Five Years Later

Part 26

With Sebastian still having a final to take, Blaine was heading to see him after rehearsal as he knew Sebastian stayed more relaxed while studying when he could listen to Blaine play. Also, it had become habit that at some point of Sebastian's studying that Blaine would slip behind him on the couch and massage his shoulders, making the long hours not as daunting. He'd just closed his guitar case when Rachel came walking into their rehearsal space. After having a brief conversation with Morgan and Talia, Rachel headed towards Blaine who was talking with Justin and Todd.

"Well, if it isn't the lady of the moment?" Todd said as he grabbed his coat to put on, causing Rachel to look at him. "Sorry, Blaine told us you strayed a bit outside of your comfort zone last night and let Thad screw with his ex-husband." When a shy smile came to her face, the guys all smiled. "Good for you as he shouldn't have been bothering you like that."

"Thank you." Rachel replied as the guys all slipped their coats on. "How did rehearsal go?"

"Really well, but I'm sure the girls already told you that." Justin told her. "And Blaine's got a few tricks up his sleeve once again."

"That doesn't surprise me as he seems to like to keep us all guessing." Rachel then looked at the three of them before glancing back at the girls who were standing at the door. "Are you all going somewhere?"

"We need to go meet with Vincent." Blaine replied. "What do you need Rach?" He asked as they all began to walk towards the doors.

"Remember when you mentioned I could stay at your place should Kurt be on the warpath after what Thad did." Blaine nodded. "He's on the warpath." Upon looking at her, Blaine pulled his keys out of his pocket and handed them to her. "Won't you need these?"

"I don't have a spare on me Rach so that's the only way you'd get in as I'm going to Bas's when we're done."

"But how will you get back in if we don't see each other tomorrow."

"Bas has a key, so I'm fine. Just don't forget to call Santana and let her know so she doesn't freak out."

"Don't worry, I won't." Rachel then went to kiss Blaine on the cheek before they all got onto the elevator. "I really appreciate this."

"Not a problem considering we're the ones that put you in this situation."

"I agreed to it Blaine, so I'm part of it as well."

"Do me a favor though Rach, try and send a copy of that voice mail to me as I want to hear it." When she just looked at him, everyone else noticed the change in her expression as well.

"He's only looking out for you Rachel." Morgan told her. "Personally, Thad could've done a lot worse. I think the only reason he didn't was because we were in public. God forbid we were at someone's home when the calls were occurring."

"Morgan's got a point." Blaine told her. "On both counts."

"Alright, I'll see what I can do."

Once they reached the ground floor, Blaine leaned over to give Rachel a kiss before they all headed on their way as they didn't want to be late. During the ride over to see Vincent, Blaine and Morgan filled everyone in on the extent of what Thad did which got them all laughing. From what they've learned of him and Blaine's Dalton friends, it really didn't surprise any of them. And the fact that they did this to Blaine's ex whom none of them cared for seemed to make it all the funnier.

After a successful meeting with their manager, they all went to go and grab a bite to eat before going their separate ways for the night. When Blaine arrived at Sebastian's building, the doorman warmly greeted him as he held the door so Blaine could get in without a hassle with his gear. Once he was on his way up, he started to get a bit anxious as he couldn't wait to see Sebastian even though they'd only seen each other that morning. Though, with as early as Sebastian had gotten up to head to school they didn't get to spend much time together at all.

Upon walking through the door, he was surprised to hear what sounded like himself singing as he set his things down to close the door. Once it was, he hung up his coat before, picking up his things and heading further in. The more he heard, there was no doubt that was him singing as he reached the living room where he found Sebastian studying. As he went to set his things down, he saw one of his earlier shows playing on the television. "Miss me that much?" Blaine asked as he walked towards the couch where Sebastian as sitting with only the side lamp on as the Christmas lights lit the rest of the room.

Sebastian proceeded to turn once Blaine was next to him to give him a kiss before even responding to his question. "Yes and no if that makes sense." Sebastian replied as cracked his neck. "I miss you, but I honestly missed hearing you more as it soothes me when I study."

"So by playing the video you could see me as well as hear me." Blaine said as he made his way behind Sebastian to give him a massage. Sebastian nodded as he moved forward to make room for him and soon sighed once he felt Blaine's hands on his shoulders. "You're tense."

"Tell me about it." Sebastian told him as he began to relax. "This last final I have to take is the hardest one and the professor is a dick." The more Blaine hands worked on the tense muscles in his shoulders, the more Sebastian relaxed till his head was leaning back against Blaine. "If you keep this up Killer, I won't get any more studying done."

