Five Years Later
Part 3
"So, tell me again how Blaine's upset and is probably at home trying to cope with what's happened." Santana said to Rachel as they both saw the silhouettes of two people kissing inside Blaine's apartment. "From where we're standing, the hobbit is clearly back in the game again."
"Santana!"
"What? You're the one who thought Blaine made up plans with a friend tonight. Obviously, he did have plans and well, things seem to be going well. But if you're still not sure we can go up and check on Blaine and make….Whoa! Did you just see that? Tall dude's hands went to his ass. Wanky!"
"You're not helping matters Santana."
"Hey, you knew exactly what you were getting when you asked me to come along. To think Blaine was bothered by the fact his divorce is finally finalized was a joke. Blaine filed and couldn't get away from Kurt quick enough."
"Yet he was out all night last night and didn't return my calls or texts. That's not like him."
"Rach, I'm pretty sure Blaine went on dates after he and Kurt separated. While he's certainly not my type, Blaine's good looking. More power to him for moving on with his life considering how miserable he was. Hell, with what's going on right now I wouldn't be surprised if mystery man up there was who he was with last night. And Blaine obviously knows him well if he's in his apartment, because Blaine doesn't just invite anyone in." Santana then glanced over at Rachel once more who was still looking up towards Blaine's apartment from their spot in the park. "He's fine Rachel and I doubt he'd be thrilled to know you're literally spying on him right now."
"I'm not spying, I'm concerned. Don't you think this is a little fast?" Once Rachel asked, Santana grabbed ahold of her hand and started them up the block.
"No as they'd been separated for well over a year and well, prior to that it wasn't much of a marriage considering they did nothing but fight. We both saw that and hated it, especially during the last year prior to Blaine leaving. I'm just glad one of them had the balls to get out before it got any worse."
"Kurt still loves him."
"Rachel, that marriage was destroying them both. While we were both happy when they got engaged and then when they got married, they clearly didn't work through their issues before hand."
"I know, but it doesn't make it any easier to accept."
"Would you rather them still be together and be miserable?"
"No."
The next few weeks were certainly packed for both of them as they tried to figure out time to see each other. To say that their phones were getting a workout might've been an understatement. After the date Blaine took Sebastian on, the next one was Sebastian's to plan and he certainly treated Blaine well. From that point, they alternated back and forth as to who was responsible for the date planning. And while they tried to not label things, it was soon pretty clear where things were heading and then with one question from Sebastian it was official, the two were exclusively seeing each other.
When Sebastian grabbed his bag that morning on his way to his weekly coffee date, he smiled as he glanced at the picture of him and Blaine on his dresser. It had taken them awhile, but they finally managed to take a picture together where one wasn't acting like a goof. After grabbing the last of his things, Sebastian headed out the door. By the time he arrived at the coffee shop, he wasn't too surprised to see he was the first to arrive. So after ordering his coffee, he found them a table to sit at before grabbing his phone to check his schedule while he waited.
Sebastian was so caught up going over his shopping list for that evening that he didn't even notice his friend sit down across from him. "So, there is this great band playing the bar tonight so I thought we could go and check them out?"
"Sorry, can't do it. I've got a date."
"You, "Mr. I Don't Date Smythe", have a date tonight, right?"
"Believe it or not, I do. It just took the right person for me to do so."
"Seriously man, what's the real reason you can't come, homework?"
"No, I've…" Before Sebastian could finish his phone rang and smile crept to his face upon seeing Blaine's face appear on the screen. "Hey Killer, what's going on?" While Sebastian spoke, his friend sipped his coffee and cocked his head to the side as those words sounded so familiar to him yet he didn't know why. "Don't worry about it. Just come over once rehearsal is done. We knew there was a chance of rehearsal running late when we made plans. So just get there when you can. I can't wait to see you either. Bye." Once he ended the call, Sebastian set his phone on the table. "As you could hear, I have plans."
"Why did that conversation give me a case of déjà vu?"
"Why don't you tell me Harwood as I have no idea what goes through that head of yours sometimes?"
"Who were you talking to Sebastian?"
"My date for this evening if it wasn't obvious."
"A name Sebastian, he's got to be someone special for you to have that grin on your face."
