Five Years Later
Part 12
Slowly but surely the rest of the guys arrived and took their seats at the tables surrounding the one Sebastian was sitting at. "I take it the two extra seats are for Rachel and Santana." Wes said as he looked at Thad who nodded.
"They should be here soon." Sebastian said as he set his phone down. "Santana just texted that they arrived at the station so it shouldn't be long as they only have a couple of blocks to walk. You put them on the list, right Thad?"
"Yes, they are on it. I confirmed it with Stephen when I got here."
"Good thing as this place is already crazy packed." Beat said. "Is it always like this on a Saturday night?"
"Yep." Thad told him. "Basically if you come here on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday you either get here early or the chances of getting in get slimmer as the night goes on.
"Or you're friends with the owner." They all looked towards the voice as Stephen was standing beside Sebastian along with Brad. "It has its perks."
"Thank you for this." Sebastian told him.
"It's my pleasure. While I'm sure Sebastian's told you all, but you're in for quite a show." Stephen told them.
"He's mentioned it though some might accuse him of being bias." Wes said as he winked at Sebastian who smiled in response.
"In this case, bias is not in play. If he's anything like he was in rehearsal he and I are going to be having quite the conversation later on."
"Is that so?" Jeff inquired.
"Yes. Now if you'll all excuse me, I have a few more people to see before I introduce your boy." As Stephen and Brad walked away, Santana and Rachel came walking towards them. Being the gentlemen they are, Wes and David pulled chairs out for the girls so they could sit.
"When does he go on?" Rachel asked after introductions were made.
"In a few minutes." Thad replied. "So you have excellent timing." The girls smiled as they were afraid they were going to be late.
While they were all relaxing inside, Kurt and his friends were standing in the long line outside. "Is this place really worth this wait?" Kurt asked as he wrapped his coat tighter around him as the wind blew. "This line has barely moved."
"Yes, it's worth it. Especially since they have live music each night, but every Friday and Saturday night it's usually someone special which is why it's packed. Whoever picks the acts has a serious ear for talent." Josh told him. "I've yet to be disappointed." The next time the door opened, they could hear applause which basically let anyone in line know the chance of getting in anytime soon were slim.
Meanwhile inside, Stephen was finishing his introductions as Blaine and his band came walking on stage. After acknowledging the crowd, Blaine looked over at Sebastian and winked as Blaine was already smiling wide. Seeing that, Sebastian relaxed as it was clear seeing all of his friends had calmed whatever nerves Blaine might've still been dealing with. Once the first song started, it was clear to Thad and Hunter that trying to talk to Sebastian was pointless as his sole focus was on Blaine. Unlike at the concert, Blaine was in the zone from the very start and everyone seemed happy with what they were hearing. More than once, Rachel nudged Santana as Blaine seemed to become more comfortable with each song he performed if that was possible.
The further into his set he got, it got harder for them all to ignore the whispers around them between songs as Blaine owned the crowd. While most of his songs were rather upbeat, he had a few mellow numbers as well. Then Blaine asked if they minded if they changed things up a bit to which the crowd responded no. So, they soon saw guitars being exchange and stools being brought out. Once Blaine was settled, Justin and Morgan got set beside him and they began the acoustic part of their set.
As the first chords were strum, Sebastian smiled as Blaine was doing his song from the concert which Sebastian had specifically requested. And while he sounded great at the concert, his confidence on the stage took the number to an entirely different level. When it ended, Jeff leaned over to Nick who only nodded as it was clear he agreed with whatever it was Jeff was saying. But from what Santana could figure, it had something to do with Sebastian from the way Jeff was pointing. Then they all watched as Blaine resituated himself on the stool and adjusted his microphone.
"While I really haven't said much between songs this evening." Blaine said before taking a sip of water. "This next number is a slight change on one that made quite the impact on me one of the times I heard it performed. I hope you all enjoy this rendition."
The sun goes down
The stars come out
And all that counts
Is here and now
My universe will never be the same
I'm glad you came
Before the first verse was even over, all of the guys exchanged looks before all of their eyes fell upon Sebastian. But in that moment, Sebastian was completely oblivious as his eyes were glued to Blaine's who was looking directly at him as he sang.