"Is that really a bad thing?" Blaine whispers into his ear before nipping at the lobe. "I know I'm not the only one that could think of better ways to spend our night aside from studying and practicing." Once he finished, Sebastian moved his head so he could look back at Blaine slightly.

"You know I would much rather spend time with you, but I honestly can't, at least for a few more hours B."

"Is there anything I can do to make this easier for you?" Blaine replied while removing his hands from Sebastian's shoulders and wrapping his arms around him. "Make a fresh pot of coffee or something. There really isn't anything I wouldn't do Bas."

"A fresh pot of coffee sounds great. But besides that, there isn't much, though, I'd love for you to play."

"Done." Blaine then leaned over and kissed Sebastian on the cheek. "Then once you're done, I'll help you relax even more."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it. After everything you've done for me, this is the least I can do Bas." Blaine then kissed him once more before going to start another pot of coffee. When he returned, Sebastian was resituated on the couch and was reading once more. Seeing him like this, Blaine went and got his acoustic out of its case and set it in the stand so that he'd be able to start playing once the new pot was finished. Upon picking Sebastian's cup up off the table, Sebastian smiled up at him before giving him a playful smack on the ass as Blaine headed for the kitchen. While waiting for the pot to finish, his phone vibrated in his pocket, startling him slightly as he'd forgotten he'd put it there. Once he took it out, he saw that he had text from Rachel telling him she'd sent a copy of the recording to his email.

Blaine smiled to himself before putting his phone back in his pocked, just as the coffee pot beeped. Before pouring Sebastian's cup, he took one out for himself as the aroma made him want some as well. After pouring them each a cup, he headed back out to the living room and set the cups on the table. When he went to grab his guitar after sitting down, he felt a nudge in his side from Sebastian's foot. Once he looked at him, he saw Sebastian sitting with the cup of coffee in his hands. "Thank you."

"Like I said, don't mention it." He replied with a smile, then remembering to grab his laptop to check his email. "Before you start reading again, Rachel sent me a copy of a voicemails Kurt sent her." Blaine then watched as Sebastian sat up a bit and his smile turned a bit mischievous. "You love that Thad got to him, don't you?"

"We all do, don't you?" Sebastian said as Blaine opened up his laptop. Blaine turned and had a similar look on his face as Sebastian did. "That's more like it."

"According to Rachel though, he's on the warpath."

"That's because he can't believe he supposedly heard the effects of Rachel going down on some guy." Blaine couldn't help but laugh. "You find that funny, do you?"

"A little since we were all there listening as it happened. Can you imagine if he knew it was Thad of all people?" That response got another laugh out of Sebastian.

"Hunter and I discussed that with Thad today as well. We also gave him a few ideas for next time should it be necessary."

"You'll have to tell me some of those ideas later." Blaine told him. "But till then, let's hear just how badly he freaked Kurt out."

Clearly Santana didn't relay my message but I shouldn't be surprised considering who we're talking about. But that's a different topic, now, what the hell was going on last night? I called to talk, but you didn't answer. Yet once the phone picked up it was some guy…and…well, it sounded like he was…being pleasured if you know what I mean. And he was using your name. Please tell me that wasn't the case Rachel as you haven't mentioned dating anyone and I never took you as someone to do that on a first date. Not to mention what sort of person honestly picks up a phone while that's happening. I mean, I could've been one of your Dads for God's sake. Please call me as I don't want you going down a path you might regret.

Before the message was even over, Sebastian was doubled over in laughter as he couldn't believe what he was hearing. When Blaine looked at him, he still couldn't stop. "You need to stop."

"Why?" Sebastian asked. "That shits fucking funny!"

"There's more."

"What?"

"She sent three files Bas."

"Oh hell! You so need to send those to everyone else." When Blaine took a closer look at Sebastian, there were tears coming down his cheeks with as hard as he was laughing. But Blaine couldn't say anything considering he was laughing as well. "Please tell me he didn't call receiving oral, being pleasured. While it's enjoyable, there are other things that I would consider much more pleasurable." The look Blaine gave him got Sebastian laughing even harder. "Oh geez B, I'm sorry."

"Not as sorry as I was. There were certain words he flat out refused to use. Hell, he would've even use the actually terms as they sounded dirtier than the layman's terminology.

"Fellatio." Sebastian purred causing Blaine to look at him more closely, the smile not leaving his face.

"That's certainly one of them." Blaine told him as he placed a hand on Sebastian's calf. "And you can gladly say the rest later but we have more messages to listen to and you have studying to do young man."

"But this is more fun." Sebastian replied as he pouted slightly, a sight Blaine never imagined seeing.

