Five Years Later

by Aquaria245

Never would Blaine have imagined after what was probably the happiest moment of his life, that his life would be in it's current state or he would've gone through the things that he has when he wasn't even out of college yet.

19. Chapter 19

Five Years Later

Part 19

After relaxing for the rest of that day, Blaine was certainly in a good mindset as he started getting ready before he and Sebastian left. Even with the conversation the two had earlier, Blaine's only concern at that moment was his performance. "So, do I only have one song to look forward to tonight or are there more?" Sebastian asked as he came up behind him as he fixed his hair.

"There is more than one." Blaine replied. "It's only a matter of you figuring out which song Morgan and Jeff were referencing at rehearsal."

"Alright. Now, do you need the same sort of attention I gave you before your first gig?" Sebastian said with a wiggle of his eyebrows which Blaine could see in the mirror.

"No, but I'd never object to it. But considering time, it'll have to wait till afterwards."

"I'll hold you to that."

"Please do." Blaine replied as he set his brush down, satisfied with how his hair turned out. "You look great by the way."

"Thank you. So are we ready to do this Killer?"

"Let's get this show on the road."

When they arrived at the bar, the line was already crazy out front. Thankfully the car drop-off allowed them to bypass all the craziness and head straight inside. After exchanging a quick kiss, Blaine headed backstage as Sebastian got settled. Once he took his seat, he looked over at Hunter who was smiling. "Is she here?"

"She is." Hunter replied. "As are Rachel and Santana as they didn't want to risk being late this time. Jeff is here as well."

"Thad?"

"He should be here any minute." Jeff said as he took a seat beside Sebastian. "The same goes for Wes."

"Was the rest of the band here?"

"Yes, but they only all got here a minute or two before Blaine. They are raring to go." Jeff told him as a waitress approached to take their order. "And before you say anything, I'm sorry."

"It's alright. The more time I had to think about it, I probably would've done the same thing. That night was about Blaine, and Hummel shouldn't have ruined it." Sebastian said after placing his order. "Also, B knows."

"Blaine knows what?" Wes asked as he took his seat.

"That Nick bumped into Kurt last time Blaine performed." Jeff replied.

"How'd he take it?" Wes asked.

"Surprisingly well." Sebastian replied. "He was surprised as this really isn't Hummel's sort of hangout, but since he was with friends it made sense. Also, while he'd prefer not seeing him he knows there is always the chance of them seeing each other. The biggest thing he's worried about is Hummel seeing the two of us together."

"That's because it would give him a heart attack." Santana said as they sat down. "And Hunter, Kimberly will be right back. She had to take a call."

"That doesn't surprise me, thank you." Hunter replied with a smile.

"What does she do for a living Hunter?" Rachel asked as she looked at him.

"She works for one of the premiere sports teams in town as assistant to the general manager."

"Really?" Jeff asked and Hunter nodded with a smile. "Impressive."

"Yep."

"And how did the two of you meet?" Wes asked as their drinks were brought to them.

"A mutual friend introduced us." Just then she returned and Hunter extended his hand and she took a seat on his lap. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Kimberly. Babe, this is everyone." They all started to laugh as she just looked at him and shook her head.

"Since his introduction skills seem to be lacking, I'm Sebastian, Sebastian Smythe." He said as he extended his hand to her. "It's a pleasure to finally to put a face to someone I've heard so much about. And you're as beautiful as Hunter described."

"The feeling is mutual Sebastian." She replied before the others introduced themselves. "So, Blaine's your boyfriend, right?" She asked once she brought her attention back to Sebastian.

"That would be correct." Sebastian said before taking a sip of his drink.

"Hunter says he's extremely talented."

"He is." Sebastian said proudly. "You're in for quite the treat."

"He's telling the truth." Jeff told her. "Dating Blaine hasn't skewed his perception of how good Blaine is. We've all known for a long time how talented he is."

"Ain't that the truth?" Wes added just as Nick sat down beside him. "Since when have you been coming?"

"I told Jeff I would be here if I was able to catch an earlier flight, which I did." Nick replied as he took off his coat. "How soon till they go on?"

"About thirty minutes." Thad said as he joined them. "And so far, no Hummel in sight." Thad then looked at Rachel.

"I don't know where they were going. He was a bit surprised when he came by this evening and saw that Santana and I were going out once again." Rachel told him. "He wanted us to join him, but once again, we had plans."

"Even if I didn't, I wouldn't have been going out with him." Santana stated. "But Rach did try to get him to tell us where he was going but he had no clue. Though, he is going out with those same friends."