You cast a spell on me, spell on me
You hit me like the sky fell on me, fell on me
And I decided you look well on me, well on me
So let's go somewhere no one else can see, you and me
Turn the lights out now
Now I'll take you by the hand
Hand you another drink
Drink it if you can
Can you spend a little time,
Time is slipping away,
Away from us so stay,
Stay with me I can make,
Make you glad you came
The sun goes down
The stars come out
And all that counts
Is here and now
My universe will never be the same
I'm glad you came
I'm glad you came
By the time the song ended, Thad couldn't help but laugh as more than once a few of the guys broke out some of the old moves from when the Warblers performed the song. In doing so, Rachel's as well as Santana's memories were sparked in that the Warblers had not only performed the number, but Sebastian sang lead. Once it ended, Sebastian pointed at Blaine who pointed back and winked as well before setting his guitar down before going to move to the piano as the crowd continued to applaud. "Did you know he was doing that?" Thad asked as he leaned over to Sebastian.
"Not a clue, but I love the arrangement."
"Us too." Nick said as he leaned into them from the neighboring table.
After doing a few numbers behind the piano, Blaine finished up back with his guitar in hand. By the time they finished the last number, he as well as his band couldn't stop smiling due to the crowd's reaction. It also didn't help that Sebastian and the rest of his friends were on their feet right in front of them. When Santana catcalled to them, a faint blush crept to Blaine's cheeks that was evident even with as warm as he was. Once they made their way off the stage, Hunter and Thad had to keep Sebastian in place as he wanted to go to him. "He'll be out soon." Hunter told him to which Thad agreed.
It was about twenty minutes later when Blaine and his band appeared after all changing their clothes. The reaction from the crowd had them all smiling as they went to take seats with Sebastian and the others. Blaine didn't even get a chance to take seat as Sebastian pulled him onto his lap and kissed him. "I take that to mean you enjoyed it." Blaine said with a smile after the kiss broke and Sebastian wrapped his arms around his waist.
"Very much so, you guys were incredible." Sebastian said proudly as a waitress came over to take their drink order. "Weren't they guys?"
"You guys were amazing!" Jeff said enthusiastically. "We'd always known you were talented Blaine, but that was incredible like Sebastian said. All of you were."
"Thank you." Morgan replied as Blaine seemed to only have eyes for Sebastian at that moment.
"It's nice to know that Blaine Warbler is still alive and well." Santana said and hearing the term Warbler snapped Blaine out of his post-performance daze.
"Warbler?" Justin asked.
"Yes, Blaine and all the guys here were part of a group called the Warblers in high school at one time or another."
"So you all sing?" Talia asked.
"Very well actually." Rachel told her. "And Blaine, Santana is right, that was the Blaine we all know and love on that stage tonight."
"Thank you." Blaine replied rather shyly as he placed an arm over Sebastian's shoulders. "It felt good." He then went about making introductions after apologizing for not doing it sooner. While he'd introduce everyone on stage, this moment deserved proper introductions.
"You guys were sensational!" They all looked up at Stephen who was standing beside them. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Not at all." Blaine told him as he looked up at him. "What can we do for you?"
"Well, I was hoping you and your band would like to become a more permanent fixture."
"Really?" Blaine asked, the surprise in his voice caused everyone to smile with as shocked as he was. Yet after what they all heard, it didn't surprise any of them in the slightest.
"Yes, really. I can't even begin to tell you how many people came up to me during your set as well as after asking when you guys were going to be performing again. We actually had to close the doors as no one left once you guys started to perform."
"We'll need to talk."
"Blaine." Todd said to him as the others looked at him. "What do we have to talk about?"
"Todd's right, what do we need to talk about aside from dates?" Morgan said.
"She's right." Justin said before glancing at Talia who was in agreement with the others.
"Well, you heard them." Blaine said with a smile. "We'll do it."
"Excellent!" Stephen replied. "I will put a package together and then send it to you. Then once you all look it over we'll talk."
"Alright." Blaine told him before they shook hands. "And thank you again for giving us this opportunity."
"I should be thanking you as I can't remember the last time an act went over like this."
