Five Years Later

Part 17

When they were finishing up rehearsal on Wednesday, Blaine was a bit surprised to see Rachel come walking into the room. Judging from the way she was carrying herself, quite a few eyes fell upon Blaine. Since they were about done, Blaine motioned for Rachel to take a seat as he wanted them to finish up as it had been a long day. Once they were finally done for the day, they all began to pack up as Blaine walked over to Rachel. "Hey, I wasn't expecting to see you."

"Sorry, but I wanted to see you before you headed over to Sebastian's." Rachel replied as Blaine took a seat beside her. "I want to apologize."

"For?" Blaine asked as he tilted his head. "Because as far as I know, you haven't done anything you need to be sorry for."

"Not seeing how bad things were between you and Kurt."

"May I ask what brought this on?"

"Something Santana said when she came home Saturday night. She was pretty shaken after leaving your apartment." While she spoke, Blaine casted his eyes down towards the floor. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"It didn't concern you as it was between me and Kurt."

"Blaine."

"Rachel. There isn't anything to talk about, alright." He replied as he looked at her. "I know everything Kurt said to you about me and well, a good portion of it is true. I was rarely home and when I was, he really wasn't my top priority. Between work and school, my time was monopolized and well, I didn't balance things well. Not to mention, I had moments of selfishness like anyone else where I honestly needed me time."

"Both of you were at fault Blaine."

"I know that, trust me, I do. And while things were rough, it got worse once he started to accuse me of cheating on him which I never did. It seemed that once he left NYADA to go back to Isabelle and then fashion school he forgot the amount of time practicing takes up. That's all I was ever doing those late nights."

"May I ask why you never practiced at home?"

"That would be because my playing disturbed his beauty rest." Blaine told her. "You know how he feels about his sleep." Rachel nodded as she knew that all too well as Kurt was very much like her in that regard. "So I would go to school and practice, simple as that. And you know me, I often lose track of time when I do so."

"Is that all?"

"All that you need to concern yourself with." Blaine replied before getting up. "And while I appreciate your apology, it wasn't necessary. You are his best friend and well, it made sense for you to take up for him. Honestly, I never expected us to remain friends once I left him and filed."

"Kurt's not thrilled with it, but I wasn't going to let the two of you getting divorced change things between us." Rachel told him as she followed him back to his things so he could pack up. Once they reached his things, she stepped aside for a moment so he could say goodbye to his friends. After they left, Blaine started gathering his things. "Your friendship means a lot to me Blaine which is why I reacted the way I did when I saw the new man in your life."

"I know and I'm happy you've taken the time to actually get to know Sebastian."

"Me too as he's really nothing like I thought. And it's pretty obvious how happy he makes you."

"He does." Blaine replied as he closed his case. "Now, is it only going to be you and Santana for dinner tomorrow?" He asked as he grabbed his bag as well.

"Actually, once you told us you and Sebastian couldn't make it I…I extended an invitation to Kurt which he accepted." She said as they put their coats on prior to heading for the door. "Needless to say, Santana's not thrilled, but she understands. Ever since you and Sebastian got together her patience with him has grown thin."

"That's because him constantly showing up bothers her. Plus it doesn't help that I seem to get brought up anytime he's there. I mean, how is she going to survive?" The playful look on Blaine's face, brought a smile to Rachel's as it was a good question though Blaine was trying to make light of the subject with the inflections in his voice.

"She's actually going to work tomorrow night so they won't be together too long." Rachel told him as they walked down the steps. "That reminds me; because she's working tomorrow night she'll be able to make it on Saturday. It was the only way she agreed to cover for the other bartender."

"But knowing it gets her away from Kurt now, she might've."

"Probably, but now she gets to see you perform again. Are you guys performing any new stuff?"

"We are actually." Blaine replied once they stepped outside. "But this is where this needs to end since we're going in different directions."

"And here I thought you might be going home first before going to Sebastian's."

