Five Years Later
Part 16
With Blaine being in rehearsal on Monday, Sebastian gave Hunter a call as he needed someone to talk to that he knew wouldn't blab to the world. It wasn't that he was going to tell him exactly what had happened to Blaine, but he needed someone to talk to who would listen. It wasn't that he couldn't talk with Thad, but since this involved Blaine he'd be more emotionally invested than Hunter would be. Hearing what he did after Santana left on Saturday, hurt Sebastian in a way he didn't know was possible as he never imagined something like that happening between Blaine and Kurt. But in most cases, it seemed to happen when one would least expect it. Yet from the way Blaine had reacted, it was the only thing Sebastian could come up with and sadly he was correct.
It wasn't that Kurt had abused Blaine in the sense most would imagine, but that didn't change what had happened. Sebastian could only imagine what those close to them would say should they know the extent of how bad things had been between the two. By the time the two had finished talking that day, Sebastian found out how controlling Kurt had become in the marriage. And in part he was able to do so by playing off of Blaine's guilt from his indiscretion from high school. Knowing he took advantage of Blaine in that manner made Sebastian dislike Kurt even more if that was possible. Then to see who Blaine was now, he was thankful he'd gotten out when he did as he could only imagine the emotional scars he would've had should he have stayed any longer. Little did Santana know how right she was when she said Blaine leaving was the best thing he could've done.
During his ride back into Manhattan to meet Hunter, Sebastian smiled as he got a text from Blaine which had Morgan hanging her head over his making it look like he had long brown hair with blue streaks. Seeing him smile like this, made everything he heard a bit easier to process as it was clear Blaine wasn't letting what happened control his life. When he texted back that they should send that picture to Jeff, Blaine responded that they didn't need to as Jeff was actually there. It seemed his first date with Morgan had gone extremely well so they were spending time together before he went back to Ohio for Thanksgiving.
When he arrived at the café, he was a bit surprised to see that Hunter was already there and had snagged them a table in the back. "And here I thought I'd be waiting on you." Sebastian said as he took a seat across from him. "I hope you weren't waiting long."
"Not too long." Hunter replied as Sebastian got settled. "It's one of the advantages of not having to travel too far. Plus, after your call I assumed it was important so I didn't want to keep you waiting."
"I appreciate that more than you can possible know." Sebastian replied before ordering a latte before even looking at the menu. "Mine and Blaine's quiet weekend didn't necessarily go as we envisioned."
"Is everything okay with you guys because if what happened between me, Thad, and Hummel caused trouble, I'm sorry?"
"Relax; Blaine and I are fine, for the most part."
"Sebastian, what's going on as you look completely serious right now?" Hunter asked before taking a sip of his latte.
"Remember how I told you I thought Blaine might've left out part of what happened during his marriage. But I didn't want to push in case he was telling me everything and it was my own worries coming into play."
"Yes, but you said you were okay with that as you didn't want to force him to talk about anything he wasn't ready to if that was the case." Hunter then took a closer look at Sebastian. "You found out what he hadn't told you yet, didn't you?" Sebastian nodded slowly. "I take it, it was worse than you thought."
"Yep." Sebastian told him before taking a sip of his latte which had just been brought to him. "And it's not something I really imagined."
"I'm not going to press for details as it's obviously not your place to tell me what happened to Blaine. But it's clear; you need to talk to someone about this. Yet before we do, does Blaine know you're talking to me?"
"Yes, Blaine knows. We discussed it yesterday as well as this morning. He understands that it's a lot to comprehend and it's often easier to do when you talk to someone not directly involved. But how do you talk when you can't get into detail." Sebastian then slammed his fist on the table shaking everything. Thankfully the café was rather quiet so very few noticed.
"You're obviously angry." Hunter said, not quite remembering ever seeing Sebastian like this since they'd become friends once again.
"I'm furious Hunter, yet I kept it together the entire time Blaine spoke as I knew it wasn't easy for him to open up the way he did. I want to wring his ex's neck after how small Blaine looked when we talked."
"Well, after mine and Thad's run-in with him I can understand even without the other information. He is everything you ever said and then some." They ended up pausing for a moment to order before resuming their conversation. "Now, does Blaine know how upset you are?"
"He's knows I'm upset, but I don't think he knows the extent as I tried to keep myself composed for the most part. At one point I was honestly afraid he wanted me to leave this weekend with as upset as he was even though it wasn't at me."
