Five Years Later
Part 8
While Sebastian was reading later that afternoon he was startled when Hunter sat down across from him, causing him to almost spill his coffee. Sebastian looked across and couldn't help but wonder why Hunter had such a smirk on his face. "What?"
"That's the third large coffee I've seen you drinking today."
"Stalking me?"
"No, but we do pass each other quite a bit during the day." Hunter said as he leaned on the table. "Have a long night last night?"
"None of your fucking business." When Hunter scoffed, Sebastian glared at him. "Don't even think about it."
"How was Blaine's concert?" Hunter asked innocently enough realizing he shouldn't push, but knew he could get answers one way or another. "Seriously, how was it?"
"He was amazing." Sebastian replied with a smile. "He had a bit of nerves at first, but they quickly faded away and he owned that stage. I could honestly listen to him play and sing for hours on end."
"Wish I could've made it. You'll have to let me know the next time he does his thing."
"I can do that. But if you want to see it, I can show you as Thad recorded it and transferred the file to me last night." Hunter looked at him. "Thad recorded him last night to show to the guys and knew I'd want a copy." So, Sebastian took out his phone and handed it over to Hunter once he pulled the video up. While the video played, Sebastian could hear it clearly and could picture Blaine on stage as he played. After the final chord played, he looked across at Hunter. "What do you think?"
"That was incredible. You weren't exaggerating when you said he was incredible, because he was. Wow. You have every right to be proud of him for that performance. No wonder you guys went out last night. I'd celebrate a performance like that as well." Once he spoke, Hunter noticed Sebastian's expression change. "What's wrong?"
"Last night was almost ruined by some unexpected guests."
"Want to talk about it?"
"Do you remember me telling you about Rachel Berry?"
"I faintly remember, why?"
"She was there last night and freaked out when she saw us together. The first moment she saw us, we were kissing."
"Talk about making a first impression."
"Funny. Blaine and I really haven't told many people we're together because of our history together. And well, Rachel is Lady Hummel's best friend."
"Oh, that must be awkward to say the least."
"You can say that again as through the years she and Blaine became close for obvious reasons."
"How bad was it?"
"She freaked, as I said. Luckily one of the other girls he went to McKinley with was there and calmed her down which is a bit surprising."
"How so?"
"Santana is like a female version of me."
"You're kidding?"
"I'm not, completely down to being into the same sex. She's as much of a bitch as you and I can be bastards." That response caught Hunter's attention. "Exactly. But thankfully, B held his ground and basically told her that he didn't care if she approved or not."
"B?"
"Shut up!"
"I've never seen you like this. You really do care about him."
"Hunter, I've cared about Blaine since I was sixteen. When he got married, I was crushed as I always believed he deserved so much better than Hummel."
"Why didn't you tell him?"
"If you saw his face the day he came in and asked for help, I couldn't do it. He was so freaking happy. Plus at that point, I was just thankful he was talking to me again. I didn't want to lose that even though I knew in my gut he was making a horrible mistake."
"Well, unfortunately Blaine went through hell which no one deserves, but in the end, he found his way to you."
"I still couldn't believe it when I opened my door that day and saw him there." When Sebastian let out a soft sigh, Hunter didn't say anything as he didn't want to piss Sebastian off considering how good of a mood he was now in. "So, big plans this weekend?"
"I have a date tonight, but besides that, nothing really. But you never know, the date could lead into the weekend."
"Would this be with the same mystery lady your last few dates have been with?" When Sebastian spoke an almost shy smile creep to Hunter's face so he knew he was right. "Good for you man."
"Thank you. I take it you're going to be spending the weekend with Blaine."
"I am. We're staying at my place as he doesn't want to have to worry about dealing with Rachel showing up, which I don't blame him." As he spoke, Sebastian's phone started going off causing the two to exchange looks. "What the hell?" Once he picked it up, he was surprised to see messages from all of the guys as it seemed Thad had sent them all the video. "Well, I guess the guys know Blaine's getting his groove back."
"How so?"