"Nope. Bas took my bag with him when he went home today since I'd have all this stuff with me."

"I take this to mean you'll be at his place for the remainder of the week."

"That would be correct." Blaine said before kissing her on the cheek. "Now, good luck tomorrow and I'll see you for certain on Saturday."

"Thanks, and you and Sebastian have a wonderful Thanksgiving."

"We intend on it, thank you. I hope you and Santana do as well." Once Blaine turned and headed in the opposite direction, Rachel stood there for a moment and smiled. Seeing Blaine truly happy again wasn't something she ever expected, but considering that happiness came from an unlikely source proved that nothing is ever what it seems.

During the ride to Sebastian's, Blaine was thankful that the train was relatively empty as that meant he didn't have to balance all of his belongings. To help pass the time, he returned a few texts that he'd missed during rehearsal after sending one to Sebastian letting him know he was on his way. Most of the texts made him laugh, especially the one from Jeff who got grilled by his parents on his sudden change of plans. While they understood him wanting to go back East to support Blaine, they knew their son all too well to know that there was more to it. But the instant he showed his parents a picture of Morgan, his Dad especially understood Jeff's desire to return.

When he was about to Sebastian's, he received another text from the man himself letting him know he'd ordered dinner as he was hungry. Blaine only smiled as he was hungry as well so the thought of eating shortly after arriving was more than alright with him. By the time he reached the doors, they were open as the doorman saw him coming. Over the past months, Blaine had gotten to know the three main doormen of the building as he seemed to arrive at all sorts of hours. And on a day like this, arriving after rehearsal he was more than happy to have someone getting the door for him.

Once he walked through the door at Sebastian's he couldn't help but smile as Sebastian was singing. After hanging up his coat, he continued in and stopped at the end of the hall once he spotted Sebastian setting the table as he sung. Listening to him, reminded Blaine how much he loved Sebastian's voice even back in high school. The moment he turned and their eyes met, a smile crept to Sebastian's face. "How long have you been there Killer?" He asked before walking towards him as Blaine set his things down.

"Not long." Blaine replied before they kissed. "When did you head home today?" He asked as Sebastian guided him over towards the couch.

"Shortly after you left as I had a few things I wanted to do today while you were at rehearsal." Sebastian said as they got settled on the couch. "Speaking of, how'd rehearsal go?"

"Really well actually as we were able to clean up that one number I told you about. Talia was able to figure out why it wasn't sounding right. Once that was fixed, everything was good to go." While he spoke, Blaine's eyes drifted to the coffee table. "Is that what I think Bas?"

"If you think it's a box of your songs, then yes. When I got to reading this morning I didn't want to stop so I brought a box with me. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all, but I'm a bit surprised."

"Why?" Sebastian asked as he began to run his fingers through Blaine's hair. The way Blaine seemed to relax against him was something Sebastian enjoyed. "They're all really good B."

"Sebastian."

"I'm serious Killer; they are which is why I wanted to keep reading. And I felt it was best to keep them all together instead of only grabbing a few."

"I appreciate that. Since you liked them, were there any that stuck out to you?"

"A few, so I put them off to the side." Sebastian told him as Blaine glanced back at him and smiled. "Do you mind if I ask you something B?"

"Not at all, what would you like to know?"

"This might seem odd, but I've yet to come across any songs that seem to be written about Kurt."

"That's because out of all of the songs I've written there were only a few about him. Most are more about my feelings in general."

"Then, what about what Morgan said?"

"You mean that I might've written a song about you?" Sebastian nodded. "What can I say, I couldn't help myself."

"So you have written one about me."

"I have, but it's not in any of those boxes."

"Will you let me read it once it's finished?"

"No." Blaine's response caused Sebastian to sit up slightly and lean over Blaine's shoulder. "You're not going to get to read it Bas because the first time you hear it, I'll be singing it. And before you ask, no, it won't be this weekend as I'm still working on the arrangement." Blaine then turned his head to kiss him. "But I do have something for you this weekend."