"Why afraid?"
"Because I knew he needed me." Sebastian said before taking another sip. "You've got to understand that Blaine really kept most of what happened to himself. He told me the only person that truthfully knew everything was his lawyer and well, now I do."
"I take it if Blaine spoke out some might not believe him."
"Most likely as they'd take it as him just trashing his ex-husband as it doesn't seem like something Hummel would do. Though I told him it's not trashing him if he's telling the truth."
"Yet if people don't believe him, that's precisely how it would come across, you know that. Blaine would come across as bitter, when that's not the case."
"Hunter, all it would take is one look in Blaine's eyes for them to know he's telling the truth. Along with how reluctant he was to tell me. I mean, you can tell it's not something he wants to discuss. It also helped fill in all the missing pieces of things I couldn't quite figure out before."
"What are you going to do with this new information?"
"There really isn't anything I can do as the last thing I want is to cause Blaine any more problems or pain. I'm pretty sure he'd be happy if he never saw Hummel again."
"I'm pretty certain that's the case with most people and their exes. Now, speaking of Blaine, where is he today since it sounds like he had an emotional weekend?"
"He's in rehearsals for Saturday. He left a little more than an hour before I did, plus I got a text on the ride over telling me how things were going."
"How are things going?"
"Really well. They've actually added more songs to their repertoire including a few more originals."
"It sounds as though it'll be a show not to miss."
"That's because it will be." Sebastian said with a smile. "My boy is talented."
"He most certainly is. You have all the right in the world to be boasting about him the way you do."
"I don't boast." Sebastian replied before taking another sip of his latte. "I'm proud, that's all."
"Alright." Hunter said with a grin. "Now, will I have to get there early or is Stephen holding tables once more?"
"He's holding tables once more. Right now I know for certain it's the two of us, plus Thad and Jeff who are going to be there. But Nick is pretty sure he'll be able to make it as does Wes. The rest have family commitments they don't think they can get out of."
"I thought Jeff was going to Ohio."
"He is, but he'll be back as he refuses to miss it."
"Blaine must appreciate that."
"He does, but I think this also has something to do with Morgan."
"That must mean their date went well."
"He's at rehearsal right now actually." Sebastian replied just as their plates were set before them. "So, I'm sure Blaine will have more to say once he gets home. Is your girl going to make it?"
"She is going to be there."
"Well then. It sounds like this coming up weekend will be one we won't soon forget."
While Sebastian and Hunter were having their talk, Jeff was sitting back watching rehearsal. Even though they'd had quite a bit of fun early on, they got down to business rather quickly. Watching them break down songs reminded Jeff a lot of his and Blaine's time at Dalton. If anything, Blaine seemed even more meticulous than he was back then it that was possible. At one point he was watching Morgan so intently working on a section with Justin that he didn't notice Blaine plop down beside him. "Enjoying the view?" Blaine asked after giving him a nudge in the side.
"I am." Jeff said as he turned to look at him. "I really hope you don't mind that I'm here."
"I don't. Plus it would be rather hypocritical if I was as Bas has been at a few rehearsals. We're all rather easy going so no one minds unless you become a distraction. But from my point of view, you're the one distracted."
"Is it that obvious?"
"Somewhat, but I know you."
"I haven't changed all that much over the years." Jeff told him. "The same goes for you Blaine." When Blaine looked at him and shook his head, Jeff smiled. "I'm serious. While you've clearly changed because of some of the things you've dealt with. Deep down, you're still the Blaine I know."
"I appreciate that."
"It's true. Since you're not going home for Thanksgiving, what are your plans?"
"Bas and I are celebrating Thanksgiving together."
"Why am I not surprised. Are you guys going out?"
"No, we're actually going to attempt to cook. My Mom got all giddy when I called asking for recipes."
"You'll have to tell me all about it when I get back to town."
"We can do that. Do you mind if I ask you something that's been on my mind recently before I head back up?" Jeff shook his head in response. "Why didn't you help out back then?" Even though Blaine's words were vague, Jeff knew precisely what he was talking about.
"I didn't believe you guys were right for one another. And Thad felt the same way which is why he didn't take part either. Trust me; we both got a lot of crap from the guys for not doing so."
"After how things turned out, you two have plenty of ammo to use against them."
