Five Years Later

Part 40

Spending Monday night together was exactly what they both needed as it made staying in their respective homes on Tuesday easier. Not to mention, they were actually able to talk during the day on Tuesday. With a slightly lighter class load on Wednesday, Sebastian decided he'd go and surprise Blaine once he was done. So as he adjusted his bag over his shoulder as he was going to study till Blaine got home, yet he was surprised to see Thad walking towards him. "Something I can do for you Harwood?" Sebastian asked as they moved out of the way of everyone else.

"Do you know by chance why Blaine isn't answering his phone?" Thad asked as he looked up at Sebastian while shoving his hands in his pockets. "I need to talk with him."

"B's in class right now." Sebastian said after glancing at his watch. "And will be for the next hour plus. This is one of his performance labs which is like, two hours. So, that is why he's not answering as that instructor has a strict phone policy." Once he heard Thad mutter under his breath, Sebastian stepped closer. "By chance is this in regards to your date with Rachel tonight?" The slight smirk on Sebastian's face along with the cock of his eyebrow got a roll of the eyes from Thad. "Since B is busy and you obviously need an answer, call Santana and ask her whatever it is. I'm sure she'd be willing to answer."

"I thought about it, but I don't want it to look like I need help." Thad replied. "It's something little, so maybe I'm blowing it out of proportion. I just want to make a good impression."

"Thad, she's been crushing on you since after your party when the two of you danced the night away." Sebastian told him. "And since then the two of you have gotten to know each other even better. You don't need to make a good impression, you already have." When Thad just looked at him, Sebastian could see he was getting through to him, but could also tell he was still hesitant. "What is it, maybe I can help?"

"I want to know what Rachel's favorite flowers are. You guys sent her that bouquet after we screwed with Hummel and she loved it. So, I was curious if it was random or Blaine picked out her favorites to put in it."

"He did pick out her favorites as I was there with him at the florist." Sebastian then looked at his watch again realizing they needed to finish up or he'd miss his train. "She loves orchids and star-gazer lilies. He didn't put orchids in the arrangement though as it wouldn't have looked right, but those are her favorites."

"Thank you so much Sebastian!"

"You're welcome. Now, if you'll excuse me I need to go catch my train so I can surprise B."

"Go! Thank you!

"Thad, treat her right or B will kick your ass."

"I know and I will. Later and say hi to Blaine for me!" After answering, Thad watched Sebastian nod before he made his way down into the station. Knowing now that Sebastian was going to see Blaine, Thad realized just how lucky he was to catch him. If he'd been only a few moments later, he would've missed him. He'd had an early start that day and truly took a chance coming to see Sebastian between classes. But it was a risk he was willing to take as he wanted this night to be perfect. More than once he'd thought about asking Rachel out before Blaine spoke to him, but wasn't sure if she'd be receptive to it. And the last thing he wanted to do was derail the friendship they were building if she didn't feel something in return.

Thad was about to head on his way back to his campus, when Hunter spotted him and called out. "What has you in our neck of the woods today?" Hunter asked before taking a sip of coffee.

"I was looking for Sebastian actually and found him just before he left."

"Yea, he's going to spend some time with Blaine. They're still adjusting to being back in school after spending so much time together during break. What did you need if you don't mind me asking?"

"I had a question for Blaine actually, but Sebastian was able to help me out."

"About?"

"Rachel."

"Ah, tonight's the big date, isn't it?"

"It is. By the way, thank you for the recommendation on the restaurant."

"You can thank Kimberly next time you see her as I got it from her. Vegetarian cuisine isn't really my thing. In her line of work she needs to have her bases covered when potential players come to town." When Thad laughed, Hunter could only smile given the metaphor he used. "So, her knowing the best restaurants isn't too much of a surprise. Now, are you done for the day or do you have more classes?"

"I have one more which I should be heading to so I have time to get some studying done before going to get her."

"Sounds good man, have fun, but not too much fun." Hunter said before winking. "It is a first date afterall."

"That's something I'm well aware of. We're going to have fun, at least I hope we do."

"Just be yourself and it'll be fine. She's seen pretty much most sides of you already so you're good. Now time for you to go so you can get everything done before it's time to go and get her."

