Five Years Later

Part 27

Once the weekend was over, Christmas was only a few days away as Blaine's performance was the next day. After gathering the gifts she as well as Santana had bought, Rachel headed for the subway to go and drop the gifts off. Unlike a normal trip into Manhattan, Rachel had to pay close attention as she was dropping the gifts off at Sebastian since that's where they both were after a weekend spent at Blaine's. When she came up out of the subway station, she couldn't help but look around as she'd never gotten off at that stop. While she'd been in that part of Manhattan before, she hadn't ventured to exactly where she was. The closer she got to Sebastian's building; her eyes went up and soon spotted it.

Seeing where Sebastian lived shouldn't have been such a surprise, but she couldn't help it. If the building was so beautiful on the outside, she could only imagine what it looked like inside. When she approached, the doorman greeted her as he opened the door and she stepped into the spacious lobby which was decorated for the holidays. During her ride up in the elevator she couldn't help but wonder what Sebastian's home looked like on the inside given Blaine's descriptions of it. Once she got off the elevator, she made her way down the hall till she reached the end and was a bit surprised by the big wreath that was on the door before her.

Even thought she'd clearly gotten to know Sebastian better, a lot of her preconceptions were there and that included him probably being a bit of a scrooge around the holidays. So when he opened the door after she rang with a candy cane hanging out of his mouth and a Santa hat on, she was certainly surprised. "Are you just going to stand there or are you going to come in?" Sebastian asked after inviting her in and her not moving.

"Sorry." She replied as she made her way passed him and immediately began taking in the décor. It was pretty clear from even the foyer Blaine wasn't exaggerating with his description. "How are you?" Rachel asked as they headed down the hall.

"Completely relaxed since the semester is over." Sebastian replied as they reached the living room. "Let me go get B as he's wrapping gifts." Rachel nodded then watched as he headed down the hall. So, she proceeded to take her coat off after setting her bag on the couch. Once she did she began to look around. After taking a good look at the beautiful tree in the corner she spotted the guitar rack off to the side which had a few of Blaine's guitars in it which made sense since he had an upcoming performance. She also noticed the guitar stand near the couch as well as numerous pictures of the two of them scattered about. The apartment was certainly homier than she expected. And much like Blaine's, there was no hiding the fact that the two were in a relationship. Rachel was standing at the window taking in the view when Sebastian came walking back in. "He'll be here in a minute as he's almost done. Please make yourself comfortable."

"Thanks. Your apartment is beautiful Sebastian as are the views."

"Thank you." Sebastian told her as he set the gifts he'd brought back with him under the tree. "Would you like anything to drink?"

"No thanks." Rachel replied as she watched him organize gifts. "Are those all for you and Blaine?"

"Most of them." Sebastian replied with a laugh. "Though, there are a few for some of the guys under here. And some of these gifts are from my parents."

"I noticed Blaine has quite a few gifts under his tree as well."

"I do." Blaine said as he came walking in with the last of the gifts. "Most of those are from my parents for us, though a few are for Bas from me." He then handed the gifts off to Sebastian after setting one on the couch along with a large gift bag. When Blaine spoke, Sebastian smiled before leaning in to give him a kiss. "Your lips are sticky."

"But they taste good." Sebastian replied before kissing Blaine once more but this time on the lips. "Right?" Blaine nodded before looking at Rachel who had a shy smile on her face. "What is it?"

"I still can't get over how cute the two of you are." Rachel said causing the two to look at one another before Blaine helped Sebastian off the floor.

"Cute isn't a word B likes." Sebastian told her as they all went to sit down.

"It depends on the context." Blaine corrected as they got settled. "And in that case, she's right." He then leaned back to kiss Sebastian once more. "Where is Santana?"

"She's at a commercial audition so I brought her stuff with me. But she asked me to tell you that she will be there tomorrow night. Also, you can't open your gifts till either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day."

"Alright, but how would she know if we opened them early?" Sebastian asked as he wrapped his arm around Blaine. "Or are said gifts something we might not be able to refrain from commenting on?"

"They're from Santana so your guess is as good as mine since I didn't see her wrap them."

"I think we can wait a few more days, right Bas?"

"I guess so." Sebastian told him. "You both may open yours when you like. We're both sorry we didn't get you yours soon enough so you could've opened them during Hanukah."

"That's alright." Rachel replied with a smile. "And as much as I'd like to open them, I'll wait so I have a few more things to open on Christmas Day."

"Fair enough." Blaine said. "Now are you off today, or are you working?"

"I'm working each day this week except for Christmas as the diner is closed."

"Considering all the tourists in town, you should make quite a bit."

