Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or anything else.

A/N: Just wanted to say thanks to those who reviewed, placed my story on alert, and/or favorited this story. It means the world to me since I don't find my style or form of writing that great and there's always room for improving. It truly warms my heart.

As a thank you, here is another chapter! I'm quite proud of myself that I didn't take too long in writing, proof-reading, and proof-reading it again. Probably still have mistakes here and there though... -_-"

Yay! A flashback! :] Unfortunately, this is more of a filler chapter. Sorry about that but at least I didn't take as long to update this time around. I call that progress...

Chapter 8: 52 Weeks

Making his way into the living room, Sebastian sits down on the couch after setting his cup of tea on the coffee table in front. He sits back, sighing as he runs a hand across his forehead to wipe away the sweat. After a tiring weekend, Sebastian has finally settled into the newly rented house.

Thankfully getting used to California time and weather was no problem for Sebastian. Taking the job here wasn't a bad choice after all. The company paid for his flight, rental car, and the rent for the furnished house in San Diego. The house was simple and located in a nice, quiet location. It wasn't as big as his condo back in New York but it was big enough for one to live comfortably. Sebastian's eyes looked at the almost barren walls, mundane and generic pictures scattered around. This was his home now for the next 52 weeks.

Home.

But it really wasn't, was it? Home is where the heart is. His heart definitely wasn't here. Sebastian knew this very well but accepted it. It was just something he had to get used to. He presses his head into the back of the couch, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

A plethora amount of empty boxes were strewn across the condo, ready to be filled and packaged to make the trip to California. Sebastian asked himself why he thought three days' time was enough to pack his stuff. It just didn't seem possible. He had just accepted the offer yesterday.

Granted, Sebastian wasn't packing every single thing. His dad was still going to pay for rent so he would have a place to come back to when the year in California was over. Even then, he still had a lot of stuff to get organized and placed neatly for the move. At least it would take his mind off of a certain someone, even if for only a little while.

Scratching his head in irritation, Sebastian knew he had to get to work. He was about to start the laborious work when the doorbell rang. Letting out a sigh of relief, Sebastian made his way to the door. His packing buddies were finally here.

"Hey Sebastian," Rachel greets as she makes her way into the condo, followed by Brody. "Brody and I will help in any way possible."

Sebastian smiles in gratitude, "Great. Later, dinner is on me. Do you guys want anything to drink first?"

"Some tea would be nice," Rachel responds.

"Same for me," Brody answers.

The three make their way into the kitchen. Rachel and Brody seat themselves on one side of the kitchen island as Sebastian grabs two mugs and teabags. When Sebastian thinks he steeped the teabags enough, he passes the mugs to his two friends and seats himself on the other side of the kitchen island.

"So...this move to California. That was a surprise," Rachel says warily after taking a couple of sips. Sebastian watches as Brody shoots her a quick glance before going back to concentrate on his own tea.

"It was a spur of the moment decision but it's only for a year. I'll be back before you know it," Sebastian says, tensing as Rachel's gaze bore into him.

Rachel gaze soon drops down to the warm mug that she is cradling in her hands. "What about school?"

"I am deferring for a year. NYU can wait and besides, I'll be taking online courses over in Cali," Sebastian responds tentatively. He knows Rachel is just making small talk, trying her best to avoid a certain topic she actually and obviously wanted to ask about. Brody continually focusing on his mug like it grew a head only confirmed his suspicions.

Rachel was now tracing the rim of the mug with her finger, eyes fleeting between Sebastian and her mug. "This is because of Kurt, isn't it?"

"Rachel," Brody immediately warns, eyes still focused on the mug in his hands.

Rachel shoots a glare at her boyfriend, "What? We don't hear from him for two/three days and suddenly he informs us that he's going to California. We both are thinking it."

Sebastian knew it was only a matter of time before Kurt was brought up but the mention of his name is still too much for him. The pain that is currently searing through his heart is excruciating. He finds himself wrapping his arms around himself as if it would help dull the pain.

Might as well be truthful now. Rachel isn't the type to let things go easily.

"You're right. Ku- He is the reason why I took the offer," Sebastian responds honestly, eyes glued to the floor as tears started to form.

"So you're just going to run away?" Rachel asks exasperatedly. "What about Kurt? He's been asking about you. He wanted to come over but he knows you need space. California is a really big step. You need to think about this Sebastian!"

"What do you expect me to do?" Sebastian asks, his hands now gripping the counter-top of the kitchen island as the tears freely cascade down his face. "Everywhere I turn, I am reminded of him. He is the one person...the only person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Knowing that can never happen is just too much, Rachel. I can't sleep. I can't eat. I feel like I'm suffocating because he was my breath of fresh air."

Sebastian gives himself a moment to wipe away the tears on his face but they are replaced with fresh ones soon enough. He realizes how futile it is and decides to continue.

"It literally feels like I'm dying from a broken heart. Ku- He isn't mine anymore. You need to accept that. I need to accept that and move on. I know it makes me seem weak but I just need to get out of here. Please...just please be understanding," Sebastian says with finality.

The three of them sit uncomfortably in silence while Sebastian gets his breathing and tears under control. Soon after, they all start to get to work. Rachel and Brody were placed in charge of packing miscellaneous things such as books, toiletries, and some kitchenware while Sebastian worked on packing his clothes. Since California had nice warm weather, Sebastian was relieved that he didn't need to pack those thick or puffy coats and jackets that would take up too much space and be a hassle anyways.

By the time Sebastian folded and packed roughly 78% of his wardrobe, it was almost time for dinner. After taking a quick shower and getting dressed, he was ready to go out for dinner. He had to get some semblance of food in his system before he could collapse.

Sebastian makes his way to the living room where Rachel and Brody were sitting on the couch, focusing on something between their laps. "You guys must be starving, what are you two feeling for di-."

He stops in his tracks when he sees what they were looking at it. It was what contained almost two and a half years worth of happiness. Happiness that no longer seemed to exist to Sebastian. The photo album.

Turning their heads slowly to face Sebastian, they both had guilty expressions on their faces. Brody is the first to speak. "Sorry man, we didn't mean to."

"We just wanted to see what it was. See if you would want to bring it to California," Rachel chimes in next as she closes it. "It's amazing. Sums up your relationship with Kurt beautifully. I'll just go and put it in the box."

She starts to get up but Sebastian holds up his hand, effectively stopping her. He takes the album in his hands, weighing it delicately. He brushes over the cover with his hand before making his way over to the nearby bookshelf.

"I think it would be best if I don't bring it," Sebastian sighs as he places the album on the almost empty bookshelf. He takes a deep breath before turning back to his friends that are still sitting on the couch, now with worried expressions. "Let's go eat."

Sebastian opens his eyes slowly, taking in his surroundings once again. Starting tomorrow, his year in California begins. 52 weeks of pure work. 52 weeks till he has to go back to New York. Getting up from the couch with his cup in hand, Sebastian makes his way to the kitchen. He dumps the now cold tea in the sink and rinses it before setting it on his cup rack. Sebastian proceeds to make his way to his bedroom upstairs slowly, yawning along the way. Work tomorrow was going to start bright and early.

This is his life now and this is his home now. Sebastian had to get used to that. Good thing he had 52 weeks to do just that.

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter even though it is on the shorter side but I guess that happens when I write a filler chapter. If you were wondering, Sebastian's move to California was at the end of August/beginning of September. The next chapter will probably be a time jump. Not too sure on how many months ahead though...

Stay Tuned!

As usual, reviews are very much appreciated! :]