"You guys realize if his friends are regulars here, they'd know Blaine is performing as it's been on the calendar." Sebastian said.

"He'll be okay man." Hunter told him.

"He's right." Thad said. "Stephen's guys are keeping a look out as is Brad. And if he shows, he won't get near Blaine in here."

"And if he tries once we leave, he'll have all of us to deal with." Nick added.

"Is it safe to presume you guys are talking about Blaine's ex?" Kimberly asked and they all nodded. When Sebastian looked at her, Hunter gave him a reassuring nod.

"I only filled in the basics." Hunter said. "I didn't want her out of the loop should something go down."

"That was a wise decision."

"Does Kurt know Blaine is dating again?" Wes asked as he looked at Rachel and Santana.

"He does." Rachel replied. "I felt it best that he knew, but he has no idea that Blaine is with Sebastian."

"That's probably for the best." Thad said. "Lord only knows how he'd react."

While they were all talking, Blaine and his band were going over their set list one last time. With the success of their last performance, Stephen essentially told them they could play as long as they liked. Since that was the case, they'd put together a set list that offered quite a bit of variety. But they made certain to keep their acoustic numbers together like last time. "Sebastian's looking pretty fine tonight Blaine." Talia said as she came walking back into the room. "You didn't perhaps hint that he should dress as well as he did, did you?"

"Nope, that's how he dresses all the time essentially." Blaine replied. "It's why the song fits so well. Only a matter now if Jeff doesn't let it slip that the song was chosen for him. Also, you're all good doing those harmonies on the opener, right?"

"Absolutely!" Justin told him. "I love the twist you put on the number."

"It's not as much of a twist, but it's combining the original with the Warbler version."

"Do you think the guys are going to notice?" Morgan asked as she smoothed out her skirt upon getting up.

"Yes as it was the last number I ever sang with them. Looking back, I really should've gone back."

"Jeff told me they all really missed you when you left, said it wasn't the same anymore."

"Regardless of what happened Blaine, those guys are true friends as they didn't let all that other crap change how they felt about you." Talia said. "Those are the type of people you want in your life."

"Trust me, I know that, especially now."

With everything going on, Stephen sighed loudly when he was contacted by the head of security that Blaine's ex had entered the building along with some friends. Since he'd talked to his staff ahead of time, they knew to keep Kurt away from the main part of the floor where Sebastian and the others were sitting. Normally it could've been difficult, but with as packed as the place was, they were quickly guided upstairs. Once they were on their way up the stairs, Stephen walked over to his brother who was tending bar once more to let him know what was going on. Instantly after he was told, Brad sent a text to Sebastian, Thad, and Hunter letting them know Kurt was in the building. While the news didn't thrill Sebastian, he was happy to know that Kurt was upstairs and nowhere near the stage or them.

It was about ten minutes prior to them taking the stage when Josh looked over at Kurt. "Why are you still so adamant that the Blaine Anderson that is performing isn't your ex-husband?" He asked as they all took seats.

"Because this isn't something he would do. Performing at a bar is beneath Blaine." Kurt replied.

"For someone you were married to, you don't seem to give him much credit." One of the other guys said. "I mean, if you didn't believe in him how could you support his dreams?"

"I didn't. He lost something once he moved out here and without it, his dreams became a fantasy that he wouldn't give up. While I loved singing, I realized I had a better shot in fashion which is why I left NYADA." Kurt told them. "That's not to mention the fact that he was also doing other things that had me not being as receptive to what he wanted."

Before the conversation could go any further, Stephen took the stage to introduce Blaine. His introduction had Sebastian smiling as it was clear most of the crowd that was there that night was there to hear Blaine and his band. Once he finished, they took the stage and a smile crept to Sebastian's face. At the same time that smile crept to Sebastian's, shock came to Kurt's when he saw that it was actually Blaine on stage. When he went to move, his friends grabbed ahold of him and kept him in his seat as they had no idea what was going through his mind in that moment.

"And how is everybody tonight?" Blaine asked as he got his guitar out of the stand and the crowd erupted. "That good, huh?" Blaine then looked over at Sebastian who was front and center much as he'd been the previous performance and winked. "This first number tonight goes out to my friends who have stuck with me through thick and thin. And well, they accepted me for who I am, completely." While Blaine spoke, his friends all exchanged looks, before bringing their attention back to the stage.

Uh-ooh

Uh-oh oh, oh,

Even with those few words, Sebastian and the guys knew precisely which song they were singing. And proceeded to sit back and enjoy. Knowing that the song had even more meaning now than it did the last time he'd sung it.