"That's what I'm hoping for. Plus it keeps my hours varied enough that Kurt can't just drop by."

"Thad said his reaction was pretty entertaining." Sebastian told her.

"It was expected, though it didn't help that Santana pushed his buttons a bit."

"As did you." Blaine added causing her to look at them. "You didn't think Thad wouldn't let slip you telling him what happened was none of his business."

"I still can't believe Santana let him listen once their conversation was over."

"I can." Sebastian said. "Hell, I'm sure if it was up to her she would've had us all listening." Just as he was about to continue the doorbell rang so he excused himself to go and get it.

"Are you guys expecting company?" Rachel asked as she began to put her shoes back on as she didn't want to intrude as she hadn't told them when she was coming over.

"No. But given the time of year it could be just about anything." Blaine told her as he handed her the gift as well as the gift bag. "Everything inside is individually wrapped as I thought this would be easier for you to carry. And the larger gift should fit inside as well. The only reason it's not in there is because it was the last thing I wrapped."

"Do you and Sebastian have plans for this evening?"

"We're going out to dinner with Jeff and Morgan, why?"

"Just curious." Rachel replied as Sebastian came walking back in with an envelope which he promptly handed to Blaine.

"It's the contracts you were waiting on." Sebastian said before sitting back down.

"Contracts?" Rachel asked.

"Yes." Blaine told her. "We have quite a few gigs in the next couple of months and Vincent was working out the last few details for us."

"It sounds as though graduation won't be coming soon enough for you guys."

"It won't as right now he's working around our school schedules. With all of us right at the end, leaving before we finish would feel wrong. But once graduation happens, things are really going to pick up."

"How do you feel about this Sebastian?" Rachel asked.

"I'm thrilled for them, though I do admit I'll miss him if things go as planned. But I told him depending on how my schedule is, I'll roadie for them. Jeff said the same thing."

"Blaine?"

"We're of the same mindset Rach. Depending on schedules, our phones and computers are going to get quite the work out during certain stretches of time. But a lot of it's going to depend on how things go after our recording session after the first of the year."

"What recording session?"

"Vincent booked us studio time to get quite a few tracks down for marketing purposes."

"Since when?"

"A couple weeks ago as he told his boss he needed to hear us play live. From there everything else began to happen." Rachel looked at Sebastian as Blaine spoke and he could only nod. Given his expression she was pretty sure he felt the same way when he first found out everything was happening.

"Why are you now just telling me this?"

"It's because I don't want to get ahead of myself. So, try not to say anything to anyone outside of Santana."

"Alright. Do your parents at least know?"

"They do, as does Cooper. Aside from them, I really haven't told anyone else, but I plan too."

"I'm so happy for you Blaine." Blaine smiled back at her as he felt Sebastian's arm tighten around him. "While I'd much rather spend time with the both of you, I should probably get going as I don't want to risk being late given I'm coming from a bit father than usual." They both nodded in response before getting up to help Rachel on with her coat and walk her to the door. With her bag in hand, after giving them each a hug good-bye, it wasn't long till Rachel was on her way.

Once she was gone, Sebastian slid his hand into Blaine's as they walked back into the living room. After giving it a squeeze, Blaine looked up at him. "Want to talk about it?" Blaine asked as he guided them back over to the couch as he still had time before he had to leave for rehearsal. Sebastian focused his eyes on him and Blaine smiled. "I know this is even much for you to take in all at once Bas. You've got to know I feel the same way." After he sat down, Sebastian followed and rested his head in Blaine's lap.

"I know you do." Sebastian told him as he laced his fingers through Blaine's before resting them on his chest. "Hell, I was the one convincing you not to dismiss all that was happening as a fluke."

"That's something I can't forget." Blaine said as he looked down at him. "So, what is it?"

"It's not important B."

"Bas, you're the one that always harps on me not to keep my feelings bottle up, so what is it." Sebastian just squeezed his hand, feeling Blaine's wrap around it in the process. "Sebastian, talk to me." Blaine looked at him and began to feel a knot in his stomach, not liking the feeling of Sebastian closing up in this manner since it was unlike him. "You know, I can't do this right now." Blaine said in frustration as he released Sebastian's hand and pushed himself up off the couch. "I've got a show to think about and the last thing I need to start worrying about is us."

