his phone went off causing him to reach for it with his other hand. When he simply sighed before looking at Sebastian, it left little doubt who it was.

"If you'd rather talk or see him, I can go."

"I don't want you too."

"Blaine."

"I want you to stay Sebastian, so only go if you want to."

"I don't want to."

"Good, because we obviously still have plenty to talk about."

"I know."

"But at the same time, it doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves once we're done. I mean, unless you have plans since it's a Friday night."

"I couldn't think of a better way to spend my night." Sebastian then gave Blaine's hand a squeeze. "I truly am sorry for everything Blaine."

"I know. Just no more rock salt slushies, okay?"

"Deal." Sebastian replied and felt Blaine give his hand a squeeze. "You are one incredible person Blaine Anderson."

"You're something special yourself Sebastian Smythe."