"You don't have to B, but thank you."

"Don't thank me yet as it might not be what you expect." While he spoke, Blaine turned so his chest was now pressed against Sebastian's. "How long do we have till dinner will be here?"

"It should be here soon, why?"

"Curious."

"Blaine."

"Honestly, I'm just curious Bas. Before I forget, my Mom recommended we try to get a bulk of the prep done tonight so we're not rushed tomorrow."

"That's fine with me. So you know, I do plan on watching football tomorrow."

"What about the parade?"

"The parade too Killer."

"Good as that's something I always do."

"Want to know a secret?" Blaine nodded. "Same here, at least when I'm in the States." After he spoke, Sebastian noticed Blaine's expression change. Yet before he could say anything the doorbell rang. So he gave Blaine a quick peck before he moved so that he could get up and answer the door. When he came walking back with dinner, he saw Blaine bringing drinks in from the kitchen. "Talk to me Blaine."

"What makes you think I want to talk?" Blaine replied as they unpacked what had been delivered.

"Blaine."

"Fine, from conversations we've had you tend to spend Christmas in Europe and well, I was wondering if you were going there again this year." Blaine said quickly as they each took a seat at the table.

"For your information, I'm staying States side this year as there is someone I'd like to spend the holidays with." While he spoke, Sebastian reached over and took ahold of Blaine's hand. "That is, unless you want me to go away."

"No, I was actually hoping you were going to stay." Blaine then gave Sebastian's hand a squeeze. "It's nice knowing you want to spend it with me as well."

"I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather spend it with. And while this might seem quick to some, it doesn't feel that way to me. It feels…" Sebastian paused as he thought of the right word.

"Right?"

"Very." Sebastian replied with a smile and soon they began to eat. As they did so, they talked a bit and at one point Sebastian asked if they'd had any luck in finding a manager. Happily Blaine told him that the five of them were meeting with someone on Monday through a recommendation of Stephen. And that after doing some research, he seemed to be the type of person they wanted to speak with. Not surprisingly to Blaine, Sebastian wanted the name so that he could read up on him as well. The last thing he wanted was for Blaine and his band to get involved with someone unscrupulous. But knowing this gentleman was recommended by Stephen, took away some of the anxiety Sebastian had been feeling on the subject. He'd heard way too many horror stories of managers taking advantage of talent that he couldn't help the way he felt.

Once the two of them finished dinner and had cleaned up, it didn't take them long to get to work on some of their prep work for dinner the next day. They'd barely gotten everything out when they realized how right it was to do this here as Blaine's kitchen certainly wasn't big enough. More than once during the process, they were both cursing as they'd each nicked themselves along the way. "You realize that we're making way too much Bas."

"I know. Think of it this way, we won't have to cook for a few days as we'll have plenty of leftovers to eat." Sebastian replied as he came up behind him and wrapped his arms around him. "Thad finds it amusing that we're doing this."

"So does Jeff. He's positive we're going to have plenty of stories to tell."

"My parents think we're being rather ambitious." Sebastian told him as he rested his head on his shoulder.

"As do mine, but they think it's a good thing to do. Plus it's better to attempt it for the first time when it's just the two of us and no one else."

"What, so if it's a complete disaster no one knows besides us?"

"That's my Dad's take on it and well, he's got a point." Blaine then turned slowly in Sebastian's arms. "I should tell you, they want to meet you, especially after how Cooper described you." Sebastian proceeded to cock an eyebrow at him as he could only wonder what Cooper had to say. Their first meeting was certainly unique, but when they'd gone out to dinner it was certainly enjoyable. In that moment Sebastian got to see how alike the Anderson brothers truly were. While Cooper was certainly an entity of his own, there was no denying they were related. The more Blaine's confidence returned, the similarities between the brothers grew.

"Do I even want to know what Cooper said about me?" Sebastian asked as he brought Blaine closer against him as they stood in the middle of the kitchen.