"Thad sent everyone the video and they've all just watched it. They're all jealous that Thad and I saw Blaine perform and they can't wait to see him do so in person for themselves."
"They really miss him, don't they?"
"They do and I can't say I blame them as I missed him too."
"You missed him for other reasons."
"No, I missed him for the same reason, plus my own. When you get to know him better, you'll see Blaine's a pretty awesome friend to have." Again as he spoke, Sebastian's phone went off. But the moment that goofy grin crept to his face, Hunter knew who it was. After he set his phone down, Hunter just stared at him. "He thinks the guys are all crazy, but he loves them for it. He needed to hear what they had to say."
"How can someone with that sort of talent doubt themselves?"
"Years of being put down takes a toll on even the most optimistic person."
After finishing classes for the day, Blaine was in an even better mood than he started with, as he was getting complimented on his performance throughout the day. Add on top of that the fact that he'd heard from all of the guys, he honestly didn't think the day could get much better. During his walk home, he was in a bit of a daze as he thought about what he needed to pack for the weekend. So much so, he didn't even notice Santana walking towards him. "Blaine." The sound of her voice snapped Blaine out of his haze.
"Oh, hi Santana. What are you doing here?" He asked as they continued to walk.
"I came to check on you since you've only sent one message back to Rachel after the numerous ones she's sent you."
"She couldn't honestly think I'd respond to each one, did she?" Blaine asked as he looked at her as he got his keys out of his pocket. Upon seeing the look on Santana's face, Blaine could only laugh. "She did."
"She did. You do realize, I spent a good portion of the night calming her down after getting confirmation that Mr. Grab-ass was none other than Sebastian Smythe." Once she spoke, Blaine stopped in his tracks before they entered his building.
"If this is going to be some talk about how I should stay away from Sebastian, you can save your breath because I'm not interested in hearing it. I know very well what I'm doing and unlike you and Rachel, I actually know Sebastian beyond what the general public sees. There is far more to him than you guys realize so I won't stand here and let you bad mouth someone you don't even know."
"Whoa there Blaine, I'm not going to bad mouth him, honest." Santana told him. "And the way you just defended him proved my point."
"What point?" Blaine said as they walked inside and towards the stairs.
"I told Rachel last night if she pushed you about this, that you'd choose Sebastian over her. You can see it in your eyes Blaine how much you already care about him."
"I do care about him. So, what is this all about as you don't normally come and see me or send me texts?"
"I promised Rachel I'd come and check on you after last night as she was worried. Little did I know, I'd be waiting most of the day for you to come home."
"Well, it's a good thing you caught me as I'm only home long enough to pack and then I'm leaving again."
"Going to Sebastian's?" She asked as they climbed the stairs.
"I am as I really don't want to deal with Rachel this weekend and you know she'd be by."
"You're right, she would be. But that's only because she cares about you Blaine. She doesn't want to see you getting hurt again."
"I know, but like I said, I know Sebastian and you guys don't."
"That's true, we don't. We only know of what he's done in the past but a lot of time has passed. Plus, he was always different when it came to you. Just know, if he hurts you, a lot of people are going to hurt him."
"Santana, while I appreciate that, it's not necessary. I'm in this with my eyes wide open; I'm not fooling myself about anything. You'd be surprised how much alike you and Sebastian really are as neither of you pull any punches."
"Yea, that is something I remember."
"Santana, all these years Sebastian knew where he could find me, yet he left me alone. He honestly left the ball in my court much as everyone else did. I gave up so much over the years; thankfully my friends didn't give up on me and understood. That should've been the first clue that things weren't going to work as I never should've had to change so much of my life to please someone that supposedly loved me." While he spoke, they entered Blaine's apartment so he could start packing.
"He says he still does."
"He doesn't know what love is or maybe our definitions of the word are completely different." Blaine told her as he grabbed his bag from his closet as she sat down on his bed. "All I know, is I'm happier now than I've been in years."
"It's noticeable and it showed last night during your performance. You really were amazing last night Blaine."
"Thank you." Blaine said with a smile. "Also, thank you for getting Rachel out of there as nothing good was going to come from us going at one another. It's my life and if I choose to be with Sebastian, I can only hope that she can accept that."
