Five Years Later
Part 6
After having a fun, filled night with Sebastian and Thad on Saturday night, Blaine had no issue with Thad coming with Sebastian to his concert the next week. Once Blaine and Sebastian had gotten Thad into a cab as they felt safer knowing he'd be taken straight to his own building, the two of them headed back to Blaine's where they spent the rest of the weekend. By the time late Sunday evening came about, Sebastian kissed Blaine gently on the lips before heading back to his place as he didn't have what he needed for his Monday morning class. Before he left, Blaine told him that next time he should probably bring them with if he was staying for the weekend and Sebastian agreed as long as Blaine agreed to do the same if he was at his place which he did.
While they would've loved to see each other prior to Blaine's concert, they knew that wasn't going to be a possibility so they made do texting and talking over the phone and computer. Blaine was in the middle of rehearsing one of his numbers while speaking with Sebastian over the computer when there was a knock on his door. "Can you hold on for a minute Bas?"
"Depends on what I'm holding on to Killer."
"Right now it's for me to come back but we might have to explore things further the next time we see each other."
"Don't make promises you don't intend to keep Anderson."
"Oh, I plan on keeping this one Smythe." Blaine replied from the door even though he knew Sebastian couldn't see him any longer, he knew he could hear him. Once he opened the door, Blaine froze slightly. "What are you doing here?"
"Is that anyway to greet a friend Blaine?" Rachel asked. "Going to invite me in?"
"Now really isn't a good time Rach as I was practicing."
"Come on Blaine." The way she looked up at him, Blaine really couldn't say no to her coming in and he could only hope that Sebastian could hear them.
"Alright, but you can't stay for long as I need to get back to preparing."
"That's fine. I only came by as you weren't answering calls again this weekend and it's been too long since we've seen once another." Rachel said as she walked in and Blaine closed the door. "I was starting to worry."
"I was spending time with friends." Blaine replied as they walked further in and he was slightly saddened to see his computer screen blank. They were just about to sit down when Blaine's phone went off on the table. "Do you mind?"
"No, go right ahead."
I heard her so I thought ending our call was best. Call me when she leaves. Don't keep me waiting too long. ~S
Once Blaine put his phone back down, he knew he had quite the grin on his face and he didn't care. "It must've been from someone special to make you smile like that."
"You could say that." Blaine told her. "So, what's going on with you?"
"Not too much. I had a couple of auditions today and some creepy guy asked me out on a date."
"What made him creepy?"
"He didn't know me."
"Rach, that doesn't make him creepy. Might it be a bit unorthodox, sure, but I wouldn't call it creepy."
"Maybe, now who were you out with this weekend? Was it anyone I know?"
"I was out with some of the guys."
"Which guys, are they cute?" She said with a smile that Blaine found adorable.
"I'd say they're cute and you do know them."
"No fair keeping the cute guys to yourself Blaine Anderson. Who were you with?"
"Warblers."
"Excuse me?" Rachel replied, slightly shocked by what she heard.
"I was out with a couple of the Warblers."
"I didn't know any of them lived in the city."
"A few of them do and a bunch of others aren't that far away. Slowly, but surely I'm reconnecting with my friends."
"I'm happy to hear it as I know how important they were to you. After everything they did I never understood how Kurt could ask you to push them out of your life."
"It was because he was selfish; at least that's how I see it now."
"That makes sense. So, are you dating?"
"Why, have someone in mind for me?" Blaine replied, his tone more playful than Rachel had heard in a long time.
"No, I'm just curious. You know you could tell me if you were dating someone Blaine, I wouldn't say anything to Kurt."
"Good, as it's not any of his business. And for your information, yes, I'm seeing someone and he makes me very happy."
"That's good to hear. Seeing your guitar beside the couch I really should let you get back to practicing, shouldn't I?"
"It would be for the best. I appreciate you coming by but, you might want to try calling next time."
"Is that in case you have company?" Rachel asked as they got up and headed towards the door.