"You owe Brad." Thad told him and Sebastian nodded.
"No kidding. I certainly do owe my little brother for showing me that video. Now, I'll be going. You all enjoy the rest of your night." Once Stephen walked away, Rachel and Santana each got up from their seats and gave Blaine a big hug.
"We're so happy for you Blaine." Santana told him.
"You deserve every bit of this." Rachel said before kissing him on the cheek prior to them both sitting back down.
"They're right Killer, you do deserve this. It's time to celebrate guys and gals!" Sebastian said before waving towards the waitress to order some champagne. As Sebastian did so, Blaine and his band all started to talk as they were slowly getting over the shock of what happened to them.
While that was going on inside, patrons were finally starting to leave which allowed others to start entering once more. Once the line started to move, Kurt looked at Josh. "Please tell me there is a good reason we waited all that time."
"Uh, that would be because this is the place to be. I only wish we got in, in time to see the main musical act of the night. Though, the standard performers are also good. But this act must've been something truly special." Josh told him. "Did you not hear everyone that exited talking about how amazing it was?"
"I did." Kurt said. "I'm guessing this doesn't normally happen during the performance."
"It doesn't." Kurt turned towards the voice which was the bouncer at the door.
"Excuse me?"
"Rarely does a musical act capture the crowd the way they did tonight. Normally there is still a rather regular flow of people coming and going."
"Do you know who the artist was?" Josh asked.
"All I know is that the owner's brother discovered him. He's a friend of a friend."
"It sounds as though someone got an extremely lucky break." Kurt said.
"True, but the young man certainly proved he deserved it from the way the crowd reacted this evening."
"Is he doing another set this evening?" Josh asked as they waited for entrance.
"I'm afraid not as most first time guests don't unless they have a proven track record. But he clearly won them over as his set lasted longer than most usually do."
"I guess we'll have to find out who he was so we can be here the next time he performs." Josh said as he looked at the others
"Certainly sounds like it." Kurt added as they waited for more people to leave.
After celebrating their good fortune, Blaine and his bandmates went to finish packing up as they were all going to go and get something to eat. "He was incredible Sebastian." Hunter told him. "He was everything you and Thad ever said and then some."
"You'd heard him sing before." Thad replied.
"I know, but this was different though he was truly impressive that time as well. Makes me wonder why he wasn't front and center the time I did see him."
"What I tell you, flawless." Sebastian said before finishing his glance of champagne, before a smile slowly crept to his face. While some could accuse them all of being bias of Blaine's performance, the fact that the rest of the crowd felt as strongly as they did proved how right they all were. Unlike at the concert, the moment Blaine stepped on that stage that evening, he was in control. If Sebastian had told any of them how nervous Blaine had been prior to them leaving his apartment, no one would've believed him. The man they saw step on that stage that evening was fully embracing the moment and owning it.
After receiving a text from Blaine, Sebastian excused himself and headed backstage while the others got ready to meet them all out front. "Should we worry about them ditching us?" David said with a smile as he helped Santana on with her coat as Trent did the same for Rachel.
"No." Jeff replied. "Blaine's too modest to do something that blatant." He continued as they headed towards the doors.
"You mean unlike this morning." Trent said.
"Hey, we showed up unexpected." Nick said. "It's not as though we knew he'd be at Sebastian's."
"You're all idiots." Thad told them as they walked. "If you couldn't reach Blaine, where else do you think he'd be considering you knew they were together."
"Thad has a point." Beat added. "Now, you guys didn't interrupt them, did you?"
"We woke them." Jeff said. "And before you think it's some line they gave us, it was pretty freaking obvious. Though, that didn't stop Trent here from being shocked." Trent just looked at Jeff after he spoke. Yet, he didn't dispute it as he was surprised when he saw the two of them. In his mind, he was just thrilled that they were dressed. He never would've imagined seeing Sebastian so relaxed and comfortable considering the situation.
They were all still talking as they walked out and as they did new patrons were walking in and that's when Nick and Kurt bumped into each other. "Watch where you're going!" Kurt snapped without stopping to see who he bumped into as he followed his friends in. The sound of his voice was all it took for Rachel to look back at Nick who looked dumbfounded.