Sebastian's head no sooner hit the cushion was he pushing himself up and going after Blaine who was walking towards the bedroom. When he reached it, he saw Blaine's bag on the bed and him throwing his clothes into it. The closer he began to listen he could've sworn he heard Blaine crying. "Look at me." Sebastian said as he walked through the doorway as Blaine had his back to him. Yet Blaine didn't budge just kept packing. "Damnit Anderson, look at me!" Sebastian said as he placed his hand on Blaine's arm causing him to flinch. In that moment Sebastian felt like crap for causing that, but he wasn't going to let Blaine's fears get the best of him. "Blaine, please." This time around, Sebastian's voice was much softer, calmer causing Blaine to look over his shoulder and he was met by the green eyes that he loved. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Home." Blaine replied before wiping at his eyes as he couldn't believe he was letting Sebastian see him cry once again. "It's pretty clear with everything that's going on that it's too much to handle." In that moment, the tears began to fall more freely causing Sebastian to wrap his arms around him. Blaine tried to move, but that only caused Sebastian to tighten his hold. "Sebastian, please let me go."

"Not until you listen to me, alright." Sebastian told him as he looked into his eyes. He kept his eyes on Blaine until he nodded. "I don't know where you got this idea that something is wrong between us, but forget it."

"Sebastian. I'm not some fragile child that everyone needs to look after though everyone seems to believe it. As for all the gifts under the tree, keep them."

"Blaine."

"Don't make this harder Bas as it's pretty obvious something is off." The sound of those words shocked Sebastian to the point he loosened his hold allowing Blaine to step back.

"Harder, you're the one that's fucking making this hard Blaine, not me!"

"Sebastian."

"Damnit Blaine, I love you! And the thought of you going on the road right after we found one another is killing me!" Once the words started coming out, tears began falling as well. "I'm so proud of you Blaine, yet at the same time I don't want you going anywhere. I want you here, with me!" Sebastian's declaration froze Blaine in his place with his eyes on the man before him who baring his soul in a sense. "I was afraid to tell you how I felt because of everything you've been through and didn't want you to feel as though you shouldn't go because of me. Yet, I don't want to lose you."

Once Blaine processed what he heard, he stepped closer till he could wrap his arms tightly around Sebastian. "You're not going to lose me Bas." Blaine told him as he looked up at him.

"But you were leaving B." The way Sebastian's voice cracked caused Blaine's hold around him to tighten.

"I was leaving because I was scared you didn't feel the same way about me that I felt about you. And that everything that was happening with me was too much to deal with. So, I was…was going to try and spare my heart from being broken."

"Are you saying what I think you're saying B?" Sebastian asked as he caressed one of Blaine's cheeks with his hand as his other rested on Blaine's shoulder.

"If you think I'm saying that I love you too Sebastian, than I am."

"You love me yet you were going to leave?"

"Like I said, I was trying to spare my heart from being broken, though, me leaving was breaking it." Sebastian then pressed his forehead against Blaine's. "I'm sorry."

"You should be." Sebastian replied softly. "But I should be as well as I should've told you how I was feeling instead of bottling it up. We're quite the pair, aren't we B?" Sebastian then wiped his eyes.

"We are. Were there any other reasons why you didn't tell me how you were feeling?"

"Which part, that I didn't want you to leave or that I love you?"

"Either."

"I didn't tell you that I didn't want you to leave should the opportunity arise because I wanted this first Christmas to be special and not have that hanging over our heads. Plus honestly B, I want you to grab ahold of what's ahead of you and embrace it. You not going would only be about me being selfish. As for telling you I love you, I…I don't know as I've known it for a while. Maybe I didn't want you to feel pressured to say it back after everything you'd been through." While Sebastian spoke, the two made their way towards the bed and sat down, but never took their eyes off one another.

"I can understand not wanting to ruin the holiday, but why were you so relaxed when telling Rachel how we planned on dealing with it?"

"That would be because it's how I want us to handle it and it's what I'm constantly reminding myself of. Like I said, you not going because I didn't want you to be gone would be selfish. And while a lot of people see me that way, I could never forgive myself should you lose out on the opportunity of a lifetime because I was feeling a bit insecure consider our relationship is still rather new. And this is something I've dreamt of for so long." Blaine then scooted closer and placed a soft kiss against Sebastian's lips. "What was that for?"

"Opening up as I know you're not a fan of talking about your feelings."

"You're right, I'm not. Yet, me not talking almost caused you to leave and I don't want that happening."

"It happened because I came to the wrong conclusion and instead of asking questions I panicked. You didn't deserve that Bas. You must've thought I was losing my mind considering how quickly my mood changed."

"I was shocked, but considering everything it makes sense." Sebastian caressed Blaine's cheek once more. "I'm sorry for making you jump before when I reached out for you."

"That's okay, that's a reflex that is still going to take some time to change. I didn't use to be like that."

"I know."

"What is it as I can tell you're thinking?"