"That would be it." Blaine then leaned over and gave her a kiss on her cheek. "How does lunch sound next week?"
"Wonderful. Good night Blaine."
"Night Rach."
After Rachel left, Blaine went and sat back down on the couch and called Sebastian back before getting back to rehearsing. They'd found a nice balance of him practicing and Sebastian studying that they were both happy with. While this was going on, Rachel was checking her messages on her phone during her subway ride home. When she came walking into the loft, Santana was stretched out on the couch with her feet hanging over the edge as she'd just painted her toenails. "I was beginning to think I needed to send out a search party for you Berry."
"Sorry, I stopped by to see Blaine on my way home."
"How's the Hobbit doing?"
"He's doing very well actually. He's seeing someone who makes him very happy."
"Mr. Grab-ass?"
"Don't know, but whoever it is he sent Blaine a text while I was there and Blaine got this adorable smile on his face."
"Are you sure it wasn't something dirty?" Santana inquired with a mischievous smile on her face.
"This is Blaine we're talking about Santana."
"Rach, for all we know Blaine's got a naughty-side, so don't dismiss the idea."
"Fine, it could've been and if it was something of that nature that put that smile on his face, more power to him. Speaking of Blaine, what are you doing tomorrow night?"
"Depends, why?"
"Blaine has his concert tomorrow night and I thought we could go support him."
"Did he invite you?"
"No, but I saw the program on his coffee table when I was at his place. I'm sure he would love to have people he knows in the audience. And as much as you teased him over the years, I know you love listening to him sing."
"That depends on which version of him is on stage."
"Santana."
"Rach, it's true. Something happened to him while he and Kurt were married and it wasn't the same. But if I get to hear Blaine Warbler sing, I'm all for it."
"Well then, guess we have to go and find out which version of him we're going to get."
"I don't know Rach."
"Come on Santana, please." Rachel said as she turned to face Santana. "Maybe his mystery man will be there." Rachel couldn't resist adding that last bit as she knew Santana's curiosity would get the better of her.
"For that I'll go. By the way, did you find out what he was doing last weekend since you were so worried?"
"Yes, he was hanging out with some former Warblers."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Well then, maybe I will get to hear Blaine Warbler sing afterall."
The next evening when Blaine arrived at the theater, he found himself a quiet spot to collect his thoughts as he had his usual performance jitters and quiet usually helped. He was in his own little world when Talia came up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. "What is it?" Blaine asked as he looked back at her as they'd already done their group warm-up.
"There's a gorgeous guy just outside those doors who's looking for you."
"Gorgeous huh?" Blaine replied with a rather big, smile.
"Yep, about six-two, chestnut hair, gorgeous green eyes. Do you want to see him?"
"I'd love to see him."
"I guessed as much. Blaine?"
"Yea."
"Is that him?"
"It is."
"Damn." She replied with a smile before going to get Sebastian who was outside the doors. Once they walked in, she pointed out where Blaine was sitting with his guitar and let them be.
"What are you doing here?" Blaine asked as he got up as Sebastian got closer.
"I wanted to see you before you went on this evening." Sebastian replied before leaning down to give Blaine a kiss. "How are you feeling?"
"Nervous, really nervous actually."
"More than the usual nerves?" Blaine nodded and Sebastian wrapped his arms tightly around him as this was precisely why he wanted to see Blaine beforehand. When Blaine would play or sing at home it was the Blaine that Sebastian knew. The one he was currently looking at was completely unfamiliar to him. "Listen to me, okay Killer." Sebastian said as he lifted Blaine's head to look at him. "You are crazy talented and have nothing to worry about."
"I'm not the same person you remember Bas."
"No, you're not. But I've had the pleasure of listening to you play and sing at home and that is the performer I remember. You completely mesmerize me when you play B, you really do."
"That's because I'm singing for me or in those cases you. I don't feel as though I'm being judged."
"Blaine Anderson, you owned the stage in high school and mesmerized every crowd you ever performed in front of. And if that little shit of an ex-husband of yours has made you doubt yourself forget all of that. I believe in you Blaine and I know deep down you believe in yourself or you wouldn't be doing this still."