There's a place that I know

It's not pretty there and few have ever gone

If I show it to you now

Will it make you run away

Will you stay

Even if it hurts

Even if I try to push you out

Will you return?

And remind me who I really am

Please remind me who I really am

While Blaine sang lead, the rest of the band was doing more background vocals than usual, but considering they were doing an arrangement very similar to what they'd done, it wasn't too surprising. Blaine's band wasn't only talented with their instruments, they could all sing as well.

Everybody's got a dark side

Do you love me?

Can you love mine?

Nobody's a picture perfect

But we're worth it

You know that we're worth it

Will you love me?

Even with my dark side?

"Oh my God, are you guys listening to this bullshit?" Kurt exclaimed though no one was really listening as they were too into listening to the performance. Try as he might, Kurt couldn't deny that the man singing on stage at that moment was one he hadn't heard in a long time. "He's trying to underplay who he really is." And the one he'd fallen in love with all those years prior.

While Blaine sang, Thad filled Wes in behind the full meaning of the performance and Wes could only smile. Tonight, Blaine had come out of the gate with both barrels blazing which let them all know that they were in for quite the treat. Once it finished and the crowd cheer, Nick leaned over to Jeff who was smiling. "Is that because of Blaine or the gorgeous girl beside him?"

"Both." Jeff replied. "Was I the only one tempted to join them?"

"No." Sebastian said as he glanced over at them quickly before turning his attention back to Blaine who was smiling. Once they started their next number, the crowd was as into it as the first as it was another new number and new in more ways than one as it was an original, one Sebastian had heard Blaine play at home numerous times. The longer the set went on, Sebastian's cheeks were starting to hurt from smiling because of how proud he was of what he was witnessing.

During the acoustic part of their set, he glanced over at Hunter who looked happier than he could ever remember as he held his girlfriend close as Blaine sang another love song. So much about this night was like the first, yet at the same time so much better as Blaine was comfortable from the start. Once they put their stools away so they could get back to rocking, Jeff gave Sebastian a nudge when he saw Blaine wink at him. In that moment, he had to stop himself from reacting any more than he did as he'd never seen Sebastian like this.

When Jeff looked up on stage, Morgan gave him a smile before they got ready for their next number. Then the moment the first chords were played Jeff had to clamp his hands over his mouth and it didn't go unnoticed by Nick or Wes. "What?" Wes asked and Jeff told him to listen. While Blaine rarely ever changed lyrics when he did a cover, this time around he did as they did a cover of Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top. Instead of it being every girl, it became every one. And when those lyrics came out, Morgan and Blaine were back to back and looking directly at Jeff and Sebastian. By this point, Sebastian realized the song was directed at him and one glance at Jeff confirmed this was the song they'd been referring too.

With so many of the rock songs they covered it truly got to show of the others talents especially Justin on guitar. When they finally finished that night, they were all overcome with emotion as the crowd had been on their side the whole night. Once they made their way off the stage, Kurt's friends could only look at him as they were blown away by what they'd heard. And if his expression was anything to go by, so was he. "What were you saying about this not being his thing?" Josh asked. "Because, he was amazing." The rest of the friends they were with tried not to laugh, but they couldn't as Josh was speaking the truth.

"That's not funny."

"Kurt, you can't deny that Blaine was incredible. Whatever it was he lost, he clearly found it." When Kurt huffed and stood the others looked at him. "Where do you think you're going?"

"To speak with my ex-husband."

"Kurt!" Before they could do anything else, he was on his way down the stairs.

"Should we go after him?" One of the guys asked as he looked at Josh.

"I doubt it would do any good if we did. He's determined to see Blaine and when he's determined, it's pretty hard to stop him." Josh replied.

By the time Kurt reached the main floor, Blaine and his band had already disappeared back stage and there was quite the crowd forming at the hall entrance that was manned by security. "Are you going to see him?" Kimberly asked as she looked at Sebastian.

"Soon."

"He was great tonight Sebastian." Santana said with a smile. "And, he was rather flirty up on stage during a few of those numbers."

"I noticed that too." Rachel replied. "Too bad all those girls don't realize he's taken."

"Damn right he is." Sebastian stated. "They are more than welcome to go after Justin and Todd, but Blaine, is mine."

"Getting a bit possessive, aren't we?" Hunter said with a wink.

"Yep!" Sebastian said as he got up from his seat. "So, I'm going to go to my boy and congratulate him on a spectacular performance."

"Will you be coming back?" Thad asked.

"Yes." Sebastian had just turned when he spotted Kurt out of the corner of his eye crossing the floor. In that moment, he took off towards the hallway which caught everyone's attention. Thad promptly stood and looked around and saw why Sebastian took off the way he did.