"When do you have to leave for rehearsal?" Sebastian asked, causing Blaine to glance towards the clock.

"In an hour, why, have something in mind?" While Blaine spoke, there was a playfulness in his expression that brought a smile to Sebastian's face.

"When it comes to you Killer, I always have something in mind. But after what just happened I was hoping we'd have some time together before you leave. Nothing too crazy as the last thing I'd want is to send you to rehearsal late and completely debauched. We can save that sort of thing for when you return."

"I can accept that only if we both end up completely debauched after I return. Though you know, you can come to rehearsal if you want."

"Oh, we will both be completely wrecked by the time we're done." Sebastian said. "As for rehearsal, I might drop by, but I have a couple of errands to run."

"Like?"

"You will find out when you return. Now unpack that bag as you're not going anywhere besides rehearsal." Blaine smiled before feeling Sebastian's lips against his. Considering the panic he had felt moments earlier, he'd now done a complete one eighty and was happier than he was before everything happened. While neither of them liked what had happened, it certainly got all their cards on the table as they both now knew precisely where the other stood in regard to one another.

Once Blaine left for rehearsal, Sebastian couldn't stop smiling as they'd spent their time till he needed to leave cuddled up on the bed, kissing quite a bit. To go from feeling like he was going to lose Blaine to knowing he loved him too was a euphoric feeling Sebastian didn't expect to feel upon making the declaration or hearing it in return. Yet once it happened, little pieces began to fall into place for the both of them as they talked even more afterwards. Neither could quite place the exact moment they knew their feelings changed, but they figured it was because it came so naturally for them both.

After putting on his shoes, Sebastian grabbed his phone, wallet, and keys off the dresser before heading for the door to grab his coat. While most didn't expect him to be such a romantic, when it came to romancing Blaine it seemed the most natural thing for him to do. And with what they'd both just told one another, Sebastian wanted to make that evening memorable in more ways than one. He was just getting on the elevator when his phone rang with a call from Thad asking him if he wanted to join Hunter, Jeff, and Nick while Blaine was at rehearsal. Spending time with the guys certainly sounded like fun, but he also wanted to do a bit of shopping.

The hesitation in his voice must've been more obvious than he thought as Thad began to ask a lot of questions. Not only must he have sounded hesitant, but the happiness he was feeling must've been showing as well. For the first time he could remember, Sebastian couldn't come up with a plausible reason for why he couldn't join them so he agreed to meet them for lunch. With where they'd chosen to eat, Sebastian knew he could get a bit of shopping done along the way. Part of his plan was to try and make Blaine feel a bit more secure as he hated that the way he'd been acting had put some doubts into his head.

When he arrived at the restaurant, Nick and Jeff were walking towards him and surprisingly, he wasn't the only one with shopping bags in hand. "I told you we weren't the only ones still with shopping to do." Jeff said with smile as they approached one another. "How are you Sebastian?"

"I couldn't be better." Sebastian replied with a smile as they headed inside and as they did, Jeff and Nick looked at one another. "Is that shopping for Morgan or family?"

"Morgan as I already sent all my family gifts home. Though Nick here is still trying to find the right gift for his Mom."

"You're running out of time Duval."

"Tell me something I don't know." Nick said just as Jeff spotted Thad and Hunter who were already seated. As they made their way through the crowd, they heard quite a few disgruntled people but none of them really cared. If there was a time to take advantage of knowing people that worked in restaurants in Manhattan, the holidays was one of the times to do so. And the guys knew both of the hostesses that were on duty that day so they seated Hunter and Thad before the rest of them arrived which wasn't something that was normally done. "Now, are finishing up shopping for Blaine or is that for some other reason?" Nick asked as they got settled.

"Some of it's for B, but the rest is for the both of us." Sebastian replied as he hung his coat on the back of his chair. "Though this stuff is just because as I finished shopping for him for Christmas a while ago."

"Is the stuff for Blaine stuff he asked you to pick up or just because?" Thad asked prior to their waiter approaching to get their drink orders.

"Just because." Sebastian replied once their waiter left. "He's been a bit stressed lately with everything so I decided to spoil him a bit. Sebastian's response got all of their attention as they leaned in. "What, Sterling here can attest that Blaine's had a lot on his mind lately, right?"

"He's got a point." Jeff said. "With everything that's been going on, he's had a lot on his plate lately aside from usual holiday stress."

"What's going on?" Hunter asked causing Jeff and Sebastian to exchange looks.

"Blaine will tell you when it's time." Sebastian said quickly before taking a sip of water. When the three looked at him and Jeff, they both quickly shook their heads as they'd been sworn to secrecy as Blaine wanted to share this news personally. And now that the contracts had arrived, it wouldn't be much longer till he could.