"Thank you Sebastian."
"That wasn't lip service Blaine, I believe everything I said. And if you begin to feel overwhelmed while you're out there, just look for me and sing to me. Screw everybody else in that crowd and make it about us if that would be easier for you. You know I'll never object to being the object of your attention."
"I just might do that." Blaine replied before resting his head against Sebastian's chest. "I'm really glad you came early as I needed this."
"I had a feeling you might which is why I did." Sebastian then placed a kiss on top of Blaine's head causing him to look up at him. "What would you say to coming back to my place tonight once your concert is over?"
"I'd like that and it works as I don't have class till the afternoon."
"Good." Sebastian then gave a tug on his bowtie, undoing it before undoing the top two buttons on his shirt.
"What are you doing Bas?"
"Giving you a look tonight that is slightly different, a bit more relaxed. Instead of it being Blaine Anderson student, this is Blaine Anderson performer." He then turned Blaine towards the mirror. "I like the look but if you don't you're more than free to redo it and I won't be offended."
"I do like it actually and it fits the song I'm doing."
"Is this the song I've yet to hear you sing?"
"It is, I hope you like it as much as you've like the others."
"Me too." As Sebastian replied, Blaine turned and wrapped his arms around him.
"I'm really happy you came tonight."
"I wouldn't have missed it. But I should probably go and find Thad so we can take our seats."
"He came?"
"Of course he came. He meant it Saturday night when he said he'd be here to support you, and you know Thad, when he makes a promise, he keeps it."
"True. I guess I…nevermind." Blaine then stretched to give Sebastian a kiss. "Go take your seat and I'll see you afterwards."
"Blaine, are you okay?"
"I am." He then gave him another kiss before releasing his arms from around Sebastian.
"Alright, I'll see you soon." Sebastian then leaned down to give him one last kiss before heading off to find Thad. Once he walked through the doors, Sebastian couldn't shake the feeling he had that something was bothering Blaine, but knew he couldn't push. The last thing anyone ever needed before a performance was for an issue to be pushed that they clearly didn't want to talk about. Upon making his way into the lobby he saw Thad walking towards him and smiled. "Thank you for picking those up for me." Sebastian said as he took the flowers from Thad.
"No problem, but why couldn't you pick them up?" Thad asked as they headed for their seats.
"That would've been because I went to see Blaine just a little while ago and he would've seen them. I want them to be a surprise."
"Don't you think that's a bit much man?"
"Why, because we're guys?"
"No…I don't know. I'm just not used to seeing you romance someone."
"I'm not necessarily romancing Blaine, alright, I might be. But it's tradition to bring a performer flowers."
"Is it now?"
"Yes. Hunter and I discussed it after class the other day."
"I guess if we're discussing etiquette, Hunter's such the one to go to."
"Hey, except for that lapse of judgment, he didn't do anything else wrong." Sebastian said as they took their seats. "None of us are perfect, but he understands this sort of stuff. Think, how many times have you seen flowers brought out to a performer after a show?"
"Good point. I'm sorry for doubting Hunter."
"It's alright as I'm sure he'd understand. We all get things we've done in the past used against us."
"Ain't that the truth? Care to tell me what you were thinking about when I saw you?"
"Something is going on with Blaine that isn't setting right with me."
"Want to talk about it?"
"How am I going to talk about it if I don't understand it?"
"Start talking and maybe you'll figure it out in the process."
"That's very true as often talking something through helps." Thad smiled and nodded. "Well, we were talking and I was getting ready to go so I could meet you and well, he was surprised that you were here."
"Why, I said I was coming on Saturday night."
"I know, and I reminded him of that. Yet, he started to say something, but then said nevermind. To me, something was obviously going through his head but I'm not quite sure."
"Do you mind an opinion?"
"Not at all as you're usually rather logical."
"I'll only answer if you promise you won't get pissed and run off to talk to Blaine."
"Harwood."