"I think she will as I pointed out to her that his is the happiest we've seen you in years. When you smile now, it's genuine, not forced."
"That's because it's easy to do as I am happy. Sebastian doesn't expect me to be anyone but me, just as I don't expect anything from him except who I know him to be. Is he a bit brash and abrupt, sure, but there is so much more to him, like you."
"Stop making those comparisons Blaine." Santana told him, while trying to look stern, but she couldn't hide the smile on her face.
"They're true. Could you guys do me one favor though?"
"Depends on what that would be?"
"Don't announce it to the world that Sebastian and I are together as we'd only told a few people before last night. I'd like to tell those close to me first and not have them hear it from others."
"Have you told Sam yet?"
"I haven't. Up until last night the only people that knew Sebastian and I were together were Thad, Hunter, and Cooper. We wanted to figure out what was going on between us before we told anyone."
"Thad was there last night, right?" Blaine nodded. "Wait, is Hunter the same Hunter that…" Before she could finish, Blaine nodded again. "Blaine."
"Don't, as he's changed."
"Cooper? How the hell does your brother already know?" When she asked, Blaine could see she was trying to process what she told him as he packed.
"He came by to check on me when he was in the city at my parents request and Sebastian was at my place when he got there."
"And you told him the truth?"
"I did as we were asleep on the couch when he showed up as Sebastian had come over early that morning to surprise me with breakfast. Needless to say, we were both a bit out of it when Cooper got there. Plus, I knew Cooper wouldn't freak out like most people."
"True. How did Thad take it considering he knows everything that went down between the two of you?"
"He was shocked and essentially told Sebastian that if he hurt me he'd have a lot of people to answer to, yet he understood."
"Smart guy."
"He is. Also, for Thad this is easier for him to get behind as he didn't like the idea of me marrying Kurt in the first place."
"But all the guys helped you propose."
"No, they didn't. Thad and Jeff didn't take part."
"Which one is Jeff?"
"The one typically referred to as the blond Warbler."
"Okay, I remember him." Santana replied as she watched Blaine close his bag. "That's quite a bit of stuff Blaine."
"I'm staying for the weekend and I don't know what our plans are so I have to be prepared."
"Aren't you missing something then?" Santana asked with a rather playful smile which caused Blaine to shake his head. "Come on now, while I might not go that way anymore he is hot Blaine."
"He most certainly is."
"So you've got it be hitting that or he's hitting….ugh!" She exclaimed before laughing. "You've got to be doing each other, especially after the way you look at one another."
"If we are or aren't, isn't any of your business." Blaine told her as he put his bag over his shoulder. "Now get your butt up as I've got a train to catch."
"Fine." Santana said as she followed him out of his room. "Where exactly does Sebastian live?"
"The Upper West Side."
"Why am I not surprised, I figured East or West side. Is there any particular reason why he's on the West instead of the East?"
"Closer to school." Blaine replied as they headed out and he locked the door behind him. "He's currently attending Law school at Columbia."
"What?"
"You heard me Santana." Blaine said as they walked down the hall towards the stairs. "Sebastian is going to Law school. Should that really surprise you considering his Dad was State's Attorney?"
"Not really. What about Thad, is he going to Law school as well?"
"No, he's going to med school."
"Over-achieving Dalton boys."
"Would you expect less? Hell, I seemed to be the only one at McKinley with a back-up plan if I hadn't gotten into NYADA."
"True. Since I've agreed to what you asked, will you do me a favor?" Santana asked as they walked down the stairs and Blaine nodded. "Call Rachel sometime this weekend."
"I can do that."
Once they were outside, Blaine kissed Santana on the cheek before they headed off in separate directions. As she walked, Santana felt better about things as she hadn't seen Blaine this sure about something since he left Kurt which proved to be the right thing. And what he had to say about Sebastian made sense as none of them really knew him. So, if Thad was behind this knowing the history between them, there must be more to one Sebastian Smythe than she realized.
