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.

23. Chapter 23

Five Years Later

Part 23

Going to class after playing a gig the previous night was something all of them had to adjust to as it wasn't always easy, especially once they started playing outside of the city. So needless to say, Blaine was always more than happy to see Sebastian stretched out on his couch on these days. Not surprisingly, Sebastian had already gotten a complete rundown of his performance from Wes so there wasn't much for Blaine to say to him. And judging from the number of books and the laptop on his table, Sebastian wasn't going home that evening which made Blaine happy much to Sebastian's delight.

So after ordering dinner, Blaine got his things set up as well as he was working on a piece for the winter concert the next week. "Since you have a performance next week, are you still going to be able to make it to Thad's?" Sebastian asked as he looked across to the other end of the couch where Blaine was sitting with his guitar in his lap.

"Yes, we'll still be able to go to Thad's." Blaine said with a smile. "It's amazing, since I have my confidence back, preparing for a concert isn't as stressful anymore."

"It never should've been Killer." Sebastian says with a smile from just above his laptop. "I'm just glad to see you back in your element again."

"Me too Bas, me too."

While the two talk for a bit it wasn't long till they were both working and only stopped long enough to eat once food arrived. Once they'd finished, Sebastian kept looking at Blaine from across his laptop screen as Blaine truly got into his own little world while playing. It had gotten to the point where Sebastian could tell if a section was giving Blaine issues based solely on his facial expressions as he played. And on this night, Blaine truly was relaxed as he played. So it didn't come to much of a surprise when Sebastian saw Blaine put his concert music away and take out band arrangements he'd been working on. Ever since Sebastian had started going through Blaine's boxes of music, he had plenty to keep him busy. But every once in a while, Sebastian could see Blaine jotting down what looked like lyrics every now and then. And as tempting as it was to read them, he refrained as he didn't want to disturb the process.

Once he moved his laptop onto the table and stretched out, placing his feet in Blaine's lap, Blaine looked to the side. "Are you done for the night or are you only taking a break?"

"I'm done." Sebastian said as he stretched once more. "But don't let me being finished stop you from working. I like the song you're working on."

"I know as it somehow made it toward the top of the Sebastian approved pile."

"I can't help it if I know what I like." Sebastian then scooted a bit closer to Blaine till his legs were draped fully over his lap and he was beside him. "What have the others thought of my suggestions?"

"They've loved them, but are a bit jealous that I had this stash of lyrics I never shared with anyone before." Blaine replied before kissing him. "They were also surprised when I told them you were the first to read them."

"What can I say, I can't help that I take an interest in what's important to you and your music is extremely important to you."

"It is and I'm grateful that you get that." Blaine then set his guitar down for the moment. "But you should know other things are important to me as well Bas."

"Like?"

"Do you really need me to say it?"

"Maybe I do."

"You're important to me Bas; more than I thought was possible." While he spoke, even more was said through those big hazel eyes that Sebastian adored. Blaine then felt one of Sebastian's hands on his cheek as he scooted over till he was flush against him.

"And you Blaine are important to me as well. I never thought it was possible to care about you as much as I do." Sebastian then leaned in and kissed Blaine softly on the lips. This wasn't a kiss that was leading to anything else beyond helping to express Sebastian's feelings in that moment.

"I care about you too Sebastian, a lot." From the looks in their eyes, it was pretty clear they were both skirting the very same word and that was alright for them. For Sebastian he wasn't going to push as this was so new to him. Plus considering what Blaine had gone through, he didn't want him to feel pressured to return those feelings in that moment. And for Blaine, what he was feeling was so strong, yet he wasn't quite sure he was ready to attach that word to what he was feeling. Yet all it took was one look at the both of them either when together or when they spoke of the other for those that knew them to know how they both felt.

When they went walking into Blaine's room that night, Sebastian smiled as he looked across the bed at Blaine. "I like the sheets Killer." Sebastian said upon spotting the red and green plaid flannel sheets. When Blaine blushed, Sebastian motioned for him to come closer which he did. "Does my B get cold at night when I'm not here?" Blaine nodded as he smiled up at him.

"If you don't like them, we can change them."

"Actually, I just put flannels on my bed too as it's gotten chilly. Plus, with them on it means we don't have to bundle up. I'd much rather feel your skin against mine than a shirt or pants."