"Smythe."
"Fine, talk."
"If he doubted that I was going to come even after saying I was going to, do you think it's possible Kurt ever said he was going to come to a concert of his while they were married and didn't?"
"That bastard!"
"Sebastian, we don't know if it's true, it's only a theory."
"Considering the look on Blaine's face, I'd say it was fairly accurate and fits with things I've been told."
"Sebastian."
"I…I can't say anything else Thad, you know the deal. Blaine will tell you things when he's ready."
Unbeknownst to the two of them, they weren't the only ones in the house to support Blaine that night as Rachel and Santana took their seats. They didn't see Sebastian and Thad as they were further back as they didn't arrive till shortly before show time. "You realize sitting back here we're barely going to be able to see the Hobbit." Santana huffed as she looked at the program.
"The hall isn't that big Santana, we'll be able to see him. And the acoustics in this hall are incredible so we'll have no issues hearing him." Just as Rachel was finishing the lights dimmed and the concert began.
The concert was more than halfway over and Sebastian was starting to get antsy in his seat which caused Thad to lean over and tell him to relax as Blaine was about to go on. Once Blaine walked on stage with his guitar along with the rest of his back-up band, Thad could see a smile creep to Sebastian's face. Then after he sat down on the stool center stage, that smile changed slightly to that of concern. As Blaine started to play, he seemed to be in his own little world, but not in the way he should be when he's on stage. It wasn't till the first of the lyrics came out of his mouth, did he lift his head.
Sometimes I get so tired
I'm just trying to find a place to lay my head
I look up to the sky
I feel the warmest light comfort me
After he'd finished that verse, his eyes scanned the crowd quickly before settling on Sebastian. A smile crept to Blaine's face just before the next verse began.
I've seen the great heights
Reminding me I'm alive
I don't want to die
I don't want to waste another day or night
The differences between the first verses were huge to anyone with a good ear for music as Blaine had found some comfort in the brief break between them. All it took was once glance to his side and Thad knew exactly who Blaine was singing to.
I know there's something more
Than what we're living for
I see it in the stars, I feel it on the shore
I know there's something, I know there's something more
I think we're all afraid
That we might be alone, alone down here
We all want to have some faith
At least that's true in my case, to just believe
As that verse was sung, Santana reached over and took ahold of Rachel's hand as she could see how overwhelmed she was and understood why. For the first time in what seemed like forever, they were seeing the true Blaine performing.
I've seen the great heights
Reminding me I'm alive
I don't want to die
I don't want to waste another day or night
I know there's something more
Than what we're living for
I see it in the stars, I feel it on the shore
I know there's something
This world may crumble into the ocean
It could all end tonight
I undermine you then try to find you
My only source of life
I'm breathing, I am breathing, I am alive
I don't want to die
I don't want to waste another day or night
I know there's something more
Than what we're living for
I see it in the stars, I feel it on the shore
I know that I'm alive
I don't want to die
I don't want to waste another day or night
I know there's something more
Than what we're living for
I see it in the stars, I feel it on the shore
I know there's something more
Once he finished, it took everything Sebastian had not to be the first person up on his feet as he began clapping. But the instant others rose as well, he and Thad were right there along with them. As Blaine took his bows, he looked at Sebastian once more and mouthed the words thank you. Sebastian nodded as there wasn't much more he could do in that moment. He'd always loved seeing Blaine perform and this moment only reinforced those feelings. While he wanted to go back stage, he knew he wouldn't be allowed back till the concert was over so he eagerly waited for the rest to finish.
The audience was still applauding Blaine's performance when Santana looked over at Rachel. "Now that was the Blaine I love to listen to sing."
"No kidding. While he was a bit shaky at first, by the time that first verse was over something seemed to have clicked for him. It was so nice to see him so comfortable on stage again."
"Do you want to go see him once the concert is over?"
"Did you really just ask me that?"
"Hey, I just wanted to know for sure. Hell, I can't wait to see the Hobbit as the man who just sang was not the timid one we'd been seeing these past few years."
