Five Years Later

Part 39

Once Sam headed back to Ohio, it was only a day later when Nick and Wes headed back to Connecticut as everyone's life went back to normal on Monday. After they were gone, Sebastian helped Blaine bring some of his things back to his place as he was going to need it for classes. "You never mentioned how the rest of the guys took the news B." Sebastian said as he helped Blaine take down the last of his decorations.

"I didn't get the chance as you were on the phone with your parents when I was done. Then, we headed over here." Blaine replied. "But you shouldn't be too shocked to hear they are absolutely thrilled for us. I also called Tina since Sam had to get right back to work. She freaked out on me and asked when we'd be coming her way."

"Isn't she in Rhode Island with Beat?"

"That would be correct, so I'll be her way in March." Blaine told him as he closed another tote. "Do you mind me asking what you were talking to your parents about that had you smiling the way you were?"

"Not at all." Sebastian replied. "I was actually telling them about what happened with you, I hope you don't mind." Blaine shook his head as he couldn't help but smile. "They're really happy for you Killer and…they can't wait to meet you."

"I can't wait to meet them either Bas. And so you know, my parents can't wait to meet you either. While we Skype with both sets, I've been told it's not the same."

"My Mom said the same thing and my Dad agreed. When are your parents planning on coming out here B?"

"At the end of next month. While my Mom wanted to spend Valentine's in the city, my Dad convinced her that it probably wasn't such a good idea." Blaine replied as he sat down on the couch. "And it's not. Not only am I performing that night, but I'd prefer they not be around for our first Valentine's Day. One that will probably be celebrated either the day before or after."

"No." When Sebastian replied as he sat down beside him, bringing a puzzled look to his face. "We're going to celebrate it that day Killer. I've never celebrated it as I never had a reason to, but now that I do, I want to do it right."

"Bas, you show me you love me every day."

"As do you with me. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate it."

"And here I was expecting you to scoff at celebrating it."

"Even if it wasn't my thing B, I'd celebrate it for you." Sebastian then leaned in and gave him a kiss. "There isn't much I wouldn't do if it meant something to you."

"That means a lot to me Bas. And so you know, I'm more about the romantic part of it, than the cheesiness of it. I'd be content with a romantic dinner at one of our places, some soft music…" While he spoke, Blaine placed his hand on Sebastian's thigh. "Maybe a little dancing…and most of all, a lot of kissing, amongst other things."

"That's something I'd be very agreeable to Killer." Sebastian then leaned in and kissed him again. "Just a matter of how much of the…other things, we'll be able to do depending on class schedules."

"All the more reason for us to keep the celebration going on longer."

"I like the sound of that."

"I knew you would."

Soon the rest of the packing of decorations was forgotten as they got lost in kissing one another on the couch. And while they'd more than enjoyed their time together over break, they knew that once classes started again there'd be an adjustment period once again. Not only would they be figuring out their new schedules, but Blaine would now have even more going on in his life since they'd be heading into the studio while playing more shows. If there was a time Blaine was thankful it was his last semester so his class load was a bit lighter, it was especially now.

With this being the last day, everyone started to try and get into their previous schedules since break had thrown all their lives upside down slightly. That didn't only go for those that were in school, but Rachel and Santana as well. For them, it actually felt a bit strange having the loft to themselves again after having Sam with them for over a week. Not to mention everything that had happened while he was in town. Anytime there was a knock on their door, they were both a bit apprehensive about answering it, but thankfully they hadn't seen Kurt since the day he came over and Thad was there.

Once they were settled on the couch with a bowl of popcorn between them, Santana glanced over at Rachel. "Do you think you're going to hear from him?" She asked as nonchalantly as she could knowing the topic put Rachel on edge a bit.

"I honestly don't know. I'm hoping he comes to grip with the fact that Blaine is clearly moving on with his life and Sebastian is part of it."

"It would be easier for him to accept if it wasn't Sebastian." Santana added before grabbing a handful of popcorn and Rachel nodded. "Not to mention how bloody happy they look together."

"They are happy, aren't they?" Rachel said with a smile.

"They are, though happy could be an understatement as of late with everything going on."