"Time to gather your things everyone, we're leaving."

"Why?" Rachel asked but before he could respond, Kurt came up to them. "Kurt…uh…hi."

"What are you doing out with them?" He asked as he took in who she was surrounded by.

"I'm here supporting Blaine, as are they."

"Why didn't you tell me he was performing?"

"It's none of your damn business." Thad replied. "That's why." While Thad spoke, the rest of the guys stood as well. "And if you even think of trying to go and talk to Blaine, think again."

"What are you, his protector now?" Kurt said as he looked at Thad. "I see you brought your winning personality of a friend with you."

"He did." Hunter replied. "And as you can see, they don't have a problem with his attitude nor mine since we're spending the evening together supporting Blaine."

"You don't even know him."

"But he does." Nick said and as he spoke, he noticed Santana on her phone texting whom he could only hope was Sebastian. "So you're wrong. And Thad's right, stay away from Blaine."

"You guys have no clue who Blaine even is anymore."

"We know more than you think." Wes told him. "So, you should go as I doubt Blaine would be happy to see you."

"Wes is right, and I know that for a fact." Jeff added. "So, let him enjoy his moment and go." Kurt then looked around at the group. "Who are you looking for?"

"Isn't Blaine's boyfriend joining you as I know he has one as Rachel told me?" He then glanced over at Rachel who was still sitting with Santana and Kimberly on either side of her. "Isn't that right Rachel?"

"Kurt, please." Rachel said. "Don't do this. Jeff's right. Let Blaine enjoy the moment as he deserves it."

"I only want to congratulate him."

"I doubt that." Santana said as she stood. "But if that's all, we can pass on your regards, right guys?"

"That would be correct." Thad replied. "And don't worry, because we will as Rachel can tell you if we don't."

"And who are you?" Kurt asked as he looked at Kimberly.

"None of your damn business." Hunter replied.

"Oh, you must be with Mr. Charming here. You can do better honey than this Neanderthal." When he spoke, Thad grabbed ahold of Hunter's arm as he had no idea how he was going to react. Yet before anything else could be said, Stephen came walking up to all of them.

"Jeff, Morgan would like you to come back stage."

"Got it!" Jeff replied before looking at the others prior to leaving.

"Who is Morgan?" Kurt asked.

"His girlfriend." Nick told him. "And Blaine's bassist. Now, why don't you take our advice and go as you have to know Blaine doesn't want to see you." When he spoke, he saw Santana tug on Thad's arm.

"Time to go, they're ready to go." Thad said as he grabbed his jacket. Kurt looked at them as the guys all helped the girls on with their jackets before taking their hands. "I'd say it was nice seeing you, but that would be a lie." With that they all headed towards the doors as Sebastian's text to Santana told them that they were all going out the back.

Not surprisingly, Kurt was quick to head upstairs to grab his coat as he was determined to talk with Blaine. Seeing Blaine up on that stage had an effect on him that he hadn't expected. And while Rachel had told him any chance of them getting back together was over, he had to at least give it one last try. Maybe if Blaine saw how happy he was for him, he'd soften his stance. By the time he made it outside he saw Rachel and everyone else loading up the last of their gear. The instant he spotted Blaine in the center of them all he started to call out for him. Once he was close enough, he was about to call out once more when he saw someone wrap their arms around Blaine before leaning down to give him a kiss.

Kurt managed to get a bit closer but before he could get a good look at who was kissing Blaine and he could only presume it was his boyfriend, the two of them made their way into an awaiting car. Once the car pulled away, he saw the rest of them start to hail cabs. When Nick turned around he could only smile. "As you can see, you missed him."

"You love that, don't you Duval?"

"I do actually as I know you're the last person he wants to see. Also, I doubt his boyfriend would be happy to see you either."

"Why would that matter?"

"You're assuming Blaine's boyfriend doesn't know you or know of you." Wes told him. "But what if he does? That could make for a rather awkward situation for all involved."

"You always were the diplomatic one, weren't you Wes."

"Sometimes too diplomatic Kurt." Wes then took a step towards him. "You convinced Blaine to push away his friends once before so we weren't there when he needed us. But now that we are back in his life again, I promise you that we will do whatever we have to in order to make sure you never hurt Blaine again."

"He's nowhere as innocent as you all think."

"Who said we thought Blaine was innocent?" Wes replied. "I just said that you're never going to hurt him again."

"And what is it do you think I did to him?"

"It had to be something for him to keep himself closed off from us all even though the two of you were apart." Nick said. "So, that tells us that even after everything, Blaine was still protecting your sorry ass."