"Is that so?" Blaine replied.

"Very much so." Sebastian then leaned down and kissed him. "Are the red and green for Christmas?"

"Yea, my Mom got them for me last year."

"I hope she doesn't mind that I plan on ravaging her son in these very sheets."

"What she doesn't know isn't going to hurt her." Before Sebastian had a chance to respond, Blaine wrapped his arms around him and the two went tumbling back onto the bed.

The next couple of days went rather quickly and before they knew it, it was Friday evening and Thad's party. More than a couple of times during that week, Rachel had called asking Blaine all sorts of questions that he couldn't help but chuckle at. It seemed the more they spoke, he realized just how seldom she went out and did things like this. And more than once he heard Santana in the background telling her I told you so once she repeated something Blaine said to her. While Blaine and Sebastian were on their way to Thad's place, Blaine's phone rang once more causing Sebastian to shake his head. "Relax, it's Santana." Blaine told him before answering. The next thing Sebastian saw was Blaine handing him his phone to speak to her.

"This better be good Lopez as you're denying me quality time in the back of his car with my boy." Sebastian told her causing Blaine to laugh. "Yes, there will be plenty of single guys at this party as well as single girls so both of you are taken care of."

"Funny." Santana replied.

"Hey, you asked if there were going to be any single guys so I just thought I'd cover everything. I take it you're asking if there are any single guys there as you're hoping to get Rachel laid." The words barely came out of Sebastian's mouth and Blaine turned to look at him while gripping his thigh. "Don't get upset with me Killer, that's precisely why Santana is asking." Sebastian then pulled the phone from his ear before asking Santana to tell Blaine what she'd told him. When Santana very bluntly told Blaine what she'd told Sebastian, Blaine's demeanor calmed but he kept his hand on Sebastian's thigh, though his grasp was much looser. By the time they finished their conversation, he handed Blaine back his phone. "Now you know why she wanted to talk to me and not you."

"Yea, I can't see her talking to me about trying to get Rachel some action." Blaine said while he slid his phone back into his pocket.

"Exactly, so she turned to me." Sebastian then leaned over and kissed Blaine on the cheek. "Do you mind me asking why she doesn't date B?"

"After everything that happened with Finn, she sort of went into this little world where she only concentrated on performing. And then once my marriage started to fall apart she played the role of dutiful friend to a T which had to be hard since she didn't want to pick sides."

"It sounds as though she doesn't know what to make out of that part of her life anymore."

"Precisely. And talking to Kurt about these things really isn't what she needed, yet Santana is the complete opposite end of the spectrum."

"Why didn't you talk to her?" Sebastian asked as he set his hand on top of Blaine's.

"That would be because Kurt felt it wasn't my place, so I stayed out of it for the most part."

"You would've been a great person to talk to Blaine, that rightful balance between the two." Sebastian said as he gave Blaine's hand a squeeze. "Do you mind if I ask you something?" Blaine shook his head in response as he looked at Sebastian. "Was she always so…prudish? I mean, you could tell when we all spoke that one night that talking about sex around her isn't something we should do."

"Not always, though she does have an innocence to her. But once she began talking to Kurt more, her views on sex became rather closed off once more."

"That doesn't surprise me."

"Don't you know Bas; sex is something that's only supposed to happen on special occasions."

"I guess we've had a lot of special occasions since we've been together then, huh B?" The smile that crept to Sebastian's face soon crept to Blaine's. "I guess we'll need to up the ante during the truly big occasions then."

"I'm up for the challenge, are you?"

"Do you really have to ask?" Sebastian replied before leaning over to kiss him once more. "But we'll have to pick this up later as I don't think we should be discussing this during the party. I much prefer keeping that part of our life between us."

"Me too, but that doesn't mean I won't be thinking."

"Me either Killer."

Once they made it up to Thad's, there was already quite the crowd there as most of the guys that had come in from out of town were already there. "I was beginning to think I was going to have to come and get you two." Wes said as he walked up to them. "But then I didn't know whose home you were coming from."

"We were actually at my place." Blaine replied before Sebastian excused himself to go and get them each a drink. "When did you get here?"

"About a half-hour ago. Nick is around here somewhere as are the others."