During Blaine's ride over to Sebastian's he spent more time on his phone than he normally would have as he was busy returned messages from the guys about his performance the previous evening. He should've known that Thad would've recorded it and sent it to the guys since they weren't there. After everything that happened with Rachel, Blaine was more than ready to bring the rest of the guys back in to his life and tell them what's going on with him and Sebastian. Blaine had just sent his last response when his phone rang. "Hey Thad, what can I do for you?"
"What are yours and Sebastian's plans for this evening?"
"I'm not quite sure yet, why?"
"That would be because I'd like the two of you to meet me at a bar Sebastian and I frequent."
"Any particular reason or do you just miss our company?"
"There is a reason, but I would also like to spend more time with you guys as I had to run out last night because of class."
"You did leave a bit early. By the way, next time give me a heads up that you're going to send all the guys a video of me performing."
"They all got back to you, didn't they?"
"They did and they all seemed to enjoy it."
"One would hope as you nailed it last night. Sebastian couldn't take his eyes off of you the entire time you sang. Neither could I really, but it was for a completely different reason."
"Thad."
"Come on man, Sebastian adores you, it's pretty obvious." The smile that crept to Blaine's face when Thad spoke couldn't be stopped as Thad was right. But Blaine adored Sebastian just as much. "So, are you guys going to join me?"
"I need to talk to Sebastian as I don't know what he had planned for tonight. And you didn't even mention the bar."
"He'll know which one. Call me back once you talk to him so I know whether or not you guys are going to come."
"I can do that. I'll talk to you later man."
"Will do. Later!"
"Later!" The ending of the call couldn't have been much better as the next stop would be Blaine's and he hated to try and continued a conversation upon entering the station as it was often twice as loud as the train especially at that time of day. On his way up the steps, Blaine took a cleansing breath as he was looking forward to a quiet weekend with Sebastian though undoubtedly, Sebastian would have to study at some point during the weekend.
When he approached Sebastian's building, he smiled once more as the doorman greeted him by name as he opened the door for him. In that moment, Blaine didn't know if the man had an incredible memory, or he really was there that often. Though, for the most part he and Sebastian really did alternate whose place they stayed at Upon opening the door to Sebastian's apartment, Blaine was surprised by what he smelt and heard. "Sebastian!"
"In the kitchen." Sebastian called out in response. As Blaine walked, he shook his head as he was surprised to hear himself singing through the stereo speakers. After setting his bag down near the couch he round the corner into the kitchen. "Hey Killer!" Sebastian said with a smile after setting his wine glass down. "Want some?"
"Sure." Blaine replied so Sebastian turned and grabbed a glass for him so he could pour him some. "I thought you weren't going to be here."
"I got done quicker than I thought." He told him as he handed him his glass. "How'd your day go?"
"It was, interesting."
"Do tell." Sebastian replied before tending to the pot he had on the stove. "Oh, I hope you're hungry as I am."
"I am actually." Blaine said as he sat down on one of the stools. "Before I start, where did you get that recording I heard?"
"Wes turned the video file Thad sent him into an audio file and sent it to all of us. Now I can listen to you sing whenever I want. But enough about that, tell me about your day."
"Well, classes went really well as it seems my boyfriend's bias opinion of my performances was shared by pretty much everyone I ran into."
"I might be your boyfriend, but you know I'd tell you the truth if I thought you sucked, and you didn't."
"Thank you." Sebastian turned and smiled. "And when I was coming home to pack, Santana was waiting for me." When Sebastian turned again Blaine saw the concern on his face. "You can relax, it actually went really well. She listened to me and I listened to her. I get where she's coming from as they're concerned about me after everything that's happened. She also requested that I call Rachel at some point this weekend after I asked her to do me a favor."
"Nice to know I don't have to track her down and give her a piece of my mind. And she's got a point in that you should call Rachel as avoiding her is only going to make matters worse." Blaine nodded in agreement as he knew Sebastian could see him out of the corner of his eye. "What did you ask her to do?"
"Not tell anyone about us as I think those close to me need to hear it from me."
"Does that mean you're ready to tell everyone that we're together?"