"I don't have a grin on my face." Sebastian said before taking a sip of his coffee, hoping he could bring his emotions into check. He and Blaine had been seeing each other for about a month and he'd so far managed to keep it from Thad.
"Right." Thad said as he sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. "A name Sebastian."
"Blaine." Thad instantly started to laugh as soon as the name came out of Sebastian's mouth. "What's so funny?" Sebastian asked as Thad continued to laugh as people in the coffee shop looked at him.
"If you don't want to give me a name, fine, but using Blaine, is just ridiculous. There aren't that many Blaine's around. And well, the first person that comes to mind when I hear that name is Blaine Anderson." The moment Thad said, Blaine Anderson, he noticed Sebastian's expression change. "Start talking Sebastian. Was that really Blaine on the phone?" Sebastian proceeded to slide his phone across the table.
"Look at my last received call, it'll answer everything." Thad did as Sebastian said and soon Blaine's picture popped up on the screen.
"Sebastian, Blaine's married. That's not cool as from what I heard it sounded like a date."
"Well, it is a date as Blaine's divorced."
"Excuse me?" Thad proclaimed rather loudly before quieting himself and leaning towards Sebastian. "Since when?"
"Do you want to know when he filed or when it became official?"
"When he filed?"
"Over a year ago."
"No, that can't be as Wes would've said something to us since he was the only one really permitted to keep in contact with him. Please tell me you had nothing to do with it Sebastian."
"Thanks for the vote of fucking confidence Thad!"
"It's not like that man, it's…." Thad ran his fingers through his hair as he could tell he'd pissed Sebastian off.
"I had nothing to do with Blaine's marriage falling apart. The last time I saw him prior to about a month ago was over four years prior when I saw him at that coffee shop I told you about."
"Before I even ask how he came back into your life I need to ask, how is he?"
"As good as someone can be whose marriage turned out to be a nightmare and then went through hell during the divorce. In most ways he's still the Blaine you remember, but he's also not in a lot of ways if that makes sense."
"Strangely how he is makes sense from what you said. That also answers my question about how Kurt took the divorce."
"I'd prefer if we don't discuss that person in public as my opinion might get us thrown out as my language might become rather colorful."
"Sebastian."
"Thad, if you knew just how bad it was, you'd feel the same way. Here's something to put into perspective, Blaine's nervous performing nowadays."
"Blaine doesn't get nervous on stage Sebastian, he owns it."
"The Blaine you remember did. Who he is now, gets nervous. Everything that happened slowly ate away at Blaine's confidence. I see glimmers of who he was back in high school once in a while, but he needs to be in the right situation. It's going to take him awhile to get it back."
"Are you trying to help him?"
"I'm helping without trying as that's not what Blaine needs right now. He needs people who care about him for him with no expectations."
"Why didn't he tell anyone what he was going through?"
"I know, but I'm not at liberty to say."
"Do you think I could see him? I mean, I've missed him as have the rest of the guys."
"Let me talk to him about it tonight, okay." Sebastian told him before taking a sip of coffee. "While I understand wanting to see him, I think if everyone showed up at his door or called at once it would honestly be too much for him."
"While you answered my earlier question, I have a new one for you." Sebastian nodded once Thad spoke. "What exactly is going on with you and Blaine?"
"Honestly?" Thad nodded. "He's my boyfriend. Why?"
"There was something about the look on your face when you talked about him. I can tell you care for him Sebastian. At one time I might've been concerned, but right now I believe you're exactly what Blaine needs right now."
"I'm flattered, but why?"
"It's because you're accepting Blaine for who he is right now and not who he was at one time."
"How do you know that?"
"It's the way you spoke about him and also what you didn't say."
"So you're not upset with me not telling you when I first saw him and we got involved?"
"I'm a little hurt, but if things were as bad for him as you say, I can understand. You're trying to protect him."
"You're right, I am. I was planning on telling you."
"Does Blaine know you're still in touch with the guys?"
"He does. The night he came over to my place we talked till just before sunrise. And then picked up where we left off when we went out to dinner that night. We were completely honest with each other when we filled each other in on what had been going on in our lives since we last saw each other."
"Did he ask about everyone?"
"He did and got a kick out of all the stories I had to tell. It was easy to tell that he misses everyone."
"Yet you still think we have to be cautious."
"I do. But as I told you, I will talk to Blaine about seeing you tonight and we'll go from there."