"Nick's right." Thad added. "Blaine knew we didn't like you so why give us more ammunition to use against you. So for your sake and ours, stay away from him. But considering you didn't take the advice given when you bothered us at dinner that night, I doubt you're going to do it now."

"Kurt, please, leave him be." Rachel said as she stepped between Thad and Nick. "I understand that you want to congratulate him, but, it's not a wise idea. The guys are right; you're the last person he wants to see."

"That's Rachel's way of saying the two of you are better off never seeing each other again." Santana told him. "You have to know nothing good could ever come from it." She then looked around him and saw quite a few guys staring at them. "You're clearly here with friends, so go back to them as we're going to go out and celebrate."

"If you're not going to listen to the guys, listen to the ladies as they were around for everything." Hunter said. "So, if even they are telling you to stay away from Blaine, you should listen."

"Why are you even talking?" Kurt said as he looked at Hunter. "You have no clue about any of this."

"He knows more than you think." Kimberly told him. "So, listen to Santana and Rachel as I doubt the next time you see any of these guys, they're going to be nearly as nice."

"Why are the two of you even talking to me, you don't know me?" Kurt replied as he looked between Hunter and Kimberly.

"Because even they are sick of this crap and can see the longer this goes on that it's only going to get worse." Thad said as a couple of cabs pulled up. "So, we're going." Kurt then watched as they all got into the awaiting cabs before pulling away. Once he watched them go, he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see that his friends had come closer.

"Did you get to talk to him?" Josh asked.

"No. He was in the center of them all when I got out here." Kurt replied as they headed down the street. "I saw him and when I did I can only presume it was his boyfriend who was kissing him moments later. Then after it ended the two got into an awaiting car and left."

"Did you get to see what his boyfriend looks like?" One of the guys asked as they were going to a nearby diner to get something to eat.

"No." Kurt said as he put his hands in his pockets. "All I could see was that he was tall and had brown hair as he had his back to me the entire time."

"Did any of Blaine's friends say goodbye to them by name?"

"No, just that they'd see them soon. So, they're all clearly meeting up somewhere." Kurt told them.

"Is it weird seeing Rachel going out with him?" Josh asked.

"Yes as it proves she knows way more about what's going on in his life than she's let on."

"Do you really blame her though, I mean, things didn't end well for you and Blaine. And since she's friends with you both she probably feels not saying anything is the safest thing to do."

"But what harm is there in telling me the name of Blaine's boyfriend?"

"A lot." One of the guys said. "For all they know you could go and track him down."

"Why would I do that?"

"To find out what type of guy Blaine was now seeing. Honestly, it's better this way for all involved."

"Maybe."

"Kurt…" Josh said. "You can't tell me you aren't the slightest bit curious as to what sort of guy now has Blaine's attention. It's natural to want to know who your ex moved on with. Whether it's someone like us or someone polar opposite. I know I've wondered what sort of guys some of my exes have dated after we split."

"Fine, I'm somewhat curious."

"Leave it at that. Has anyone caught your attention since Blaine left?"

"A few." Kurt replied with a rather sly smile.

"Then go and start having some fun again. I'm not saying you need to get into another serious relationship, but there is nothing wrong with having some fun."

"You're right. If Blaine's so clearly moved on with his life, so should I."

While Kurt was speaking with his friends, Blaine and Sebastian were unloading his gear at Sebastian's before heading back out to meet everyone for a bite to eat. Once they had everything off to the side, Blaine wrapped his arms tightly around Sebastian, slightly catching him off guard. Sebastian glanced down at him and smiled as Blaine was beaming. "I think someone is happy." Sebastian said as he caressed Blaine's cheek which had become a bit of a habit whenever he looked up at him like this.

"Extremely." Blaine replied as he tightened his hold. "I still can't get over how packed the bar was."

"It was all because of you guys Killer." Sebastian then leaned down to give him a kiss. "You guys were amazing tonight." When Blaine didn't say a word, Sebastian caressed his cheek once more. "You believe that, don't you?"

"I do actually as there was no ignoring that crowd reaction."

"You're telling me. You know, I wouldn't have a problem staying her and having our own little private celebration."

"I wouldn't either, but we'll have plenty of time to celebrate once we come back." Blaine replied. "Plus, I'm curious how everything went once we left. I'm rather proud of you Bas."

"Why is that?"

"Even though you heard him calling for me, you didn't react."

"I didn't want to ruin the moment B as that's what would've happened had I turned around."

Song: My Dark Side by Kelly Clarkson