"Yea, last thing I want to happen is to get caught up in homework and be late."

"Set an alarm, just in case."

"I plan on it. Later Hunter!"

"Later!"

Once Thad was on his way, he started to look for a florist near his home in which he'd be able to get flowers for Rachel. Little known to him, he wasn't the only one nervous about that night as Rachel was thankful to be at work that day as her nerves were starting to get the better of her. More than once during her shift did she jump when someone touched her as she'd gotten lost in thought numerous times. She was thankful that she had time to prepare as it had taken her and Santana a few days to find an outfit for her to wear. Santana even made a point of having a back-up ready in case Rachel changed her mind. If there was a time she really wished she wasn't working early that evening, this was one as she knew Rachel was nervous.

So when Santana came in to see her, Rachel couldn't help but smile. She needed to see her, more than she realized. While they went to sit down, she only hoped that Blaine wasn't going to be laughing too hard with all the messages she'd left for him with the last minute questions she might've had. "Are you sure you're going to be able to manage getting ready without me around?" Santana asked as one of the waitresses brought her a drink. "I mean, you were having problems trying on outfits."

"I'll manage." Rachel replied. "Thank you for coming by. I can't remember the last time I felt like this before a date."

"Neither can I." Santana told her as she took one of her hands. "I'm really happy for you Rach, you deserve to be happy. And I think Thad is more than capable of helping with that."

"And why is that?"

"He's so different from everyone you've ever been with Rach. Plus, with your personality, you need someone with an equally strong one, but not someone who is just like you. Not to mention, he's driven and knows what he wants from his life for the most part. The more we've been around Blaine's friends from Dalton, I can see where he got part of his drive from, they all have it."

"I can see that. Can you imagine should this work out, me telling my Dads that I'm dating someone and he's going to be a doctor?" When Santana only laughed, Rachel's smile grew wider. "Know what else is nice about not only Thad, but the rest of the guys?" Santana shook her head before taking a sip of her drink. "They're loyal and stand by those they care about. Seeing them all now, I can only imagine how hard it was on them to be pushed out of Blaine's life the way they were. They missed him as much as Blaine missed them."

"And there were no hard feelings, as they knew Blaine really didn't do it by choice." Once Santana spoke, Rachel sighed. "You're worried he's going to show up at the loft, aren't you?"

"Slightly. We haven't seen him since that night."

"Hopefully that's because he listened to you and realized that until he could have a rational conversation with you about Blaine and Sebastian, he's going to keep his distance. But I swear to god, if he shows up..."

"I'm sure Thad will handle things." The mischievous smirk on Rachel's face as she spoke made Santana smile.

"Oh, I'm sure he will as well." When Santana replied with a not so innocent look on her face, Rachel pulled back in her seat. "I'm only teasing Rach. Thad is a gentleman. But you can't tell me you haven't wondered what it would be like to kiss him." The instant it was mentioned, Rachel began to blush. "So you have."

"Maybe."

"Oh, you so have." Rachel only smiled in response and that was all that was needed in that moment. "Now, I'm going to keep my phone handy at the start of my shift in case you have a freak-out and want to talk."

"I appreciate that, but I should be okay."

"Don't hesitate if you feel the need though. We can't have you freaking out on the boy before he gets there."

"No, we can't. I'm really doing this, aren't I?"

"You are. I only have one bit of advice for you this evening." When Rachel cocked her head, Santana laughed. "No, that talk will be further down the line should things go well between you and Thaddeus."

"Alright, and what advice would that be?"

"Have fun."

"Noted."

By the time Santana left the diner, Rachel felt a bit better. And while she might be worried Kurt might show, she as well as Thad were more than capable of handling him. If anything she'd seen or heard from when Thad didn't necessarily control himself, there was no love loss between him and Kurt.

Considering all the messages Rachel had left for Blaine while he was in class, it wasn't too much of a surprise that he was slightly distracted when he arrived home. So much so, that he was honestly startled when he saw Sebastian. "And here I was thinking you'd be happy to see me." Sebastian told him after giving him a kiss. "If I guessed wrong, I can go home."