"While they're both ecstatic, Sebastian was the epitome of proud when Blaine shared the news. Though, they all looked proud. Heck, I felt it too."

"I'm pretty sure it's something we all felt. Not just for Blaine, for all of them. It's just our feelings for Blainers ran deeper considering everything. Wait till Hummel finds out this bit of news." Once Santana spoke, she saw Rachel lean her head back. "It's going to be priceless Rach considering he didn't think Blaine would ever make it."

"That's very true."

"Now, onto a happier topic than Hummel…have you called and thanked Blaine?"

"Not yet, I'm going to give him a call tomorrow as I don't want to interrupt him and Sebastian. And before you say I could've called him sooner, he was out with Nick and Wes yesterday."

"Fine, but you better."

"I will. I just can't believe it happened so quickly."

"Goes to show Thad didn't need much of a nudge. I have a feeling Sam was right in that he was only playing it safe. You should've seen yourself after we got back that night, you were glowing." Santana watched as Rachel rolled her eyes. "It's true and if you don't believe it I'll call Sam and he can confirm it for you."

"You don't think Thad noticed, do you?"

"No as the super glow didn't really hit till we were on the subway home. Now, when are the two of you going out?"

"Wednesday as he doesn't have classes till later on Thursdays."

"You do realize his schedule is crazy, right, at least that's what I got from Wes and Nick."

"I do." After she answered, Rachel could tell Santana wanted to say something, but it was going to have to wait till she was done chewing. But if the smirk on her face was any indication, she could only guess what was going through her head. When she popped a few more pieces into her mouth, Rachel turned to look at her more directly. "Santana."

"Yes." She replied innocently enough, though her expression was anything but. "Oh, you're curious what I'm thinking about, aren't you?" Rachel nodded. "Alright, you do realize should this work out you're going to give Hummel a heart attack as it's clear there is no love loss between him and Thad. So not only is his ex dating someone he can't stand, you'd be doing the same."

"That's on him." Rachel said much to Santana's surprise. "If this works and Thad makes me happy, that's all that should matter. Not some crap that happened back when he attended Dalton for a few months. You and I both know he never fit in with those boys."

"Don't have to tell me twice, I just wanted to remind you that he won't be happy." Once she finished, Santana began to laugh which earned her another look from Rachel. "Rach, what if he figures out Thad was the one that answered your phone that day pretending you were in the middle of giving a guy oral."

"I doubt that'll happen since he's spoken to him since and nothing clicked. Though, Thad did sound a bit different that night."

"Guess only time will tell how accurate he sounded." The way Rachel's eyes flew open; it took everything Santana had not to bust out laughing as Rachel processed what she said. But once Rachel calmed down Santana reached over and took ahold of her hand. "I hope you realize I said that meaning sometime in the future, right?"

"I do, it's just…it's been so long Santana. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I truly kissed someone and didn't want it to end, let alone have sex with someone."

"Just remember, Thad's not going to do anything stupid as not only is he a gentleman, but he knows Blaine would go after him should he hurt you. So, enjoy yourself when you two go out as you deserve it." Rachel nodded as she knew Santana was right. From everything she knew of Thad, he wouldn't push her to do anything she was ready for even without the fear of Blaine looming nearby.

With Sebastian not having class till later in the morning on Mondays, it was pretty clear they'd probably be spending Sundays at Blaine's since he had class in the morning. Considering everything that had happened since New Year's Eve, Blaine wasn't too surprised that Sebastian insisted on going with him to school before heading onto class himself. When they were on their way, he actually got a call from each member of his band as they seemed to have the same concerns Sebastian had in that Kurt might show up looking for him. But with Kurt nowhere in sight, Sebastian gave Blaine a kiss before going to catch the subway to class since Todd was now there.

"At least I know I wasn't reaching when I thought your ex might show." Todd said as they headed for class. "Not only were the rest of us worried, but it's clear Sebastian was concerned as well. He didn't look happy when he saw the two of you."

"That's a fact I'm well aware of. But I should've known he'd rear his head."

"Why is that?" Todd asked as they climbed the stairs to the second floor.

"My life is back on track, I'm happy so of course he's going to appear and try and ruin it."