"If you're a good boy, I promise you we will have lots of fun once you're done."

"Might that include fellatio?"

"Quite possibly, but only if you finish your studying."

Once they were done listening to the other two messages, Blaine could understand what Rachel meant by Kurt being on the warpath. He was beyond frustrated that she hadn't gotten back to him. And it seemed the more he thought about what he might've heard, the more he began telling her how inappropriate her behavior was. He was honestly berating Rachel like a child, forgetting that she was twenty-four years old.

Before beginning to play for Sebastian, Blaine gave Rachel a quick call to make sure she was alright which she was and thanked him once again for letting her crash at his place. Not surprisingly, according to Rachel, Santana had a similar reaction to the messages that he and Sebastian had. Since she'd let Santana listen to them, he asked if she minded if he sent them to Thad, Hunter, and Jeff which she had no problems with as she found them amusing as well. When Blaine asked if she wanted him to come by so he was around when she saw Kurt, he told her it wasn't necessary as Santana would be around. But should she need help, she'd give him a call which Blaine was alright with.

By the time Blaine awoke the next morning, he wasn't too surprised to find the bed empty next to him since Sebastian had a final to take. But as he rolled over, he couldn't help but wonder how Sebastian was going to manage considering they more than enjoyed themselves once he was done studying for the night. They both knew they probably should've stopped sooner than they did, but they hadn't. Once he sat up, he saw one of Sebastian's infamous notes on the night stand with Blaine's name scrawled on top. With Blaine's concert being the end of his semester at NYADA, Sebastian told him they were going out to dinner that evening to celebrate the end of term as they both certainly deserved it.

That was something Blaine couldn't argue with as that semester certainly hadn't been easy on either of them between the adjustments of dating one another to Blaine's career beginning to take hold. But if anyone asked either of them, they wouldn't have it any other way. Even with a bit of chaos surrounding them, neither of them could remember feeling happier or more fulfilled in their lives.

When Blaine arrived at rehearsal that day, he was a bit surprised to see Jeff over by Morgan, yet at the same time he wasn't since he knew the guys were finishing up finals. He was about halfway across the floor when Talia called out to him and tossed him his keys. When Blaine just looked at her she smiled. "Rachel and Santana swung by about ten minutes ago." She told him as he continued to walk closer.

"How was she?"

"They were both laughing, so I'd say it was good." Talia told him. "And the guys should be here soon. Todd had to go and pick up the new head for his bass drum, and Justin went with him."

"Sounds good." Blaine said as he set his case down. "And when did you get into town sir?" He asked as he looked over at Jeff who was besides Morgan.

"This morning." Jeff replied. "By the way, warn a guy when you send him something that can make him almost piss his pants from laughing so hard."

"Sorry. Nice to know you had the same reaction Bas and I had. He was laughing so hard he was crying."

"That doesn't surprise me one bit." Jeff told him. "It pretty much confirmed anything I ever thought about him. Yet, I never thought he'd talk down to Rachel of all people that way."

"Yea, I didn't either, but that goes to show how much it threw him." Blaine said as he began to get set up while they waited for Justin and Todd.

While they were setting up for rehearsal, Santana was helping waitress as a couple of girls had called in sick due to the screwy weather they'd been having. When Santana came walking out in that all too familiar uniform, Rachel smiled. "I don't know how to begin to thank you for doing this."

"Don't mention it." Santana replied. "I left this place on good terms and always said should they need a hand and I'd be available, I'd help out. Plus this way it lets me be nearby should Kurt decide to come by and talk to you." Rachel smiled as she appreciated it; especially since Santana had told her Kurt had stopped by the loft on his way home that evening. It was pretty clear he wasn't pleased with the fact that Rachel wasn't there or the fact that she hadn't gotten back to him. But Santana handled the situation well, yet kept him wondering about Rachel's whereabouts. Little did he realize she was at Blaine's enjoying some peace and quiet. "Now, did you sleep in Blaine's bed or on the couch last night?"

"In his bed, why?"

"Just asking." Santana said with a smirk that spoke volumes compared to her actual words.

"He had just changed his sheets that morning smartass." Rachel replied getting a smile out of Santana who was happy she knew what she was implying. "Not like the couch would've been much better after what I found one night."

"And what was that you found?" Santana said as they began to refill bottles and shakers.

"Condoms and lube in his end table."

"It sounds as though Blainers is making up for lost time, not that I blame him. I mean, Sebastian is gorgeous."

"I can't argue that point as we discussed that once before."

"Have you spoken to Blaine since last night?"