"My Mom didn't tell me everything, but she did say that Cooper had nothing but great things to say about you. And loved how you didn't seem to change how you acted because he was around."

"What can I say; I am who I am Killer."

"That all that I want Bas. Regardless of who is around, you're you." Blaine then got up on his tiptoes to give Sebastian a kiss. "And I wouldn't want it any other way. If people don't like it, that's on them, but I like you just the way you are. What would you say to showing me which songs caught your interest?"

"I'd like that." Sebastian replied before kissing him. "Maybe you can work a few in for your next show."

"One never knows, all depends on how much work they need." With that said, the two headed out to the living room now that they'd done all they could that evening. Once they were settled on the couch after putting everything in the fridge, Blaine leaned over to grab the appropriate piles of songs. "This is more than a few Bas."

"Semantics." He replied as he tightened his hold on Blaine. "So, what are you thinking?" He continued as Blaine looked through them. It soon became pretty clear he was thinking of when he'd written each song.

"It's an interesting stack, but I can't argue with any of them. Any song that made it into those boxes were ones I liked. More than a few of these already have arrangements written. But I might have to spruce them up so they suit the band." Soon Blaine saw Sebastian pull one out of the stack and put it on top. "Is that your favorite?"

"It is." Blaine then kissed Sebastian on the cheek before tapping his hands that were around him. Sebastian released him, and then watched as Blaine went to get his guitar out of its case. "Are you going to play it for me?"

"I am." Once he responded, Sebastian resituated himself so that he could give Blaine his complete attention.

Say, wasn't that a funny day?

Gee you had a funny way, a way about you

A kind of glow of something new

Sure, I'll admit that I'm the same

Another sucker for a game kids like to play

And the rules they like to use

Don't you want the way I feel?

Don't you want the way I feel?

Don't you want the way I feel for you?

The sun telling me the night is done

Well I refuse to let it stop our fun

Close your eyes, we'll make it dark again

And kiss, there's a thought so how 'bout this?

Let's pretend that both our lips are made of candy

After all we need sweets every now and then

Don't you want the way I feel?

Don't you want the way I feel?

Don't you want the way I feel for you?

While Blaine sang and played, Sebastian was completely mesmerized by what he was hearing. For a song Blaine told him he hadn't touched in years, it sounded perfect to Sebastian. The more he heard, he couldn't believe that there was a whole part of Blaine he hadn't known back in high school. Yet with everything he said, it seemed to be something he kept very close to him and shared with very few. And the fact that Blaine had no problem with Sebastian reading any of the songs he'd written warmed Sebastian's heart. He was being let into a part of Blaine that very few knew.

Just as the last chords were strummed, Sebastian could see a bit of uncertainty come to Blaine's face. But the moment their eyes met, it instantly disappeared. "Judging from that smile, you liked it." Blaine said as he set his guitar aside.

"Very much so." Sebastian replied as Blaine scooted back towards him. "You're going to get sick of me saying it, but you truly are talented Killer. I could honestly listen to you play and sing all day long. One of these days you're going to need to record some of this stuff so I can listen to you when we're apart."

"One thing at a time Bas." Blaine said as he leaned back once more. "Now, are you still coming to the party next Saturday?"

"Absolutely! I can't wait for it actually."

"Really?"

"Yes, as going to a party with you will obviously be a blast. But I can't wait to see what you're going to be doing."

"Promise me something."

"Alright."

"Don't laugh at the party."

"What makes you think I'm going to laugh Killer?"

"I'll just say the chances are high." Sebastian looked at him and could only nod as now his curiosity had been peaked. Yet he knew Blaine well enough that if you push too hard, he closes up. So Sebastian was content to leave it at that.

When the next morning rolled around, they were still curled up in bed when Rachel and Santana were already up and about. "Will you please tell me why you invited him once again?" Santana asked as she tightened her apron. "I mean, he obviously wouldn't have been invited had Blaine and Sebastian not already had plans."

"I invited him because no one should be alone." Rachel told her.