"No, I'm happy you're here." Blaine replied as he took Sebastian's hands into his after putting his phone in his pocket. "I was just a bit distracted when I got here as I was answering texts from Rachel on my way."

"Does that mean Miss Berry is as nervous about tonight as Thad?"

"Thad's nervous?" Blaine asked as Sebastian guided them to the couch where he'd been working. "Is that why he called me?"

"He called as he was curious about what type of flowers are Rachel's favorite, but I was able to help him as he came looking for me." While Sebastian spoke, Blaine relaxed back into the crook of his arm. "I guess he was sick of playing phone tag. So, I answered and he was more than appreciative."

"Why is he nervous as I'm sure he's dated quite a bit?"

"He has, but he wants to make a good impression on Rachel. How is she since you didn't say?" Sebastian asked as played with Blaine's fingers which were a bit rougher than normal meaning he played quite a bit that day.

"Bas, she's so excited, yet nervous about tonight. It's truly endearing. To hear her so excited about going on a date, something she'd begun to dread is huge."

"Not that she's my type or anything, but care to fill me in on why dating is so awkward for her. I mean, she's attractive in her own way."

"Do you remember Finn Hudson; he was a member of the New Directions?"

"The tall guy, that they had singing lead with Rachel instead of you." Blaine nodded. "What about him?"

"You know they were a couple, right?" Sebastian nodded this time around. "He died during my senior year Bas and it hit Rachel really hard. They'd been engaged but then he pushed her to pursue her dream so they broke things off. And then…"

"I had no idea B, I'm sorry. Wasn't he also Hummel's step-brother?" Blaine nodded. "Oh geez." In that moment, Sebastian was truly at a loss for words as he had no idea that had happened. And the more Blaine spoke and filled in when, it made sense. Since it had happened after sectionals, they'd had limited contact with Blaine because of everything that had gone down. "That now explains a lot about why she acts the way she does. And why you said she was a bit unsure about that part of her life."

"Yea. After a while, Santana and I were trying to get her to move forward in her life as that's what Finn would've wanted. Yet, Kurt felt if she moved too quickly it was being disrespectful and that she never truly loved Finn the way she claimed. And since Kurt really didn't want me talking to her, she had Santana on one side and Kurt on the other. It would make sense to just give up the idea for a while when you get pulled in opposite directions."

"Do you know if she told Thad?"

"I don't, but it's something she needs to tell him as it's not my place. But Santana and I have both recommended to her, that she fill him in a bit. I mean, in a way she's starting over again so…"

"Things might go slower than Thad is used to." Sebastian finished for him.

"Yes."

"Considering they've gotten to know one another quite a bit over the months. I have a feeling Thad knows this isn't going to be like a lot of his other dates or relationships if this turns into one." Blaine then felt a kiss to his forehead. "I know you're a bit nervous as well Killer, but Thad's going to treat her right."

"I know. Now, what do I owe this pleasure?" Blaine asked as he turned slightly and wrapped his arm around Sebastian.

"I wanted to see you. And since my schedule is a bit lighter today and you didn't have to rehearse or go into the studio, I thought, why not?"

"I'm glad you did. Do you have a lot to do tonight?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Curious. I have some arrangements I need to work on."

"Work away as you know I don't mind, just as you don't mind when I get lost in my reading."

"Since that's the case, why don't you get back to studying and I'll get to work on dinner."

"You don't need to cook for me B, we could easily order in."

"I was going to cook for myself tonight anyway Bas, this just means I'll be making a little more." Blaine then stretched to give him a kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too Killer." After leaning down to give Blaine a kiss, they each released their holds on one another so they could get to work. But as Blaine headed for his kitchen, Sebastian couldn't help but chuckle when he heard Rachel's all too familiar ringtone go off.

While she was essentially ready, Rachel had to talk to someone and Santana was now busy at work so she called Blaine. With the enthusiasm in which he answered the phone, she instantly knew he wasn't alone. Once she knew that, she tried to make the call quick, but Blaine calmed her. Let her know that he was getting a start on dinner while Sebastian was studying. Rachel couldn't help but quip a joke about how domestic Blaine was being and he warned her it might not be too long till she's in a similar spot.