It wasn't long after that, did Sebastian have to leave and head to class. Once he was gone, Thad grabbed his phone and sent out a mass text to the guys telling them to be online by seven that evening as they had something important to discuss.
By the time Thad got home that evening, he turned his laptop on before grabbing a beer from the refrigerator knowing he was going to need it with what he was going to do. Shortly after he got logged in, slowly but surely the guys he texted began to pop up on the screen. "Care to tell us what was so important we all had to get online tonight?" Nick asked before taking a bite of his dinner which was next to him.
"Shouldn't we wait for everyone to get on?" Jeff asked.
"Everyone is on." Thad replied.
"Sebastian isn't here." Beat corrected him.
"Sebastian isn't joining us tonight as he has plans."
"What's going on Thad as your message sounded rather important?" Wes asked and everyone nodded.
"I got some news today that you all need to hear, but after I tell you, you need to promise to listen to me."
"This sounds serious." David said.
"It is. Earlier today I found out that…" Thad paused and took a swig of his beer. "That Blaine got divorced."
"No he didn't." Wes said. "He would've told me."
"That's what I thought as well, but obviously…he didn't."
"Is he okay?" Jeff asked, clearly concerned about what he'd just heard.
"It depends on perspective and the situation. But the divorce and the years leading up to it took a toll on him."
"When did you see him?" Nick asked.
"I haven't seen him. I got this information from a reliable source."
"What source Thad?" Wes asked.
"Sebastian."
"How did Sebastian get this information?" Beat asked.
"Blaine told him." Thad said with a laugh. "How else?"
"Always the fucking comedian, huh Thad." Nick said as he shook his head. "Seriously, how is it Sebastian knows all this?"
"Blaine went to see him, that's how he knows."
"Great, he went to Sebastian with something like this yet couldn't tell me and we talk at least once a week." Wes said with a sigh. "Any particular reason he chose Sebastian and not any of us?"
"This might sound harsh, but he knew Sebastian wouldn't judge or lecture him."
"I wouldn't have judged or lectured him." Jeff replied. "Honestly, I don't think any of us would have, but I can see how he could think that."
"Jeff's right." David said. "But now, what were you talking about when you said we needed to listen to you as I'm assuming it goes beyond telling us Blaine got divorced."
"How many of you want to call Blaine right now and check on him?" Every one of them said yes. "That's what I thought, but guess what, don't do it."
"Excuse me?" Wes replied, the frustration evident in his voice. "You're telling me I can't call and check on him after you drop this bomb on us."
"I am, as of right now. Blaine went through hell and it might be too much for him for us to all try to integrate ourselves back into his life at once."
"That's why he needs us." Trent said. "He needs to know we're still there for him."
"Guys, you need to trust me on this. If you all saw the look on Sebastian's face when he told me bits and pieces of what's happened to Blaine, you'd understand. He's going to talk to Blaine tonight as I told him I'd love to see him."
"So we're supposed to trust Sebastian's judgment as to whether or not we can get in touch with Blaine?" Wes said.
"The rest of us more so than you Wes as you've been in touch with him. But I doubt he'd be thrilled to know you found out about his divorce from me who found out from Sebastian. There is obviously a reason he didn't tell you Wes. Blaine left Kurt over a year ago so that should give you an idea of how bad it was if he didn't say anything."
"I've got to go with Thad on this one; we need to follow Sebastian's lead." Nick said. "Blaine obviously trusts him. So if we all want back into his life we're going to need to play this right. The last thing any of us want is to add more stress to Blaine's life."
"While I don't like it, you're both right." Wes told them. "We'll follow Sebastian's lead. When do you think you'll hear from Sebastian?"
"I'm going to give him a call tomorrow and then I'll get back in touch with everyone."
"Sebastian better be taking good care of him." Jeff said.
"Trust me; Sebastian's taking good care of him."
By the time Blaine got to Sebastian's that evening it was after nine o'clock and he felt horrible about it. Yet once Sebastian opened the door, the smile on his face helped ease the way Blaine felt. "I hope you're hungry Killer as I might've gone a bit overboard." Sebastian told him before giving him a kiss. "Let's eat!" He added after closing the door behind him.
"You still made dinner even with as late as I was going to be?" Blaine asked as he took his coat off as they made their way down the hall.