"No one is going to let that happen Blaine."

"I know. But that doesn't mean he's not going to try." Blaine's words certain got Todd's attention to stop them on the landing and pulling him towards the wall out of the flow of everyone heading to class. "Does that really surprise you man from what you know? Nothing would make him happier than for me to be a complete failure."

"If that's the case, which I really don't doubt, why is he so interested?"

"Because he can't believe he could've been so wrong about what I was going to amount to." Blaine then tugged on Todd's arm as the last thing he wanted was to be late to his first class of his last semester. "He honestly believed I didn't have what it takes."

"Blaine, I've always known you've had what it takes. The problem came when you stopped believing you had it. While we all told you, I honestly want to thank Sebastian for whatever he said to you that made you believe again."

"Honestly, Bas didn't say anything to different from the rest of you." Blaine replied as they headed into the studio. "The difference came in how he said it as he's always seemed to know how to word things so they have an impact on whomever he's speaking to."

"Excellent trait for a future lawyer to have."

"I couldn't agree more."

After Blaine answered, the two took their seats and soon got a good laugh as Justin, Morgan, and Talia came walking in moments later. For the first time in years they were all together once again, hopefully Mr. Clark knew what he was in for having them all together. While they all had a chance to talk before class started, the moment Mr. Clark walked in there was no doubt he took note of the five of them together. "First off, I'd like to congratulate you all for making it on time to your first class of the new semester. It's certainly the right way to start the semester off. Also know I'm aware that this is probably the only time you'll all be present since you're all graduating in the spring. Not that you'll be lax about this class, but most of you are already getting a start on your professional lives."

When some students looked surprised that he knew, others weren't in the slightest as Mr. Clark always seemed to be aware of what was going on around campus in regards to his students careers. Clearly, those that were surprised were those that were having him for an instructor for the first time. Soon the studios blinds were being closed and the screen was being lowered. While he was still talking, none of them were quite sure where this first day was starting.

Soon they all saw a show review brought up onto the screen as a few of them were part of off-Broadway productions. When those involved gasp, Mr. Clark laughed slightly. "I take it you didn't know that part of this class it about how to break down a review from an outside source and what we can take away from it. Now before some of you worry, know that I am astutely aware that some of the reviewers out there need to be taken with a grain of salt. As they seem to go into any performance with this need to be impressed before they'll write anything positive." There seemed to be a collective sigh of relief from some of the students. "I should also let you know that during your break when most of you were working, I took the time to take in a performance from everyone in this room." When Morgan glanced over at Blaine, she noticed the smile on his face. "Some of you made that task easier than others." With that comment the five of them all exchanged looks. "Yes Mr. Anderson, that's in reference to the five of you."

Once he spoke, all eyes in the studio moved into their general direction causing Talia and Morgan to giggle. Each of them had Mr. Clark more than a few times over the course of their time at NYADA and while he was strict, he was very good at what he did and was definitely someone they should all listen to. Some of the reviews they went through and broke down were harsh even by Mr. Clark's standards, but nonetheless they went through them. By the time it came to Blaine and his band, three different reviews appeared on the screen. "The five of you were quite busy over break, weren't you as these aren't the only ones we could be looking at?"

"What can we say, we're in demand." Justin replied with a smirk. "Or to be more exact, Blaine is."

"Modest as always, aren't we Mr. Hughes?"

"Would you expect me to be any different sir?"

"Not in the slightest." Those that had never had him before were a bit surprised by the interaction between the two, but Mr. Clark never wanted his students to be anything but themselves in his class. "Now, would the five of you like to start with the reviews I have here or would you like to hear my personal review of the performance I attended?"

"Your personal review sir." Blaine replied after they discussed it. "Those three are rather similar so we'd like to hear what you thought and then we can discuss the other reviews."

"Fair enough, but I will let you know I wish I could've taken in your New Year's Eve show as I heard and read it was one not to have been missed."

"Heard?" Talia asked.

"Yes, my daughter was actually there and when I saw her later the next day she told me all about it. Now, I must tell the five of you I was quite impressed with your performance even though I'm clearly not your target market. And even though I'd read reviews prior, I was still surprised by your acoustic set midway through."