"It does. How do you feel about that?"
"I'm ready for it too. You should know, Jeff already thinks something is going on beyond friendship."
"How so?"
"He called me after Thad sent him that video and…well…" Sebastian ran his hand over the back of his neck as he wasn't quite sure how to put what he was saying. "It seems you were looking at me when you were singing."
"That's because I was looking at you. How'd Jeff figure that out?"
"When I show you the video, it'll make sense. I mean I didn't notice it at first but, you were essentially looking into the camera. And, Jeff noticed something in your eyes that he didn't think was directed at Thad." When a shy smile crept to Blaine's face, Sebastian set his spoon down and walked over to him, stepping into the space between his legs. "Care to share what you were thinking about Anderson?" When Sebastian spoke, Blaine wrapped his arms around his waist while looking up at him.
"You, plain and simple. You wouldn't believe how much it's meant to me that you believe in me Sebastian."
"It's easy to do as you're crazy talented Blaine. Only a fool wouldn't believe in you."
"What would that make me since I lost a bit of faith in myself?"
"Someone who was beaten down by someone who was jealous." Sebastian told him as he caressed his cheek. "It didn't happen to you overnight Blaine. The constant disparaging remarks and not supporting you did a number on you. As how can one believe in oneself if the one they love and supposedly loves them doesn't believe in them?" Blaine sighed softly as they looked at each other. "I bet you were always there supporting him."
"I was and that's why it hurt so much that he missed my performances or never had much positive to say when he did show. I was never good enough."
"Blaine, you are more than good enough, he was jealous. I hope you know that now."
"I do. Once I left him, a lot of the doubts I'd had about myself disappeared as I'd always known deep down they weren't true. I wasn't the person he described."
"His loss, my gain. I always knew you were too good for him." Sebastian then leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Blaine's lips. "How are you feeling?"
"You mean after last night?" Sebastian nodded. "I'm good."
"Good?" Sebastian replied, the tone in his voice questioning.
"Last night was amazing and you know it. I meant good, in that my body isn't yelling at me."
"Okay. Though, the thought of you feeling it all day is quite appealing."
"I never said I didn't feel it, just that my body isn't yelling at me about it. Before I forget, do we have plans for tonight?"
"Outside of dinner, not really, why?"
"Thad called me on the way over and would like us to meet him at some bar that you two frequent. He said there was a reason for it outside of just wanted to see us though. Yet, he didn't mention what it was or bar, he said you'd know."
"There is one we frequent quite a bit as it's different than most as it's a bit more chill. Plus, one of the guys he goes to school with, his brother owns it so we never have to wait in line to get inside. Do you want to go?"
"Sure as I'm all for trying new things and spending more time with him would be nice."
"Then I guess we're going out drinking tonight Killer."
"I guess we are. I'm going to go give him a call and put my bag away."
"Alright. Don't take too long as dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes."
"I won't be." Blaine then gave him a kiss before letting go so he could put his things away. When he went to grab his bag, he ended up doing a double-take when he spotted his guitar sitting in a stand near the couch. From last he remembered, he hadn't brought a stand with him and his guitar was in its case when he left early that day. Without giving it much though, Blaine grabbed his bag and went to put it in Sebastian's room before calling Thad prior to joining him in the kitchen once again. "Bas." Sebastian turned to look at him as he was getting plates out of the cabinet. "Why is my guitar next to the couch?"
"When I was out earlier today I picked up a stand for it as it shouldn't sit in its case. When we're at your place, you play all the time because it's out. Yet whenever you're here, it tends to stay in the case and you don't play unless I request you do."
"So, it's a hint for me to play more when I'm here."
"If you want to, yes. I wanted you to feel completely comfortable when you're here B. Much as you make sure I'm comfortable at your place."
"I really appreciate that Bas, a lot."
"I'm happy to hear that. Now, how about we eat?"
"Sounds good and then you can tell me about your day."
"That works for me."