"Of course I did, I invited you to dinner it would've been rude not to." While he spoke, Sebastian took Blaine's coat and tossed it on a chair. "So you better not have eaten."
"I…I haven't as I came straight from rehearsal. I'm so sorry it ran so long Sebastian."
"It's okay as I told you while we exchanged texts. It happens and with a concert next week it makes sense. Plus, it's not as though you didn't keep me updated."
"Still, I shouldn't have kept you waiting."
"What are you apologizing for Blaine?"
"For keeping you waiting."
"If you kept me waiting and didn't let me know why, you'd need to apologize. But you don't in this case, I understand. Plus it's not as though I didn't keep busy while you were at rehearsal." While he spoke, Sebastian pulled Blaine's chair out for him. "I got some work done on my paper so it's fine."
"But…"
"Blaine, stop apologizing. You did nothing wrong. Now let me go get dinner." Once Sebastian went into the kitchen to dish up their plates he couldn't help but feel frustrated. To see Blaine so apologetic for something out of his control bothered him. Sebastian couldn't help but feel that apologizing in these situations was something Blaine did quite a bit of while he was married. After he set Blaine's plate down before him, Sebastian sat down as well before pouring them each a glass of wine. "As you can see, I went a bit overboard as I said."
"It smells incredible Sebastian, thank you."
"Don't thank me yet Blaine, you haven't tasted it. For all you know it smells and looks great but tastes horrible." Sebastian told him before taking a sip of wine.
"For some reason I have a feeling it's going to taste wonderful."
"Bon Appétit." They were about halfway through dinner and Blaine had begun to relax when Sebastian decided it was a good time to bring up Thad. "You'll never guess who I was having coffee with late this morning when you called."
"Should I be jealous?" Blaine asked with a smile.
"Definitely not, though it was with a guy."
"Who was it?"
"Thad."
"How is he?"
"Good. Uh, since he was with me he started to ask a lot of questions once I got off the phone with you. Especially since it proved I did have plans for tonight and wouldn't be able to go to a bar with him to see a new band."
"What did you tell him?" Blaine asked before taking another bite.
"Well, after a bit of talking I told him it was you on the phone and he laughed."
"Really?"
"Yes. He asked for the name of who brought the smile to my face and I said Blaine. He then laughed as he said there aren't too many people with the name and you were the first person that came to mind."
"How'd he react when you told him it was me?"
"He was shocked. And then reminded me that you were a married man and from the part of the conversation he heard it sounded like we were planning a date."
"We were."
"That's what I told him. So long story short, I told him you got divorced. I'm sorry as I know it wasn't really my place but…I didn't want him to think the worst of either of us. And once we began to talk more I told him you were my boyfriend." While Sebastian spoke, Blaine set his knife and fork down and sat back in his seat and looked at Sebastian. "I blew it, didn't I? I'm so sorry Blaine but I didn't want him to think you were cheating on Kurt and…"
"Relax Sebastian, it's alright. Sooner or later people are going to know. Heck, everyone from McKinley knows Kurt and I got divorced."
"He'd like to see you Blaine."
"He's going to expect happy-go-lucky Blaine, I'm not him anymore Sebastian."
"No, he wants to see you not some image of you. All the guys really miss you. And knowing Thad, I wouldn't be surprised if he's gotten in touch with all of them. But, I might've over stepped my bounds in that I told him that he should wait till I spoke with you."
"Did you tell him that as you could see them all freaking out about what happened?"
"Yes and they'd ask you a million questions and I'm pretty sure you're not ready for that yet."
"That would be correct. Hell, now that Thad knows I'm pretty certain I'm going to have a lot of explaining to do to Wes."
"You had your reasons Blaine and I'm sure Wes will understand. So, take some time to think what you want and I will pass word along."
"Alright." Blaine replied before finishing his dinner. Once they finished, Blaine helped Sebastian clean up as he couldn't in good faith let him clean up on his own. After that was done they got settled on the couch along with the rest of their bottle of wine. "I really should've brought a bottle with me with all that we drink when I'm here."
"No need as we drink just as much at your place."
"But we're here more Sebastian." Blaine said as he relaxed into the crook of Sebastian arm prior to him wrapping it around him.
"Do you hear me objecting?"