"I'm sure if we find Jeff, we'll find him. Though, he might be with Morgan."

"He is." Wes replied. "Jeff asked Morgan to try and find a girl for Nick."

"That doesn't surprise me one bit." Blaine told him. "Is there someone special in your life?

"Not at the moment. How are things with you and Sebastian?"

"Really good." Blaine said with a smile. "And while I've said it before, I'm probably going to keep saying it, but I'm sorry."

"It's alright."

"No, it's not. You've always been there for me Wes, so I don't know why I got it in my head that you'd lecture me this time around." Blaine said as he looked around for Sebastian and saw him speaking with Beat. "Yet, I did."

"With everything that was happening Blaine, it's understandable. Plus, your self-esteem took quite the hit." Wes said before taking a sip of his drink. "From what you told me, the person you were when you left him was so different from the person you were when you went to Sebastian's that night or for that matter, the person most of us would recognize."

"Wes, when I left him I barely recognize myself when I looked in the mirror. It's one of the reasons why I knew it was the right decision. I was on the brink of truly not knowing who I was anymore. Hell, the last time I felt like that was before I went to Dalton and you helped me through it. Yet this time it wasn't because some strangers beat the crap out of me for who I was." Just as he finished, Blaine heard a gasp and looked at Wes's face which let him know they were no longer alone. "Bas?" Blaine looked behind him and saw Sebastian there him holding their drinks. "Wes, do you mind?"

"Not at all as it's clear you two need to talk." Wes then placed a hand on Blaine's shoulder before looking at Sebastian. "Just listen to him okay." Sebastian nodded and Wes walked away. Once he was gone, Sebastian handed Blaine his drink as he just looked at him.

"I'm sorry." Sebastian told him as he placed his other hand around his drink. "I should've realized that you and Wes were having a private conversation."

"It's alright." Blaine replied. "But would you mind if we ask Thad if there is a place we can talk in private as I'm sure you're going to have some questions once I'm done?" Sebastian shook his head and the two headed to find Thad.

While the two were looking for Thad, Wes was off talking with David and Beat. "Care to tell us what's wrong?" David asked as Wes looked quite withdrawn all of a sudden. "Unless it's personal, then you don't have to."

"Sebastian overheard Blaine and I talking, and well, it was something Sebastian didn't know about."

"I thought they said they were an open book with one another?" Beat said.

"They are, about what recently has happened in their lives." Wes replied. "But Blaine mentioned something that wasn't recent that Sebastian clearly didn't know about."

"What?" David asked.

"What brought Blaine to Dalton." The instant the words left Wes's mouth David and Beat's expressions changed. Once Blaine had gotten more comfortable around the guys, it wasn't long till he opened up to those closest to him about what brought him to Dalton mid-semester. And once it had been talked about, it was never really mentioned again as it was something that wasn't easy for Blaine to tell them. But it wasn't something any of them forgot. "You can tell Sebastian had no clue. I'm honestly surprised he didn't drop the drinks he was holding. So, don't go looking for them as they're going to talk."

"Talk about a shock to one's system." David said and the other two nodded.

After finding Thad, he told them they were more than welcome to go and talk in his bedroom. His only request was that they not get carried away in case they weren't actually talking. Blaine and Sebastian both agreed as they really didn't want to tell Thad what they were going to talk about as they didn't want to ruin the mood for the evening. Once they headed down the hall, Thad rejoined the party just as Rachel and Santana came walking in. "Welcome to my humble abode!" Thad said with a smile. "May I get you something to drink?"

"Surprise me." Santana said with a smile as she took her coat off. "Nice place."

"Thank you. Rachel?" When she just looked at him, Santana nudged her.

"A martini please."

"Vodka or gin?"

"Vodka."

"She likes it slightly dirty." Santana added earning her a look from Rachel. "It's true, you do." When Thad smiled, Rachel got a shy smile on her face before he walked away. "Why didn't you tell him?"

"I…I don't know." Rachel replied.

"You didn't want him to take it in a sexual way, did you?"

"No." When Santana scoffed, Rachel shook her head. "Now, are you sure Blaine and Sebastian are here?"