"We know, but this is something we wish we weren't right about. You deserve to be happy Blaine like anyone else. And if that was with Kurt, who was I to say it was wrong. Yet I couldn't take part in something I didn't believe in. I hope you understand that."
"I do and I respect it." Blaine then gave Jeff a quick hug before heading back to the others as Talia and Todd had just returned as well. As Blaine grabbed his guitar once more, Jeff smiled as it was so good seeing Blaine in his element like this. He now understood why Sebastian was so adamant that Blaine performing was exactly what he was supposed to be doing with his life. More than once during rehearsal, Jeff started taking pictures. While most of them were obviously of Morgan so he'd have something to look at while he was home, he took quite a few of Blaine to send to Sebastian.
By the time they were finishing up for the day, Jeff was surprised to see Sebastian come walking into the room. "Since you guys are cleaning up, I take it you're done."
"Aren't you the observant one?" Talia said with a smile which earned her a wink from Sebastian.
"It's a talent." Sebastian replied before coming closer to give Blaine a kiss. "How'd today go?"
"Really well. How'd your talk with Hunter go?" Blaine said as he continued to pack up.
"It was exactly what I needed. So, are we all going out to eat?"
"Yes!" Todd replied as he slid his sticks into his back pocket. "I'm starving." When the girls started to laugh, Sebastian looked at Blaine.
"Looking at him, you'd never imagine the amount of food he puts away." Blaine told him as he closed his guitar case. "Jeff, are you joining us as well?"
"I am." He replied as he took Morgan's bass case from her so she could fix her hair. "Where are we going?"
"Out for pizza!" Justin replied as he grabbed ahold of his case. "That is unless I missed something when I went to make a call."
"Nope, we're still having pizza." Morgan said. "Is that okay with you Sebastian?"
"Always."
"Then let's blow this joint!" Todd said before they all went to grab their coats and head on their way.
While out to dinner, Blaine's bandmates got quite the kick out of hearing some of Sebastian and Jeff's stories from back in the day. "I'm telling you Morgan, they were inseparable." Sebastian said while grabbing another slice. "Rarely did anything without the other."
"We were not that bad." Jeff replied as he slid his arm around her.
"Yes you were." Blaine replied earning a laugh from everyone else.
"Should Morgan be worried?" Talia asked with a smile to which Jeff promptly replied no.
"Please, tell us how you really feel." Sebastian said though his laughter. "Nick will be crushed."
"You're never going to change, are you Sebastian?" Jeff said.
"Not if I can help it. And none of you would want me to."
"You're right." Blaine replied before kissing him on the cheek. "Though, you have toned it down over the years."
"This is toned down?" Justin asked.
"It is." Jeff said. "Sebastian used to be the most arrogant, cocky, bastard I knew."
"Yet you were friends with him." Todd said.
"Of course. I never said he wasn't my friend. Plus we went to a prep school; most people were like that except for Blaine here."
"You weren't." Blaine said as he looked at him. "But I certainly had my moments."
"As did I."
"Seeing you like this Blaine is night and day from the person I first met." Todd said. "While you were always nice, I like this more relaxed version of you versus the high-strung version."
"That's good to know as I do too." Blaine said. "I was beyond stressed out when we first met. Working full-time and going to school full time practically killed me. Safe to say, I didn't handle everything that was going on and made more than a few mistakes which added to my stress."
"But you're through that and now everything is coming together." Justin told him. "Sometimes the things we go through make us stronger and I'd say that's very true in your case."
"I appreciate that, a lot." When Blaine replied, he glanced at Sebastian who smiled after setting his beer down. "Now, is everyone cool with the new numbers we added?" Everyone aside from Jeff and Sebastian nodded. "Good as I'd like to play them this weekend."
"Did Jeffrey hear any of the new stuff?" Sebastian asked as he settled back in the booth.
"A few." Morgan replied. "And I think there is one you're particularly going to like it Sebastian."
"Is that so?"
"It is."
"Jeff?"
"I'm going to agree with the lady. There is one in particular you are truly going to enjoy."
"Killer?"
"You'll find out on Saturday." Blaine replied before grabbing another slice and taking a bite. Since Blaine was chewing when his phone went off, he raised an eyebrow at Sebastian once he saw the call was from Santana.
"You're going to need to call her back B."
"I know." Blaine mumbled before swallowing.
"Care to tell us what it's about?" Talia asked. "Or is it none of our business."