"Good as he deserves to know how good he was."
After the last student performed, Sebastian grabbed the flowers from beside him along with Thad and headed off as the applause were still happening. Even though he should've stayed, Sebastian wanted to see Blaine and not listen to some professor speak. "Sebastian, slow down!" Thad called out as they headed down the back hall.
"No!" Sebastian replied as he looked over his shoulder. Once he reached the doors to the stage, he stopped and composed himself and while he did, Thad caught him. "Ready?"
"Yes as long as you're not going to run anymore."
"I wasn't running Thad and you know it. Do I look alright?"
"You look fine; now let's go see your boy." When they walked through the doors, there was lots of activity backstage as the show was now over. If there was a time Sebastian was thankful for his height it was now as he was able to see over most of them. Once he spotted Blaine, he headed straight towards him while Thad followed. Even with as crowded as it was, Thad could see a smile creep to Blaine's face the instant he spotted Sebastian.
"You were amazing Killer." Sebastian said once they were in front of him. "These are for you." He then presented Blaine with the purple roses Thad had bought.
"Thank you." Blaine said as he took the flowers from him. "Did you like the song?"
"As I said, you were amazing, it was amazing." Sebastian then stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Blaine's waist. "I wouldn't mind an encore performance later on."
"I think that could be arranged."
"Uh, guys."
"Hey Thad! Blaine said with a smile as he looked to the side. "I'm glad you came."
"You're welcome and Sebastian was right, you were amazing."
"Thank you. For the first time in a long time I felt like myself up on the stage."
"It showed B, it really showed." Blaine looked up at Sebastian and smiled in a way Thad was still not used to seeing between the two of them and Sebastian was looking at him in the same way. The next thing Thad saw was Blaine wrap a hand around Sebastian's neck and the two began to kiss. While they'd shared a few kisses on Saturday night, this was something entirely different.
While this was happening, Rachel and Santana made their way backstage and attempted to find Blaine. "Excuse me; do you know where I can find Blaine Anderson?" Rachel asked one of the performers she recognized.
"He's by the dressing rooms."
"Thanks! Come on Santana!" After she spoke, the two headed across the wing towards the dressing rooms. Yet they soon came to an abrupt stop, when Rachel saw the silhouettes of two people kissing and one was clearly Blaine. "Do you see what I see?"
"Sort of hard not to." Santana replied before tilting her head slightly and in that moment the body she didn't recognize slid his hands down and grabbed ahold of Blaine's ass, pulling him up into the kiss more. "Oh my God! It's Mr. Grab-ass!" Santana's proclamation was so loud that Blaine and Sebastian stopped kissing the looked towards them.
"Blaine, what's going on?" Rachel said loudly as she and Santana walked towards them.
"Hey Rach, I didn't know you were coming tonight." Blaine said as he slid his arm around Sebastian's waist as the two turned to face them.
"Obviously not."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean Berry?" Sebastian snapped. "And what the hell is with calling me Mr. Grab-ass Lopez?"
"Well, the last time I saw you two together you were doing exactly what you were just doing."
"Excuse me?" Blaine replied. "When have you seen Bas and I together?"
"Bas?" Rachel said.
"My name is Sebastian." Seeing that look in Sebastian's eyes, Thad stepped out from around them hoping to calm the obvious tension.
"Hey ladies, long time no see."
"This is Thad, you might remember him." Blaine said to them as they both looked at him and Sebastian with completely different looks.
"Santana, when have you seen the two of us together?" Blaine asked looking directly at her.
"Do you remember over a month ago when you told Rachel you couldn't go out to dinner as you had plans with a friend after your divorce was finalize." Blaine nodded. "Well, Rachel was worried about you and convinced me to come with her to check on her. We were across the street at the park when we looked up towards your apartment and saw the silhouettes of two people kissing and the taller one was grabbing your ass just as Sebastian was now. Was that you kissing the Hobbit, Sebastian?"
"It was, have a problem with it?" Sebastian replied.