"Yes, they were on their way over when I spoke to them. Ask Thad when he comes back where they are." Rachel nodded as they walked around. From what Santana was seeing, Sebastian certainly wasn't lying when he said there would be plenty of good-looking guys and girls there. When Thad returned with their drinks, Rachel was quick to ask where Blaine and Sebastian were. After Thad told her, he saw her expression change.

"Relax Rachel; I'm pretty sure they just wanted a bit of privacy." Thad told her. And though he teased them about not getting busy in his bedroom, he did so to help lighten the atmosphere because of how serious they both looked.

"See." Santana said before taking a sip of her drink as well. "You mix a good drink."

"Thank you." Thad replied with a smile. "So, do you want me to introduce you ladies to everyone or are you going to make the rounds yourself?"

"Is there anyone else here that we know?" Rachel asked before taking a sip of her martini.

"Yes. All the guys are here as is Blaine's band."

"Is Kimberly here?"

"She and Hunter are on their way over as we speak."

"You can do something for me." Santana said after taking another sip. "Let me know if any of the ladies here are someone I'd be interested in." Thad smiled before leaning over and pointing out a few girls to Santana. "You better not be fucking with me Thad as they're all hot."

"I'm not. And if you want an even better introduction, go find Todd as the one brunette with the long wavy hair is a good friend of his."

"Thank you!" Santana then kissed him on the cheek before beginning to mingle.

"Is your drink okay?" Thad asked as he saw Rachel looking around.

"It's great, thank you." Once she took another sip, Thad took it from her and set it down. "What are you doing?"

"Since I am the host, I want everyone to enjoy themselves. So we are going to go dance."

"You…you really don't have to Thad."

"I know I don't have to, I want to." Thad then took her hand and led her to the area where everyone was dancing.

While everyone was starting to enjoy themselves, Sebastian looked at Blaine as they sat on Thad's bed and he talked. Never for the life of him, would Sebastian have ever suspected that Blaine had been the victim of a hate-crime at such a young age. More than once while he spoke, they each wiped tears from their eyes. "Why didn't you ever tell me B?" Sebastian asked once Blaine finished speaking.

"It's not something I like talking about for obvious reasons."

"Did they ever catch the guys that did it to you?"

"No and that's something I have to live with." Blaine told him as he gave Sebastian's hand a squeeze. "I'm just thankful that I've been able to move on with my life as I know it often scars people to the point where they live the rest of their lives in fear." Sebastian then scooted a bit closer to Blaine.

"I'm so sorry for everything I ever did back in high school Blaine."

"I know."

"But…"

"I get it Sebastian and I appreciate it, I do."

"You shouldn't have had to go through all that B."

"I know. But nothing we can say or do can change what happened to me."

"I just hate that I brought more pain to your life, it's the last thing I ever wanted to do."

"But we worked through that, and now look where we are." Blaine then leaned in to kiss him. "The fact that we got through all that proved how much our friendship meant to us back then. It also helps that I wasn't the target, and I know that."

"It always has meant something to me." Once he finished, Sebastian leaned forward and pressed his forehead against Blaine's. "Is it wrong that now I want nothing more than for us to go back to your place and wrap you up in my arms?"

"No considering what I just told you. If you want, we can sneak out a bit early if you're still feeling this way later."

"I will certainly keep that in mind. But now, your friendship with Wes makes a whole lot more sense and why you were so worried about how he was going to feel about you not telling him what happened with you and Kurt."

"Yea, Wes truly helped me find myself once again after I arrived at Dalton. He filled that big brother role which I needed since Cooper was in LA and not really available to talk. Not to mention, you've met Cooper and those sorts of talks really aren't his thing."

"Yea, I can't see him doing that. Not to mention, I'm sure what happened to you threw your entire family for a loop."

"It did. Now, how about we go rejoin the party?"

"Are you sure Killer?"

"Positive. You knowing what happened to me doesn't change us Bas, or does it?"

"It doesn't. It just makes me feel bad once more for what happened to you because of me."

"Don't as we moved beyond it. I don't think about it anymore and neither should you." Sebastian nodded before leaning in to kiss Blaine once again. "Now that's more like it." When they each smiled at one another they shared one more kiss before rejoining the party.