"It's sort of become our signature." Talia replied. "The crowds seem to really enjoy it."

"For good reason as it's not too often people are given the opportunity to hear songs striped down to the bare fundamentals. Yet when you all do it, none of the numbers are lacking."

"That's because of the arrangements Blaine's put together." Morgan told him. "Singing with an acapella group in high school gave him an added edge that the rest of us don't have. It's also something he's used in other numbers as well." While she spoke, Blaine glanced over and shook his head, yet couldn't help but smile. The longer the conversation went on, it wasn't long till Mr. Clark was asking others in the class if they'd gone and heard them play. Surprisingly quite a few of them had as ever since their first show, word had made its way around campus.

"Now, before we move on as I've asked everyone else. Where do you all see this going as you've made quite the name for yourselves?"

"Make an album we're proud of and go on tour to promote it." Blaine replied rather confidently as he leaned back in his seat. When one of the guys in the class made a snarky comment, the five of them had to stifle their laughter. But when it was impossible, the guy asked what was so funny. "You might think we're setting our expectations high, but we don't. And neither does the record label that signed us over break." Blaine told him as his band could only smile as silence fell across the room.

"Is that so Mr. Anderson?" Mr. Clark asked as he turned the lights back up in the room.

"It most certainly is. When we finish today we're actually meeting with our manager to discuss what we want our debut to sound like." While he spoke, there was a confidence to Blaine that they were all starting to see more and more. So to see Blaine calmly put someone in their place who thought they were getting ahead of themselves was huge. For those that don't know Blaine well, they were seeing a side of him they didn't recognize.

While Blaine and the others were going about their day of class, Sebastian was already busy at work while waiting for his next class to start. They'd gotten into such a routine with one another; Sebastian didn't even flinch when he heard a bag hit the table before a chair was pulled out. "Coffee?" Hunter said causing Sebastian to lift his head before smiling as Hunter pushed a fresh cup over to him. "When I was getting mine it looked like you could use one."

"Thank you, as I do need it. Getting up this morning sucked after being on break."

"You shouldn't have had to get up too early."

"I did as I was at B's last night and then escorted him to school before coming him." When Sebastian heard a sigh from Hunter he rolled his eyes. "Always the comedian, huh Clarington."

"Oh come on Sebastian, if I'd done something like that you would've reacted in the exact same way. While I understand crashing at Blaine's last night, why did you escort him to school and give me a straight forward answer." Hunter then watched as Sebastian sipped his coffee while leaning back in his chair. "You're worried about him, aren't you?"

"Blaine, no. I'm worried about what Hummel might do."

"Wouldn't that have you worrying about Blaine?"

"I'm more concerned about B. Everything is coming together for him and now we have a wildcard in play. No one is quite sure what's going on with him as even Rachel hasn't heard from him since the day Thad went to get them."

"So you went with Blaine to class in case Hummel tried to see him before he started his work day."

"Precisely. The last thing I wanted today was for B's day to get off to a bad start with everything he's got going on. Safe to say his last semester of school is going to be much different from all the others with everything else that's happening."

"Speaking of Blaine and everything that's happening, there is something I've wanted to ask you but it hasn't been possible until now." Hunter told him before taking a sip of his coffee as Sebastian watched him. "It's about what happened on New Year's Eve."

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"Sebastian."

"Hunter, I don't want to talk about that night as Hummel almost put a damper on it. Not to mention the fact that I almost put my foot in my mouth."

"So there was more to your words than most would've thought."

"Hunter." Sebastian mumbled as he ran his fingers through his hair, knowing darn well that Hunter knew precisely what he meant that night. "B doesn't want anyone to know."

"I figured as much considering how you…stifled yourself. But Blaine's reaction is what really let me know. Most people don't flinch like that unless they've..." Hunter stopped as he could see this was hard for Sebastian to talk about. "I'll drop it."