"It could anything, but Santana doesn't just call me to chit-chat." Blaine replied after taking a sip of his beer. "So, it's better to get back to her quickly." Blaine then excused himself from the table to call her back. Once he was gone, all eyes quickly fell upon Sebastian.
"Why are you all staring at me?"
"Is everything alright?" Justin asked as Morgan relaxed against Jeff.
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"Well, Blaine filled us all in that some people might not be thrilled that the two of you are together."
"You mean like his ex-husband."
"That's one." Talia said. "And since I'd met him on a few occasions, you're definitely an upgrade."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. I never liked him."
"Actually, none of us really liked him." Morgan added.
"So you all knew him?" Jeff asked and they all nodded.
"While he was cordial to everyone else, he thought I was an ass." Justin said. "He told me I was too arrogant for my own good."
"Welcome to the club." Sebastian said with a raise of his glass.
"If you're in it, I'd say it's excellent company to be in."
"I am. I'm pretty sure I'm the president."
"Does that make Thad vice president?" Jeff asked with a laugh to which Sebastian nodded. "Is it safe to assume that if Kurt knew you were all playing with Blaine he'd flip?"
"I'd say that's a safe presumption." Talia said. "Especially the guys as he didn't tend to give Morgan and I much thought."
"So, you guys had backed up Blaine prior to the concert I went to." Sebastian said.
"We had." Todd told him. "We all bonded during Blaine's second year at NYADA. While I'd seen him around first year, I didn't actually meet him till second year. Right now I'm thrilled to see the Blaine I saw singing our first year back on that stage again."
"I think that's something we all can agree with." Morgan said in response. "Blaine was too talented to doubt his talents the way he did. But now, that seems to be becoming a distant memory."
"Especially when you hear some of the new stuff he's written." Talia added. "He's been unstoppable as of late."
"Wait, are you telling me that all those originals I heard today were written by Blaine?" Jeff asked as he looked over Morgan's shoulder at her before looking at Talia.
"I am."
"He writes the lyrics and does most of the arranging though the rest of us have a bit more say on that aspect." Justin told them. "But we all write. Of the songs we did at the first gig there was something written by each of us actually."
"Sebastian?" Jeff said as he looked at him, slightly stunned by all he was hearing.
"I felt the same way man. Heck, I didn't even know Blaine played guitar till I got to his place one night and he was working on a composition for class. But it's most certainly a pleasant surprise."
"What's a pleasant surprise?" Blaine asked as he sat back down.
"How incredibly talented you are beyond your voice." Sebastian told him before giving him a kiss as Blaine had begun to blush. "Is everything alright with Santana?"
"Yes, she was calling to make sure everything was alright on our end. She also told me to tell you that he was no longer there by the time she returned home."
"Good as I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have known what hit him had he been there when she'd arrived." While he'd spoke, Sebastian had put his arm around Blaine. "So, what are the plans for the rest of the night?"
"I need to be heading home." Talia replied. "I've got an early lesson to give in the morning so I need to hit the gym this evening. But don't let me going home stop you guys from going out."
"I actually need to be going as well as a got talked into helping a buddy move tomorrow." Todd told them. "But like Talia, please don't let me stop you as I'd much rather be out with you guys." After he answered, Sebastian glanced over at Jeff and it was pretty clear from his expression that he wanted to spend some time alone with Morgan before he had to head on his way as well.
"Considering things, why don't we all just see each other Wednesday at rehearsal?" Blaine said to them. "Not that I don't want to go out, but right now doing nothing is quite appealing after a long day of rehearsal."
"Won't get any complaints from me." Morgan said with a smile. "Since I'm assuming Blaine and Sebastian are having a quiet night due to what Blaine said, what are your plans Justin?"
"I'm probably going to go home and do nothing aside from probably chilling on the couch and watching television."
After they talked for a bit more, it wasn't long till the check was brought to them and everyone chipped in their fair share. Considering there were seven of them, it was a rather cheap dinner for all of them. Once they were on their way home, Sebastian glanced over at Blaine who was smiling. "Care to share what's put you in such a good mood?" He asked as he took ahold of Blaine's hand.
"We had a really good day today, that's all."
"So I could tell from the pictures Jeff sent me." When Blaine looked at him, Sebastian could only smile. "I will show them to you when we get back to your place. Now, are we still heading to my place on Wednesday after rehearsal?"