"Blaine cannot know about this." Rachel pointedly stated once they were all outside.
"Know about what?" Santana asked as she'd been slightly ahead of them.
"Kurt just walked in." Rachel told her as Santana had been a few feet ahead of her and had been talking with Wes so neither of them heard anything aside from their conversation.
"Rachel's right, Blaine cannot know. Thank god it happened now and not when he was performing."
"From that answer, I take it you ladies know more of what happened between the two." Nick said.
"Unfortunately." Rachel replied. "We witnessed their marriage breakdown and it wasn't pretty."
"To be honest, it was ugly." Santana said.
"Santana."
"Rachel, it's true. While we're not sharing information, they have a right to know how ugly and nasty it was. Heck, even we don't know how bad it truly was. But considering the number it did on Blaine, it was worse than either of us knew."
"Do you know why he didn't tell anyone?" Jeff asked.
"He was embarrassed; at least that's how I took it." Rachel replied.
"That sounds about right." Santana said as she looked at the guys, the concern evident in their expressions. "That's why you can't tell Blaine about who just ran into Nick. He's finally taking back his life. Though, that did start to happen once he left Kurt. But we didn't truly see that look in his eyes again until he reconnected with Sebastian."
"Did you just get sentimental Santana?" Rachel asked.
"Hey, in this case I'm allowed. For the first time in a long time, Blaine's truly happy again. And after what just happened inside, he's ecstatic! It would be wrong for anything to ruin that."
"She's got a point." Beat said. "Plus, he didn't even recognize Nick so it's not as though it can be brought back up."
"What can't be brought back up?" Sebastian asked as he and Blaine came up behind them. They all turned to see a guitar case in either of their hands, and their arms around one another.
"How you were all goo-goo eyed while Blaine was singing." Thad replied quickly hoping to diffuse what could turn into a truly awkward conversation.
"I was not goo-goo eyed as you so eloquently put it." Sebastian stated. "I was admiring my boy which is very easy to do. He's gorgeous, and has the voice of a dream."
"I remember you saying that to me once before." Blaine said with a smile as he looked up at him before they all started to walk to a nearby diner. "But you didn't say I was gorgeous."
"I said I found you super-hot."
"Amongst other things." Sebastian then leaned down and whispered into Blaine's ear.
"I'm not going to say that you were sex on a stick in front of Rachel." Sebastian then kissed Blaine on the cheek. "Now, how long are you guys in town for?"
"Midday tomorrow." Nick replied. "But now that Blaine is back in the fold, we'll have to plan another of our epic weekends together."
"Absolutely!" Jeff said.
"What are you guys talking about?" Blaine asked.
"We try to get together as a group every couple of months." Trent said. "And about twice a year they end up being epic weekends as Nick describe."
"How so?"
"We've gone to Vegas." David said.
"Mexico." Jeff added.
"Colorado to go skiing." Nick said.
"As well as Utah." Thad continued.
"Wow." Blaine said before they could anything else. "You guys really have had fun."
"And now you'll be a part of it Blaine, like you always should have." Wes told him. "That is if your performance schedule will allow."
"I think you're getting a little ahead of yourself Wes." Blaine told him.
"He's being realistic." Jeff said. "After what we heard, it's only a matter of time before you end up performing elsewhere." Blaine smiled at Jeff as the rest of his friends seemed to agree with Jeff and it wasn't anything Sebastian hadn't already said to him. During their walk to the diner, Kurt and his friends were getting settled inside the bar.
Once they were settled, they didn't end up waiting too long for a waitress to appear even though the place was absolutely hopping with activity. "I guess you weren't kidding this was the go-to place to be." Kurt said after ordering a drink. "Everyone still seems to be buzzing about whoever it was that was performing earlier."
"I told you the wait to get in was worth it." Josh told him. "I only wish we got here in time for the performance of the main act as I mentioned." While they all spoke, they never quite heard who had performed so when their waitress returned Josh thought to ask. "Excuse me, could you tell us who performed earlier that no one was seemed to leave and every still seems to be talking about."
"Sure. " She replied. "The night has been such a whirlwind since he took the stage earlier. His name was Blaine and he and his band owned this place."