Once they were back in the main living space, they looked around and saw there were certainly a lot more people there then there had been. Considering the conversation they'd had, it wasn't too surprising that they each went to have a shot before going to dance. When they finally did, that's where they found just about everyone else they knew including a few surprises. Santana was clearly in a good mood as she was dancing with a beautiful girl and the rest of the single guys had all found someone as well. Though, one that caused them to do a double-take was seeing Thad dancing with Rachel in a more than friendly manner.

"Should one wonder how much she's had to drink?" Sebastian asked as he and Blaine danced. "That doesn't look like her?"

"She has her moments." Blaine replied as he ran his fingers through the back of Sebastian's hair as he tightened his hold on him. "But she looks to be having fun and I haven't seen that in a long time."

"Thad certainly knows how to have fun." Sebastian said then noticed a change in Blaine's expression. "Relax B, he's a gentleman and you know it. But don't get ahead of yourself, for all you know he's just making sure she's having as good a time as everyone else, especially Santana."

"Good point." Once he answered, Blaine turned in Sebastian's arms so that his back was pressed to his chest. It wasn't long till he heard a growl from Sebastian who soon pulled him tightly against him. Blaine glanced back and gave Sebastian a not so innocent smile. His lips were just about to be met by Sebastian's when Santana came up to the two of them. "What?" His expression most of all spoke volumes as Santana began to giggle.

"I was wondering if you two could see to it that Rachel gets home alright."

"Why us?" Sebastian replied. "Got an itch that's going to be scratched?"

"Meow." When they all laughed Santana took ahold of Blaine's hands in hers while Sebastian kept Blaine pressed against him. "But seriously, we're going to go out for drinks later and I don't think Rachel would be comfortable where we are going. Though, she might not be going anywhere anytime soon."

"So they've been dancing for a while?" Blaine asked.

"Yes, though she's danced with Nick, Wes, and David as well. But Thad has been her main dance partner."

"We'll see to it she gets home safely."

"Thank you!" Santana replied before giving him a kiss. "This means a lot to me guys."

"You are welcome." Sebastian told her. "Now go get that itch scratched." Santana then stretched to give Sebastian a kiss as well before going back to the girl she'd been dancing with. "I'm not familiar with this version of her."

"The same could be said for this version of you." Blaine said once he turned to face him once more. Sebastian looked at him, but soon a smile crept to his face. "Now, where were we?"

It was about an hour later when they saw Rachel dancing with David so Blaine and Sebastian decided now was the time to talk with Thad. "Great party Harwood." Sebastian said as he grabbed a beer.

"Thank you! I'm happy you think so. From what I could tell, you two have been enjoying yourselves since you returned."

"Really, you were able to tell that considering you seemed pretty preoccupied yourself." When Thad looked at them they both smiled. "Yea, that's exactly what we're talking about."

"We're just having a good time."

"Thad." Blaine said as he grabbed a drink as well.

"Seriously. And after spending time with her, she's not what I thought and the rest of the guys feel the same way. We can now understand why she's such a good friend to you. But seeing her like this, makes us wonder why she acts the way she does most of the time."

"Trust me; there is a good reason for it." Blaine told him. "Think of it this way, Rachel took a step forward in her life and something happened that sent her back a few steps to a place she knew and felt safe. And now, she's at a point where she's trying to figure out who she is once again."

"Got it." Thad told him. "And fear not, I won't push you or her for details."

"Thank you, though I can tell you some but not tonight."

"Understandable. Are you two okay?"

"We're good." Sebastian told him. "Now go back to Rachel before David shows her how much better of a dancer he is than you." Thad shook his head, but was soon headed back towards Rachel as Sebastian took ahold of Blaine's hand. "Let's go sit."

Blaine had no problem with Sebastian's idea as they'd worked up quite the sweat while dancing, so sitting down for a bit sounded good. Once Blaine settled against, him, he felt Sebastian's arm drape around him. While they'd been together a few months now, the way they acted around one another felt as though they'd been together much longer. Even their friends couldn't help but comment about how right they seemed together considering how different their personalities are. Yet, those differences seemed to make them understand each other better as they each weren't constantly trying to get their point across. They both respected the other enough to truly listen to what the other was saying instead of instantly interjecting their opinions.

While the two sat, Jeff and Morgan came walking up to Hunter and Kimberly who were taking a break from dancing as well. "Do you have a minute or are we interrupting?" Jeff asked as Hunter had just brought Kimberly onto his lap.