"That's still the plan." Blaine replied as they approached his building. "That way we can get some of the prep work done the night before so we don't have to get up too early." He finished before opening the door. "Also, we were invited to spend Thanksgiving with Santana and Rachel but I declined since we'd already bought everything."
"That was nice of them." Sebastian said as they made their way inside. "Albeit, a little late."
"Santana said the same thing to Rachel when I told her we already had plans. But the way you put it, was much politer." Blaine said with a slight laugh as they headed up the stairs.
"Are they coming on Saturday?"
"Rachel is but Santana isn't sure yet as she might have to work. She hopes she'll be able to, but she'll have to wait and see. And before I forget, if you can, please record at least one song on Saturday."
"Okay, but why?" Sebastian asked as he waited for Blaine to open the door.
"Cooper."
"Enough said." Sebastian replied as they stepped inside, thankful to be home as it had begun to snow during their walk from the subway station. Once they'd hung up their coats, they were pretty quick to curl up on the couch underneath a blanket. "Now that we're here, how would you like to spend the remainder of the night?" Sebastian asked as he looked up at Blaine who was lying above him.
"I don't want to do anything until I warm up." Blaine told him as he wrapped himself around Sebastian beneath the blanket.
"I could think of something that would warm us both up rather completely."
"Me too, but if it's the same thing I'm thinking of, we'd have to lose our clothes to do so."
"Why Blaine Anderson, what type of guy do you think I am?"
"I know exactly what type of guy you are Sebastian Smythe." Blaine then leaned down and began to press kisses to Sebastian's neck. "One that wants the exact same thing that I do."
"Are you sure about that Killer?" Sebastian asked as he slid his hands beneath Blaine's sweater and felt him shiver at the contact but soon relax. "I…" Before anything else was said, Blaine began to suck gently on the pulse point of Sebastian's neck which rendered him practically speechless. "Blaine."
"That's my name." The tone of Blaine's voice when he spoke had a profound effect on Sebastian who soon felt his pants tightening. As this happened, he tightened his hold on Blaine who could feel the state Sebastian was getting in. "What do you want Bas?" Blaine asked as he ghosted his mouth over Sebastian's ear.
"You."
"How?"
"Naked, in bed."
"It could be chilly."
"True, but it won't be long till we're a sweaty mess." While Sebastian spoke, he caught Blaine off-guard and flipped them on the couch. "So, what do you say to getting hot and sweaty with me Killer?"
"What are we waiting for?"
The next morning when they finally awoke, neither was in a rush to go anywhere. With everything that was happening around them, they knew moments like this needed to be cherished. So aside from getting out of bed for necessary reasons, they spent most of the morning wrapped up in each other. "Are you sure there isn't anything you have to do today?" Sebastian asked as he looked down at Blaine who was lying beneath him.
"Positive. I'll just work on some music while you get done what you need to do." Blaine told him.
"Would this be music for school or personal?"
"School, but I'll probably use it personally as well. Why?"
"Just curious." Sebastian replied as he brushed some of Blaine's curls off his forehead. "Do you mind if I ask where you keep all the music you've written?"
"No. It's all stored on a hard-drive, though all the original hand written lyrics are in those boxes on my book shelves."
"Wait, that's what in those boxes?" Blaine nodded as he smiled up at him. "You have been busy."
"I've been writing lyrics and music since high school."
"How did I not know this?"
"No one really knew. It was a part of me that I kept to myself for the most part. Hell, most of those songs haven't been read by anyone but me." Once he spoke, Blaine noticed Sebastian's expression change. "He never read them Bas."
"Why not?" Sebastian replied as he got himself settled above him.
"He never asked." While he spoke, Blaine ran his hands over Sebastian's back and felt the muscles contract beneath his touch. "It was a part of me that he really didn't understand and that it seemed out of character."
"Yet if all those boxes are filled with songs, how could he not wonder what they were about?"
"I don't know."
"Would you ever consider letting me read them?" Sebastian's voice had a slight waver to it as he was unsure of how Blaine would respond.
"I would."
"Really?"
"Yes. Feel free to open up a box and read."
"Are you sure as I thought most songs are rather personal?"
"I'm positive Bas." Blaine told him before leaning up to give him a kiss. "You are more than welcome to read the songs I've written. Never know, you might find a hidden gem that I'd forgotten about."