"No, but…"
"Blaine, I don't mind. But if it would make you feel better to bring a bottle with you once in awhile I won't object. Now, are you going to knock me out of my socks at your concert next week?"
"Wait, you'r…you're coming?"
"Of course I am Killer. I wouldn't miss an opportunity to hear you sing."
"You really don't need to Sebastian."
"I want to Blaine."
"Really, you don't."
"Do you not want me there?" Sebastian asked as he turned slightly to get a better look at Blaine who honestly looked panicky at the prospect of Sebastian coming to hear him.
"No, I…I just don't want to disappoint you." While he spoke, Sebastian could feel Blaine closing in on himself.
"The only way you could disappoint me Blaine is if you didn't give it your all on stage."
"I do, but I don't want to not meet your expectations of me." In that moment, Sebastian wrapped his other arm around Blaine and gave him a hug.
"My only expectation is hearing that voice of yours. So unless you don't sing, that's the only way you couldn't meet it." After speaking, Sebastian placed a kiss on top of Blaine's head as he relaxed into his embrace. The more he heard the lack of confidence Blaine had about performing the more questions he had. Something serious must've happened to make Blaine feel this way.
Since he'd gotten quite a bit of work done on his paper prior to Blaine arriving, the two were able to sit and relax. In fact, they'd gotten so comfortable that they actually fell asleep on the couch. When Blaine turned slightly as he'd gotten a chill, that's when he slowly opened his eyes. Upon seeing the time on the clock he sat up rather quickly, startling Sebastian awake as he was asleep in his arms. "I'm so sorry Sebastian. Go back to sleep. I'll let myself out."
"Blaine, relax. You are more than welcome to stay here."
"But you should be sleeping in your bed Sebastian."
"Do you hear me complaining? I was quite comfortable actually. What woke you anyhow?"
"I got cold."
"Lie back down Killer." Blaine looked up at him, but soon settled back down. Once he had, Sebastian grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and tossed it over them. "Better?"
"But…"
"Blaine, it's late. It's cold out. Just stay the night. I promise I'll keep my hands to myself."
"I wasn't worried about that. I just don't want to impose."
"You're not, now go back to sleep."
"Sebastian, don't you want to sleep in your bed?"
"I'm comfortable and this won't be the first time I've slept on the couch."
"True, but…"
"Blaine, the only way I'll go sleep in my bed is if you join me."
"I…I'm not…"
"Not in that context Blaine, to actually sleep. Now make up your mind if you're staying or going as the longer we talk the more likely it's going to be harder for us to do so."
"I'll stay."
"Good. Now do you want to get a bit more comfortable?" Blaine nodded. "Then come with me." Blaine got up and soon Sebastian did as well and took ahold of his hand before leading him towards his bedroom. Once inside, Sebastian opened one of his dresser drawers and tossed Blaine a pair of shorts and a t-shirt to change into. "You can change in here and I'll change in the bathroom." Sebastian told him before grabbing a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. "Is that okay? I would've given you a pair of sweats but they'd be way too long on you."
"This is perfect, thank you." Blaine replied and Sebastian smiled before walking into the bathroom. Once Sebastian was gone, Blaine tried not to smile as he thought it was cute that Sebastian had given him some privacy to change. Part of him felt a little embarrassed that he'd assumed what he had when Sebastian asked him to join him. But at the same time, it happened because his mind had certainly been wandering there more and more lately.
When Sebastian came walking out of the bathroom, Blaine couldn't help but look. "Why didn't you get in bed?" Sebastian asked as he pulled the covers back.
"I wasn't sure which side you slept on so I didn't want to get comfortable and then have to move."
"Well, I tend to sleep in the middle." Sebastian replied. "So pick a side and I'll get comfortable."
"Sebastian."
"Yea Blaine."
"Would you mind if we curled up like we were on the couch? It was rather comfortable."
"You're right it was, so I have no problem with that." Sebastian then made his way into bed and situated himself just off of center so Blaine could curl up on the same side. "Do you need to be up at any specific time in the morning?"
"No class tomorrow, just rehearsal at one. So just wake me before you leave and I'll head home."
"Alright." Sebastian said as Blaine got comfortable. "You good?"
"Yes, you?"
"I am. Night Blaine." Sebastian then kissed the top of his head after pulling the covers up around them.
"Night Sebastian."