Knowing better than to push, the guys all began to peruse the menu to figure out what they were going to have while talking about holiday plans. And since the conversations were flowing, Sebastian didn't flinch when his phone vibrated, just pulled it out of his pocket.

Care to tell me what's really going on with you? – Hunter

Nothing is going on with me. – Sebastian

Bullshit as you look like you're about to burst – Hunter

I'm waiting – Hunter

Fine, I told Blaine how I feel. – Sebastian

And? – Hunter

He loves me too. – Sebastian

No wonder you look like you're about to burst. – Hunter

"I know this is going to sound bad, but both of you need to get off your damn phones!" Thad said as he looked between the two of them.

"Sorry, was checking to see if I heard anything from B." Sebastian replied as he slid his phone back into his pocket.

"And?" Jeff asked curious because if he had, he'd check his phone as well to see if he had anything for Morgan.

"Nothing so they must not have taken a break yet."

"Now, has Morgan found anyone for Duval here?" Thad asked and soon all eyes feel to Jeff.

"Actually, she and Talia think they have just the right person for him."

"Yet they won't tell me anything about her." Nick said. "It's a little disconcerting."

"Jeff, have they said anything to you?" Hunter asked.

"A little bit, and I've seen a picture. She's cute."

"Why haven't you told me this?" Nick asked causing the guys to laugh because of the look he was now giving Jeff. "I asked you."

"Maybe because I didn't want to play twenty questions with you about someone I really don't know. All I can tell you is that the girls think she'd be great for you and I trust them." At that moment their waiter appeared to take their order which was a relief to Jeff as there really wasn't anything else he could say to Nick in that moment. Any questions he had would have to wait till band rehearsal was over.

Once they were done eating, the conversation turned to New Years as they'd pretty much discussed all of their plans for Christmas. Not surprisingly, Sebastian wanted to make sure nothing had changed and that everyone was going to be at Blaine's show that night. "Did you really think anyone was going to miss it Sebastian?" Nick asked. "I mean, David, Beat, and Trent are rather jealous that the rest of us get to see him more. And the rest of the guys are envious of the rest of us as we've all seen him in person."

"Yea, I've gotten that from quite a few of the messages I've gotten from the guys. B still can't believe that everyone moved around their New Year's plans to see him perform. That fact that so many of the guys are going to be in the audience is crazy to him."

"It goes to show how much everyone cares." Thad said. "Those outside the immediate group that stays in rather constant contact were shocked when word got out that you were hanging with Blaine. Most thought it was a rumor till they called the rest of us and got confirmation."

"Then video of him performing set everything else in motion." Jeff added. "Is anyone else coming from McKinley besides Sam?"

"No as coming into the city for New Year's isn't necessarily cheap. And the girls are putting Sam up. I don't know if Santana could handle more company considering everything else she's been dealing with. Not to mention she's pissed that she's missing Blaine's show that night as she's working."

"Understandable considering everything I've heard." Hunter said. "Maybe, should the opportunity present itself they won't have to travel as far to hear Blaine."

"Are you implying that you think they're going to make it?" Thad asked and Hunter nodded.

"Think about it, each show more and more original songs are being performed and they go over as well as the covers. Though, each of the covers they've given life of their own. That's not to mention how early one now has to arrive to make sure they get to hear them."

"Hunter has a point." Nick said. "After they performed in New Haven, there was a definite buzz around campus to the point Wes and I both know we're going to have to get their early next time. Not all of us are in the same situation as Sebastian and Jeff."

"I'm sure if you ask, they'd see to it you get in." Jeff replied as Sebastian seemed to be off in his own little world and it was noticeable to all of them. Seeing him like this wasn't something any of them were used too. But unlike the rest of them, Hunter knew why Sebastian was acting the way he was yet didn't say anything. "Sebastian, are you still with us?" When he turned towards Jeff, it was pretty obvious that since he last spoke he really wasn't paying attention. "Just go man as it's clear you have stuff on your mind."

"I'm good." Sebastian replied quickly though all the guys shook their heads.

"Go home and wait for Blaine man." Thad told him. "We won't take it personally that he's clearly on your mind and not us even though we're here."

"I'm sorry guys, seriously. It's just; I have a few things I want to get done before they finish practice."

"Big night?" Nick asked and watched as a smile crept across Sebastian's face. "Go like Thad said. We'll see you both tomorrow night." Sebastian was going to argue but from the looks on the four of them, he knew he didn't stand a chance. Not to mention his heart wouldn't be in it as he did want to get home and get ready for his night with Blaine.