"He would've been had Blaine and Sebastian been here. Personally, I'm surprised you thought of inviting them before Kurt."

"That would be because I know you'd much rather spend time with the two of them, than Kurt."

"You could say that again."

"What aren't you telling me Santana as you and Kurt used to be friends?"

"Nothing to tell. Unlike you, while Blaine and Kurt were divorcing, I couldn't listen to him playing the woe is me card anymore." Santana told her as she got a colander out of the cabinet. "He and Blaine both were at fault, yet Blaine took the high ground and refused to put us in the middle of things. To me it's rather hypocritical of him to bad-mouth Blaine yet still proclaim that he loves him."

"I mentioned that to him the last time we spoke and he said it's his frustration with the whole situation." Rachel replied. "For him, the thought of Blaine moving on with someone else is hard to fathom."

"Wait till he finds out Blaine's moved on with Sebastian. I have no doubt the dramatics are going to fly."

"That's not funny Santana."

"I'm not trying to be funny Rachel, it's the truth. He's going to freak out big time knowing Blaine is with Sebastian. And not only are they together, but they're happy together, really happy."

"I can't argue with that. You should've seen Blaine yesterday before he headed for Sebastian's. You could honestly see how eager he was to see him. They've gotten to spend quite a bit of time with each other this break so far and neither is taking it for granted."

"Do you honestly blame them?" Santana asked and Rachel shook her head. "And before you say anything, I won't pick a fight with him today."

"Thank you."

"You are very welcome. Did you put the calendar away?"

"I did. I still can't believe he was there that night as I never expected him to go to a bar like that." Rachel told her as they got to work. "I mean, it's not really his scene."

"True, but he went with friends whose scene it is." Santana said. "I can't get over the fact that he didn't recognize Nick or for that matter, anyone else. They hadn't changed that much over the years."

"Well, when I saw him a few days later he said he had fun when he'd gone out but they waited for what seemed like forever to get into the bar."

"So he was outside the entire time Blaine was performing?"

"He was." Santana tried not to laugh, but couldn't help it as she remembered it was a bit chilly when they all left that evening. "Surprisingly enough, he didn't think twice when he heard the guy performing that night was named Blaine."

"You're kidding me?" Rachel shook her head once more as she didn't want to risk cutting herself. "Luckily no one told him the guy's last name was Anderson."

"I thought that myself more than once while we spoke. But I know sooner or later, he's going to find out that not only is Blaine performing, but he's with Sebastian." Santana nodded, as she knew that was true as well. After that close call, it was probably only a matter of time. And the fact that Kurt's friends go to the bar, it wouldn't be long till they found out it was Kurt's ex-husband that was performing.

Soon their conversation drifted from that of which they couldn't control to something that they could for the most part, their own lives. "Are you ever going to tell me how that date you went on went?" Santana asked as she glanced over at her once they had everything ready to go.

"There is nothing to tell. He was a nice guy, but I don't see anything coming from it."

"Well, at least he wasn't an ass." Santana told her as they got comfortable on the couch. "You'll find someone."

"The same can be said for you."

"Right now, I'm just having fun and I'm okay with that for the time being. Did you ever get to tell Sam about Blaine's show?"

"I did and he hates that he had to miss it. Blaine sent him his performance schedule. He put in for a weekend off in January to come out, but he'll have to wait and see." Rachel replied before glancing at the clock to see how much time they had to talk freely before Kurt arrived. "He was also happy to know that Blaine and Kurt didn't see each other as that could've easily killed the high Blaine was on."

"You know, the more I think about it, it would've only been temporary." Santana said causing Rachel to look at her a bit more intently. "Seriously, Blaine was in such a good place that night between his performance and having Sebastian and the guys around him. I don't think even Kurt could've ruined it."

"That's rather optimistic which isn't like you."

"Think about it Rach, Blaine was beaming. Plus, you know the rest of those guys wouldn't have let anything ruin it. It's clear those guys are protective of Blaine and well, one can only imagine how they feel after we all spoke."