"No, but I did speak with Thad who was more than happy with the effect his little performance had on Kurt." When Santana raised an eyebrow, Rachel smiled. "Did you really think you were the only one with all of their phone numbers? By the way, he called me. He wanted to make sure I was alright since that last message was the one Kurt flipped on. He's really sorry that Kurt flipped out on me the way he did."

"Such the gentleman, looking out for you."

"Enough." Rachel said as she gave her a nudge. "Remember, I need some time."

"Don't take too long."

"I'll try not to. And like Blaine, he said if I need any help handling Kurt to just give him a call." When Santana smiled once more, Rachel shook her head as she couldn't remember seeing Santana so interested in her love life in a long time. Ever since Blaine had started to live his life again, Rachel began to realize the funk her life was in even though Santana had been pointing it out for quite a while. But ever since she'd begun to let herself enjoy being out and experiencing new things, she'd felt happier and more alive than she had in years. It was something that even her Dads were noticing through their conversations.

By the time their shift was over, Rachel wasn't too surprised to find a few more messages from Kurt. Though this time around, his messages weren't as overbearing as they'd been the previous day. Santana told her that it was hopefully because he realized how out of line he was as Rachel still hadn't called him back. The last thing she wanted to do was deal with Kurt when he was in one of his infamous moods. For whenever someone tried to talk to him when he was like that, it turned into nothing but both parties yelling at one another.

Having dropped Blaine's keys off that morning, Rachel and Santana made their way back to the loft as Rachel knew she couldn't hide forever. And the fact that he seemed calmer made it easier to handle. Santana was hoping he was going to come over before her shift that evening as she couldn't wait to hear what he had to say. While Kurt might not want her around, Rachel already told her she was welcome to stay as she really didn't want to be left alone. Plus with Santana there, she'd be less likely to blurt out that it was Thad on the other end.

When they turned down the hall towards their door, they were surprised to see a large bouquet in front of it. "That's a bit risky, isn't it?" Santana said Rachel bent down to pick it up as Santana got the door. "I mean, anyone could've come by and taken them."

"It was, but thankfully they didn't." Rachel replied as they walked inside. Once the door was closed, the two walked towards the kitchen table to find out who the flowers were for and who they were from. "Do you think these might be for you?" She asked Santana as she undid the cellophane.

"I doubt it." Santana replied before quickly snatching the envelope out of the holder. "They are for one Miss Rachel Berry." The smile that crept to Santana's face was one mixed of curiosity and intrigue as to who they could be from.

Our dearest Rachel,

Hope these help make up for any stress our actions have brought to your life.

Blaine, Sebastian, Thad, Jeff, and Hunter

"They're ridiculous, yet adorable at the same time." Rachel replied with a smile. "They didn't need to do this. I mean, I agreed to everything."

"True, but it goes to show what sort of guys they all are." Santana said before leaning in to smell them. "They're gorgeous Rach. But you do know should Kurt show up today, he's going to think they were from the guy you were with."

"They are, aren't they?"

"They are corrupting you quicker than I thought was possible." The next thing Rachel felt was Santana's arm around her shoulders. "It nice seeing you so relaxed and happy, you know that?"

"It feels good. You know what?"

"What?"

"I think that it's from being around more people like you that aren't so judgmental of things that I do. If I do something "out of character", you don't freak out about it."

"If you don't take chances, you don't find out who you truly are and what you do and don't like. Hell, I wasn't the only shocked that you agreed to what the guys had in mind, Blaine was stunned."

"I noticed that, but he handled it like you. He only pointed out what was going to happen, much as Sebastian had." Before Santana could respond, there was a knock on their door. Given the time, they both had a feeling it was Kurt so Santana slipped the card into her pocket as Rachel set the flowers on their coffee table.

When Kurt walked in this time around, he was much calmer than he'd been the morning after the call. That was a good thing, as Santana was prepared to have Rachel's back had he snapped upon walking in, she was ready for it. "Santana, would you mind giving Rachel and I some privacy as we need to talk."

"If this is about the other night Kurt, Santana doesn't have to go anywhere." Rachel said prior to sitting down on the couch. "I have nothing to hide." Santana smiled as she walked behind Kurt towards where Rachel was sitting. "She knows I was out that night."

"Who are the flowers from?" Kurt asked as he sat down in the chair.

"A friend."

"Is this the same friend you were with that night?"

"It is. Is that a problem?"

"I don't think you should see him again Rachel."

"Why is that as I had a wonderful time?" Santana braced herself as she was a bit surprised at how Rachel was handling things. Kurt then looked at Santana who was sitting by, not saying a word. "Kurt?"