"None."
"Santana!"
"Rachel, what's the problem? Blaine's happy, you've said it yourself. And I quote; I've never seen Blaine as happy as he's been this past month, end quote."
"So what is this exactly between the two of you?" Rachel asked as she looked at them. Sebastian looked at Blaine and smiled before giving a gentle nod. He had no clue what Blaine was going to say, but he was prepared for whatever was going to come.
"Sebastian's my boyfriend."
"What?" Rachel's voice cracked as she answered the shock evident in her voice alone though her expression certainly matched.
"I'm his boyfriend." Sebastian replied before wrapping his arms around Blaine and kissing him once more. Rachel stood there in shock as Santana and Thad exchanged smiles.
"Damn!" Santana said once it was clear the kiss wasn't ending anytime soon. "Did you know?" She asked as she looked at Thad.
"I did. While it surprised me at first since most of us had lost touch with Blaine so had we had no idea his marriage fell apart. But, seeing these two find their way to each other, no surprise."
"But the Warblers helped Blaine propose." Rachel said to Thad.
"Now's not the time to have this conversation." Santana said to them both. "Though, I doubt the two of them are noticing."
"Blaine. Blaine!" Rachel said rather loudly before tugging on his arm.
"What?" Blaine replied once the kiss broke, yet didn't relinquish his hold around Sebastian.
"Are you sure about this, I mean, the two of you, together?"
"I'm positive Rachel. And if you don't like it, I'm sorry but that's not going to change anything."
"If Sebastian makes you happy, I say go for it." Santana told Blaine. "And if he's the reason I finally heard Blaine Warbler sing again after all these years, I'm glad as your talent was going to waste for whatever reason."
"Thank you Santana."
"Don't let this go to your head Hobbit."
"Don't worry, I won't." Blaine told her as he rested is head against Sebastian's chest. "And before someone had her freak out, I meant it when I said I appreciate you coming."
"Once I saw the program on your table the other night, I wanted to be here." Rachel told him as she kept looking between the two. While Sebastian looked the same for the most part, there was certainly something different about him. "I didn't want you to be alone, but obviously that wasn't going to be the case."
"Rachel, let's go as I'm sure the guys had plans for afterwards that don't include us."
"If you'd like, you're more than welcome to join us for a drink as that's what we were going to do." Sebastian said to them causing Blaine to look up at him and smile. "But no one is going to force you."
"We appreciate the offer Sebastian, but I think I better take Rachel home as this is a bit much for her to comprehend at the moment."
"Santana!"
"It's true, so let's go." Santana then took a step closer to Blaine and Sebastian. "You hurt him, and I'll hunt you down. Got it?" She said as he locked eyes with Sebastian.
"I wouldn't have expected anything else from you." Sebastian replied with a knowing look.
"Good. Blaine. Thad." The two nodded before Santana grabbed ahold of Rachel's hand and led her out of the theater. Once they were back out in the lobby, the two of them stopped and Santana turned Rachel to face her. "You need to calm down."
"How do you expect me to calm down? Blaine's with Sebastian of all people."
"I know. But Blaine made his point very clear, nothing you say is going to change things and honestly, I'm glad."
"How can you be glad, Sebastian is no good for him?"
"Says you, but the smile on Blaine's face says otherwise."
"Have you forgotten everything Sebastian's ever done?"
"No, but Sebastian's biggest issues were with Kurt, over Blaine. And correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Blaine say Sebastian was the reason the Warblers agreed to help him with his proposal?"
"He did. That's why none of this makes sense. If Sebastian was interested in Blaine, why would he help?"
"Because when you care about someone, you put their best interests before your own often whether or not you agree with them." Rachel looked at Santana and sighed. "Good, you get it. Now let's head home as we obviously need to talk about quite a bit in regards to what's happening in Blaine's life."
Song: More written by: Tyrone Wells, Marcello Valenzano, Michael John la Chiusa, Timothy Myers, Andre Christopher Lyon, Che Smith, Danny Larsh