"Thank you." Sebastian replied before taking a deep breath knowing he'd have to broach the subject with Blaine either that evening or the next time they saw one another. The only thing he could hope was that no one outside of Wes and Hunter truly took notice what actually happened in that moment. It was hard enough for Blaine to talk to Wes about it after the fact, so adding more into the mix wasn't going to be easy. But as they thought that night, Blaine shouldn't be too surprised that Hunter figured it out as well. At least Hunter had better control over his emotions unlike Wes who wanted to go and have a few words with Kurt. Yet, Blaine told him that it wasn't worth, besides how would he explain vanishing for some time to the others.

And as much as Wes wanted to go confront Kurt, Sebastian ended up convincing him to leave it be as Blaine asked. While he understood all too well wanting to scream and yell at him for putting his hands on Blaine, in the end it truly wouldn't accomplish anything. This was something Blaine had dealt with once he left Kurt and all them making a scene out of it would do is make Blaine relive something he'd rather forget ever happened.

With the way their schedules were playing out that day, they realized Mondays were going to be a day of texts. It seemed whenever Blaine was free, Sebastian was in class and vice versa. Then not to mention that day, when Blaine was done he had meetings to attend. Since they'd been texting throughout the day, and nothing was mentioned, Sebastian was slightly taken back when Blaine came walking into his apartment that evening. He'd been so quiet that it wasn't till he was seated across from Sebastian did he notice and when he did, he jumped slightly almost knocking his laptop off his lap.

Blaine couldn't help but laugh at the sight, as it wasn't often one could catch Sebastian by surprise. So after leaning over to give him a kiss, Blaine was a bit surprised to feel Sebastian pull him onto his lap as he'd set his laptop aside. "What do I owe this pleasure tonight B?" Sebastian asked as they got comfortable on the couch.

"I needed to see you and Skyping wasn't going to be enough, especially when you were only minutes away once we finished." While he spoke, Blaine rested his head on Sebastian's shoulder causing Sebastian to tighten his hold around him. "Vincent wasn't kidding when he was telling us how crazy this process was going to be."

"Want to talk about it?" Sebastian asked before placing a kiss on the tip of Blaine's nose. "Unless you're not supposed to, if that's the case I'm more then content to hold you till you're feeling better."

"It's just overwhelming. They put a list together of every song we've performed up until now and we had to start weeding songs out." Blaine replied softly. "That wasn't bad, but having to explain to the producer we're working with the backgrounds of some of the songs was a bit draining. I mean, clearly he hadn't listened to most of them because if he had, he would've known what they were about. Even Vincent was getting frustrated. Yet the ones he had listened to, he was questioning what I told him. Excuse me, I wrote the fucking thing; I know what it's about!"

While Sebastian wanted nothing more than to tell Blaine to relax, he knew that would only rile him up more. So the best thing to do in that moment was to let him vent and get it out of his system. Considering it was after nine that evening, it was pretty obvious the long day was catching up to Blaine as well as he'd been on the go throughout. Once the tone in Blaine's voice took on a calmer tone, Sebastian kissed him once more. "Does it feel better to get that all out of your system Killer?" Blaine nodded against Sebastian's shoulder. "I guess you didn't want to snap on the producer you just met."

"Nope. I mean, the guy is really talented Bas. You should read his resume when you get a chance. I just wish he didn't question my answers about the songs."

"Not that I'm taking his side, but maybe he wanted to be certain and that you weren't just giving him the answer you thought he wanted to hear."

"Maybe, but if that was the case he could've gone about it better as all of us were frustrated at one point or another. The one thing we had to make a point of from the start was that there were going to be at least two acoustic numbers on the album which he didn't agree with. Told us people don't want to hear it."

"Yet people love that part of your performances."

"That's what we told him and Vincent told him he needed to come to our next show to see why we're so adamant about it. We know what our fans enjoy."

"You certainly do. It's a huge part of who you guys are B." Blaine then pressed a kiss to Sebastian's cheek. "What is it B?"

"I should probably go as you were working."

"You don't have to, unless you want to. I have no problem with you staying here tonight as long as me studying doesn't bother you as I'm going to be at it for awhile."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive B; you're also more than welcome to play as well since you kept your other acoustic here. And honestly, I'd love it if you stayed as it's going to take time getting used to being apart again." Blaine couldn't stop himself from smiling before kissing Sebastian once more. "Does that mean you're going to stay?"

"Yes, I'm going to stay."