"He did something that night that wasn't very…" Before Kurt could finish speaking, Santana's phone rang, causing her to instantly laugh. "Excuse me?"

"Sorry, I'm going to go take this over there." She said as she got up before answering. "Hey Thad, what's going on?" The fact that Thad happened to call at that moment was almost too much for Rachel to handle.

"So I guess you guys spend quite a bit of time with them." Kurt said to Rachel.

"Enough as we're all supporting Blaine and as we do, we're all getting to know one another better." Rachel said. "Now, what did he supposedly do that night to get back on topic?"

"He answered your phone at a rather improper time."

"Did he now?"

"Yes, when he did, it sounded like…it sounded as though you were…" Kurt didn't get to finish as Santana came walking back over. "Can't you see we're talking?"

"I can, but I need an answer." Santana said with a smile.

"What do you need?" Rachel replied.

"Thad wants to know if you want him and Beat to swing by and pick you up tonight or are you just going to meet them at the bar. And so you know, our favorite lovers won't be there as they have other plans for the evening." The way Kurt reacted to her words got Santana to stare at him. "What?"

"Did you really have to describe them that way?"

"You have no fucking clue who I'm talking about! Now, do you want them to come and get you Rach, or are you going to meet them?"

"I'll meet them." Santana smiled before walking away and speaking into the phone. "You do realize that we have other friends that are in relationships, right?"

"Yes, but judging from the smug look on her face, she was talking about Blaine and whoever the hell he's dating. It shouldn't come to much surprise that Blaine's having sex with whoever it is."

"Kurt, they've been together for months now so if they weren't, wouldn't that be surprising not the other way around? I mean, we're not kids anymore and sex is part of most relationships at some point."

"Since when have your views changed on the topic as you didn't use to like talking about it either?"

"I listened to some good friends who pointed out it was nothing to be shy about in the right company, and well, you brought it up. If you can't talk to your friends about it, who can you talk to?"

"Clearly our opinions differ."

"Kurt...you know, I'm not even going to go there as it's not worth an argument with you. Now, tell me what supposedly happened the other night." Once she spoke, Rachel glanced over at Santana who was now sitting on the table with the phone beside her, clearly paying attention to their conversation.

"Fine, it sounded as though he answered in the middle of…" Kurt glanced at Santana before leaning in closer to Rachel. "…of you pleasuring him."

"Excuse me?" Rachel replied.

"That you were pleasuring him."

"Rach, I think that's his way of saying he thinks you were blowing the dude when he answered." Santana blurted out, earning a glare from Kurt as Rachel tried to laugh. Little did she realize, Santana had her phone on speaker so that Thad could hear the conversation unfold.

"Did you really have to put it that way?" Kurt said.

"Would you rather I say she was giving him oral? That she'd gone down on him? Please, tell me which terminology you would like me to use for a blow job."

"How about you stay out of this?"

"Kurt, there is nothing to talk about." Rachel said as she saw an all too familiar glimmer in Santana's eyes which showed she was itching to go off on him. "Whatever happened that evening really isn't any of your business."

"But…"

"It's none of your business, but a word to the wise. Should you call someone and they don't answer, only call back once as more than that gets to be annoying." When she spoke, Rachel remembered all too well the talk Blaine had given her and Sam about his constant calls the morning he'd gotten into town. And after what Kurt had done, she could truly empathize how Blaine felt that morning, not to mention Sebastian having some guy constantly calling Blaine.

"Rachel."

"Kurt, we're done as this isn't a topic up for discussion. But if you think that's what was honestly going on, that's on you." Santana smiled reassuringly as Rachel spoke as she was concerned that she might not be able to pull this off. "Is there anything else you'd like to talk about or is this the only reason you came by this evening?" Kurt looked at her as he hadn't seen Rachel this confident in quite some time and wasn't sure how to handle the situation. Ever since she'd begun spending more time with Blaine and his friends it seemed their relationship had become strained. Mostly in part due to the fact that Rachel refused to get put in the middle of them anymore. "Kurt?"

"Do you think we could go out one night, just the two of us?"

"Sure we can, but you do know there is one topic that we can't discuss."

"I know, no questions about Blaine."

Once Kurt left, Santana walked over to Rachel and gave her a big hug. "I know that wasn't easy, but I'm proud of you."

"Thanks." Rachel replied as they headed towards the couch. "I'm surprised he actually asked me about the call."

"I was, but I wasn't." Santana told her. "Though, you could tell he clearly wasn't comfortable with the thought of whatever was happening. I don't know why as it's not as though you're a virgin."

"While I'm rather shy when it comes to sex, it's just something he's not comfortable with."