"Do you know if they shared that information with anyone else?" Rachel asked.

"According to Thad, all of the guys have been filled in on what we told them. They're still waiting to hear more about it from Blaine, but I have a feeling that's going to be awhile." Before Rachel could respond, there was a knock on the loft door which signaled the end of that topic of conversation. Since Rachel was the one to invite him, she got up to get the door as Santana relaxed. While it might seem they were going to be eating early to some, they needed to as Santana wanted to assure she had time to take a nap before going to work that evening.

"Happy Thanksgiving." Kurt said once she opened the door.

"Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well." Rachel replied before kissing him on the cheek. Once he walked in, she closed the door behind. "I'm glad you decided to come."

"Thank you for the invite." Kurt told her before handing over a bottle of wine. "I was expecting to be spending the day home alone." Kurt then acknowledged Santana who was sitting on the couch. "Holidays have been different ever since Blaine left."

"You're just going to have to find what's right for you." Rachel told him as they sat down. "I have no doubt that you'll figure it out."

"My Dad said the same thing." Kurt replied. "I just have to find what works for me."

"He's right." Santana replied as she stood. It was clear from her posture that she was refraining from saying something else. "I'm going to put the rest of the dishes into the oven."

"Is she alright?" Kurt asked quietly as Santana walked away.

"Yes, she's working tonight so she wants to make sure we eat on schedule."

"Oh."

"Kurt, everything will be fine today as long as you don't mention Blaine. Trust me; it's not a topic Santana wants to get into either today. Today is about being thankful for what we do have."

While the three of them tried to get through their time together without anything harsh being said, Blaine and Sebastian were laughing probably more than they ever expected. Even though they'd done most of their prep work the night before, putting everything together was a different story. At one point Blaine was so confused by some of the directions in one of the recipes, Sebastian brought his laptop into the kitchen so they could Skype with Blaine's Mom. Shortly after they got her on, it wasn't long till Blaine was making introductions once she spotted Sebastian walk behind him. It wasn't how Blaine imagined it, but Sebastian was pretty quick to charm his Mom.

Once she explained the section of the recipe to Blaine he didn't understand she could hear Sebastian laughing in the background. It seemed that when Blaine jotted down the directions, he missed a word which caused all the frustration. So to see Blaine smiling about something that would've used to frustrate him was further proof that he was in a good place as he wasn't letting something so little bother him. Not surprisingly, before the call ended, Blaine ended up introducing Sebastian to his Dad as well. And from the look on his face, it was pretty clear he approved. After the call ended, Sebastian leaned down and kissed Blaine on the cheek. "What was that for?" Blaine asked as they finished up so they could get the last of the dishes into the oven.

"I felt like it." Sebastian replied. "And your parents seem sweet."

"I will let them know that next time we talk which I'm sure will be soon knowing my Mom."

"Why is that?"

"She's going to want to talk about you Sebastian. I know that look on her face all too well and she can't wait to do just that."

"Should I be worried?" Sebastian asked as they began putting dishes into the oven.

"No." Blaine told him before giving him a kiss. After everything was put into the oven, Sebastian took Blaine's hand and they headed for the living room. Soon they were settled on the couch and Sebastian turned the football game on. "I thought you said since it was a bit of a blowout you were no longer interested."

"I'm not." Sebastian replied as he moved a bit as he was lying above Blaine. "Habit." He then kissed Blaine on the lips. "You brought the timer with you, right?"

"It's on the table, why?"

"I wanted to make certain should I get caught up in kissing my boyfriend there would be a reminder of when we needed to stop."

"You want to kiss your boyfriend?"

"Very much so. Seeing him in the kitchen was quite the turn-on."

"Is that so?"

"Very, does he object?"

"None. So, what are you waiting for?" Instead of a verbal response, Sebastian leaned down and they began to kiss which they did till the timer brought them out of the moment.

Song : Don't You by Darren Criss