"Blaine?" Kurt asked.
"Yes and I wish I remembered his last name but I don't as the whole night was a bit of a blur. Sorry." Once she walked away, the others all looked at Kurt.
"Isn't your ex-husband's name Blaine?" One of them asked.
"Yes, but he doesn't have a band."
"Still, it's an odd coincidence considering it's not an all too common name." Josh said. "Plus, didn't he sing."
"Yes, but performing at a bar really wouldn't be his thing. And while he can sing, I couldn't picture him doing something like this or capturing a crowd this way. Though, at one time he could. But once he got to college he realized the world didn't revolve around him so he sort of lost that arrogance one needs to perform."
"And here I thought most performers were born with a natural arrogance." One of his friends said.
"That's the thing, he wasn't. People constantly fawning over him in high school, gave it to him. So with no one doing that, he lost it."
By the time they all decided to call it a night, Blaine made a point out of thanking everyone once again for coming to see him perform. Not surprisingly, while they all appreciated it, they told him that thanks weren't necessary as they wouldn't have missed it. "You know, while you still can't seem to grasp it, I agree with the guys." Rachel said to Blaine as he helped her on with her coat. "This is only the beginning." She then kissed him on the cheek. "Sebastian, do what you can to get him to embrace what's happening."
"I will do what I can." Sebastian told her with a smile. If anyone told him after the way she reacted to seeing the two of them together Rachel would be talking to him in this manner, Sebastian wouldn't have believed it. And while they were polar opposites, after spending the evening with her, Sebastian realized they had more in common than he initially thought, most importantly, Blaine. After getting the girls into a cab home, the guys all talked a bit longer before going their separate ways. "So, how much convincing am I going to have to do?" Sebastian asked during their cab ride back to his place.
"Quite a bit considering I'm still in a state of shock." Blaine replied while glancing over at him. "Even in my wildest dreams I never expected a reaction like the one we got." With that said Sebastian put his arm around him and pulled him closer. While Blaine had certainly come into his own during his concert, tonight when he was performing, Blaine was in his own little world.
"I guess we have to work on those dreams of yours then." When Blaine looked up, Sebastian was smiling and the next thing he knew he was kissed on his forehead. "As you deserved everything tonight Killer, you were amazing." A shy smile crept to Blaine's face and it was pretty clear he still wasn't used to getting complimented again. "You better get used to it as that's going to become the norm."
"Bas."
"Yea."
"Could we not get ahead of ourselves?"
"Blaine."
"Please Sebastian, this really did shock me. Probably more than any of you can realize." While he spoke, Blaine placed his hand on Sebastian's thigh. "Up until that concert, I was honestly ready to give up my dreams as I was no longer comfortable on stage. So, all of this is a bit much for me to take in." In that moment, Sebastian saw Blaine more vulnerable than he had in quite awhile and that included when he opened up about the collapse of his marriage.
"May I speak freely?"
"Of course."
"While everyone else might not understand B, I do. I know how nervous you were before that concert as well as before this performance. I also know you'd had doubts about continuing due to conversations we've had. I listen to you Blaine; I listen to everything you say. And while I understand how this could be overwhelming, that reaction wasn't a fluke as you're incredibly talented."
"Sebastian."
"I'm not done." Sebastian said as he looked at him, yet his expression was soft. "I will try and do what I can to rein in our friends' enthusiasm, but you need to accept that we weren't the only ones blown away this evening. Can you try and do that for me?"
"I can try to do that. Thank you."
"You are very welcome." Just as Sebastian spoke, they pulled up in front of his building. "Now, how about we go and celebrate your performance? Unless you don't think it's deserving of a celebration." The shy smile that came to Blaine's face prior to them exiting the taxi said more than most would think. While it would look innocent to anyone looking at them, the glimmer in Blaine's eyes contradicted it in so many ways. "Are you sure?" Sebastian asked once they were out of the taxi and each had a guitar in hand prior to heading inside the building.
"I'm positive Bas." Blaine then gave his a squeeze before they started to walk. "I couldn't think of a better way to end this night."
*Song : Glad You Came, written by Steve Mac, Wayne Hector and Ed Drewett
Version : Boyce Avenue