After dinner, the two cleaned up then curled up on the couch till they had to leave to meet Thad later on. While they talked through dinner, neither could figure out why else Thad could possible want to see them but knew they'd find out soon enough. Once they watched the video Thad had recorded on Sebastian's television, Blaine could see what Jeff was talking about and Sebastian had confirmed. In that moment, Blaine remembered the feeling of confidence he got once he locked eyes on Sebastian and in that moment, everything clicked again.
During their trip to the bar, Blaine glanced up at Sebastian numerous times and each time Sebastian gave Blaine's hand a squeeze. With it being a Friday night, the line to get into the bar was huge, yet they walked right up to the door and were let inside. As they made their way inside, Blaine kept a tight hold on Sebastian's hand as they made their way through the crowd. This bar was a bit different and it did have what Sebastian described as a rather chill vibe as live music played. When they reached a table near the stage, Blaine spotted Thad and a bunch of people he didn't recognize. "I was beginning to think you two weren't going to make it." Thad said as everyone moved so they could sit down.
"I told you we were coming." Blaine replied as they took their coats off prior to sitting down.
"You most certainly did." Thad said before introducing Blaine to everyone. "I bet you're wondering why I ask you to come tonight besides the obvious."
"The thought crossed our minds." Sebastian said as he got a waitress's attention so he and Blaine could order drinks. "Care to fill us in?"
"He did it for me." One of the guys said, who if Blaine remembered correctly was named Brad. "Or more exactly for my brother who has yet to show his face over here."
"Brad's brother owns the bar." Sebastian whispered into Blaine's ear. "What's going on?"
"Well, I happened to see the video Thad shot last night of Blaine's performance and I was blown away."
"Thank you." Blaine replied before ordering his drink. "But what does this have to do with your brother?"
"It has to do with the fact that my little brother has an excellent ear when it comes to music. So when he recommends someone to me, I'm extremely interested." Blaine looked up at the taller gentleman standing next to him. "I'm Stephen, by the way. I hope you haven't been waiting too long."
"They only got here." Thad replied with a smile as Sebastian looked at him across the table.
"What are you saying?" Blaine asked as Sebastian placed his hand on Blaine's thigh.
"What I'm getting at is, I'd love for you to perform here one night."
"Excuse me?"
"I'd like to book you for a night Blaine, that is, if you're interested. You'd get paid obviously as well as your band. And if the crowd likes you, we can talk further."
"I…I don't know what to say." Blaine replied as he was clearly shocked by what was happening.
"I do, I'd like to see the contract." Sebastian said.
"I figured as much." Stephen replied. "I'll be right back with it as it'll give Blaine some time to think it over." Once Stephen left, Sebastian took ahold of Blaine's hand and turned to look at him directly.
"You okay B?"
"This was definitely not what I was expecting when Thad said there was another reason he wanted to see us."
"Harwood." Sebastian said as he looked at him across the table. "You could've given us a heads up."
"Excuse me for thinking he'd be excited. But you and I both know Blaine's got the talent to do this."
"You really were amazing Blaine." Brad told him. "I was shocked when Thad told me it was a friend of his from high school in the video. You really are talented. If it makes you feel better, you wouldn't be the first student from NYADA to play here. My brother loves giving new talent a chance and he played your performance over multiple times."
"You don't have to make a decision right now B." Sebastian told him.
"Sebastian's right, you don't." Stephen said as he didn't have to go far for the contract. "Take the contract home and think about it over the weekend. I'm sure this came as quite the shock to you."
"It did." Blaine replied as he took the envelope from him. "I don't have a band as those were classmates backing me up."
"Well, talk to them and see if they'd be willing to do it again as they complimented you well."
"Alright. I'll get back to you early next week."
"Sounds good. Now if you don't mind, I need to go be social. I look forward to hearing from you Blaine." Blaine smiled and shook Stephen's hand before he headed off.
"Please tell me you're at least considering it." Thad said before taking a sip of his drink.
"I am." Blaine replied as Sebastian wrapped his arm around him. "But I have a request if I'm going to do this as I'm going to need some friendly faces in the crowd."
"You name it."
"Time to get the boys back together again."
"Everyone?"
"As many as you can get when the time comes."
"Done."