"No, you're good. What do you need?" Hunter asked before kissing Kimberly on the cheek.

"I was wondering if you knew what Blaine and Sebastian's plans were for Christmas as they both seem to not be saying much." Jeff asked as Morgan relaxed against him.

"Why do you think that I would know their plans if the rest of you don't?"

"That would be because Thad said you and Sebastian tend to talk about things that he doesn't talk to anyone else about."

"If that's the case, why do you think I would share what we talk about with you?"

"Good point." Jeff said before running one of his hands through his hair. "It's just…after everything that happened none of us really want to push Blaine to talk about something he hasn't opened up about."

"Have any of you even bothered to ask him what they are doing?" When Jeff got rather quiet, Hunter couldn't help but laugh. He then looked towards his left and saw Blaine and Sebastian kissing on the opposite couch. "Hey, love birds!" Jeff's eyes flew open at the way Hunter addressed the two and his reaction was certainly noticed by the girls. Surprisingly, Blaine and Sebastian stopped kissing and both looked towards him. "Thank you for coming up for air."

"It better be a good reason that you stopped us." Sebastian replied.

"There is. Everyone wants to know what the two of you are doing for Christmas but are too scared to ask either of you." The girls laughed as Jeff's jaw dropped at Hunter's words. And his wasn't the only one as a few of the guys were close and they reacted as well. It was clear Hunter knew Jeff wasn't the only one curious as to what the dynamic duo had planned. "So, what's happening?"

"We're spending it together." Blaine replied. "But I thought everyone knew that."

"We know that, but what are you doing?" Jeff asked as some of the others gathered a bit closer, which included some of those that were still dancing.

"Do you want specifics or generalities?" Sebastian countered.

"Generalities." Nick said and the others all agreed. "It's safer that way."

"I think we should be offended B."

"No, they know you Bas." Blaine said with a laugh which earned him a look from Sebastian and the others just smiled. "And in part, me."

"Is Blaine admitting to not being so innocent?" Beat asked.

"If you think I'm innocent and dating Bas, you're delusional." With that, Blaine looked back at Sebastian who was smiling. "No offense Bas."

"Absolutely none taken Killer."

"So, what are you two doing?" Thad asked as he walked over with Rachel and Santana.

"Considering we have a show on the twenty-third, we're taking it easy." Blaine told them. "Nothing too crazy, we're going to enjoy some of the off time that I do have considering we have quite a few shows over break."

"Sounds like us." Jeff replied before kissing Morgan.

"Wait, you're not going home?" Nick asked, slightly shocked by what he just heard and Jeff shook his head. "Your parents had to have flipped."

"My Mom wasn't thrilled but she's okay with it and well, my Dad gets it."

"Will the rest of you be back in town for their New Year's Eve show?" Sebastian asked as he looked around at the others. When everyone nodded, Blaine couldn't help but smile. "I hope you've all bought your tickets then."

"We have." David replied. "The instant Blaine told us he was performing that night, they were bought."

"I appreciate that guys, heck, we all do. But if you have other plans we would've understood, right Morgan?"

"That would be correct. They'd just be missing out on one hell of a show."

"You'll have one more body there that night." Rachel said causing Blaine to look at her and tilt his head in question. "Sam's coming to town."

"He couldn't say no to spending New Years in NYC." Santana added. "Not that I blame him considering the bore that Ohio is."

"Is he staying with you ladies?" Sebastian asked and they both nodded in response. "I'm sure that will go over well with Santana's favorite drop by visitor."

"Oh, if he comes by while Sam is staying with us, he won't come by again as long as he's there." Santana said. "Sam wasn't too kind to him when the divorce was going on. While most tried to stay out of it, Sam had no problem coming back at things Kurt said about Blaine that he knew were untrue."

"You stayed quiet?" Jeff asked as he looked at her.

"Yes, but that's only because he was constantly at our place whining to Rachel and I didn't want to live in a war zone. So, I kept my mouth shut. As for the rest of McKinley, they didn't respond as no one wanted to get involved."

"Smart move." Wes said which earned everyone's agreement, including Sebastian. With everything he knew, the fact that everyone else stayed out of it, helped put Sebastian's mind at ease in that people Blaine had considered friends hadn't turned their backs on him.