Rachel had just tossed her phone onto her bed so she could get her shoes when she heard a knock on the door, so she quickly put them on so that she could answer. Just before she opened it, she smoothed her dress out and took a deep breath. When she pulled the door open, she couldn't help but smile once she laid eyes on Thad. After a brief hello, she invited him in. "These are beautiful." Rachel told him as she took the bouquet of orchids from him. "And one of my favorites." As she went to get a vase to put them in, she glanced over her shoulder at him. "Blaine?"

"Sebastian actually." Thad replied as he unbuttoned his coat. "I tried to ask Blaine but he was rather unreachable today." He told her as she put water into the vase.

"How'd Sebastian know?" Rachel asked as she took the wrapping off the bouquet.

"Um, from when we sent you flowers the night after Blaine and Morgan's winter concert." Once Thad spoke, a faint blush crept to Rachel's cheeks. "Sebastian had gone with to the florist and had paid attention. By the way, you look beautiful Rachel."

"Thank you. You look rather handsome yourself." Rachel told him as she moved the vase to the center of the table once she was done. "So, where are we heading?"

"Back uptown for dinner and then I thought we'd play it by ear, see what we're in the mood for afterwards. That is if that's alright with you."

"That sounds perfect." Rachel replied. "Just let me go get my coat and purse so we can go." Thad smiled in response before she headed off. While she gathered her things, Thad took a deep breath before buttoning his coat once more as it was certainly cold out. When Rachel came walking back, he couldn't help but smile as she came closer. Even with as much time as they'd spent getting to know each other, this night was certainly different as he was seeing her in an entirely different way. Since she had her coat draped over her arm, Thad reached out to take it from her and help her put it on. The way she smiled as he did surprised him slightly, but he just smiled in response. Once it was on, he took her hand in his. "I know this might be a bad time to mention it, but you do know I'm a vegetarian, right?"

"I know." Thad replied as they headed for the door. "And the restaurant we're going to is right up your alley." Once he spoke, Rachel gave his hand a squeeze before he pulled open the door and they stepped out. After it was closed, Rachel proceeded to lock it and they were on their way. During their walk down the stairs, Thad glanced down at her.

"What is it?"

"I was half expecting to get grilled by Santana when I came to get you." Thad said as his tone definitely playful. "I could see her being over protective."

"Well, Santana is at work right now actually. But if you want, I can give her a call and she can grill you if that will make you feel better."

"That's alright, I think I'm good." Shortly after Thad replied, they stepped outside and Rachel was surprised to see that Thad had a car waiting for them. "My lady, shall we?"

"We shall." As Rachel was getting into the car with help from Thad, she couldn't hear anyone calling out to her. Not only was it windy, but her focus was solely on Thad who was looking at her in a way she wanted to etch to memory. When Thad was getting in, he could hear someone calling out for Rachel as well, but chose to ignore it having a gut feeling who it was. And the last thing he wanted was for their night to get ruined. Yet the moment he was settled and they were pulling away, Rachel noticed a slight change in him. "What's wrong?"

Thad looked at her, before taking her hand in his once more. "While I should've said something before we left, I chose not to." Rachel tilted her head, curious as to what it could be about. "When we were getting into the car I heard someone calling for you and I think it was Kurt."

"I heard something as well." Rachel replied. "Don't think about it, okay." Yet before Thad even had a chance to respond, Rachel's phone went off and not surprisingly, it was Kurt. Calmly Rachel answered and told him she really couldn't talk as she was on a date and it would be impolite. Then when she declined to say who she was with, he didn't take it as a slight knowing all too well the reaction Kurt would have. And as much as he'd ignored the calling out for her, it was clear neither wanted outside forces ruining their night.

So while Rachel was dealing with Kurt so they could get on with their night, Blaine and Sebastian were finishing dinner. The last thing Sebastian had expected when he'd come over was for Blaine to cook dinner, but he certainly appreciated it. It was becoming clearer that each of their cooking skills was more than either had admitted to the more they each cooked for one another. "You do realize you're spoiling me cooking like this B." Sebastian told him after swallowing his last bite.

"The same could be said for you when you cook Bas. Who would've ever guessed a guy living on his own would cook as well as you do?"

"Easy, one who got tired pretty quickly of constantly going out to eat or ordering take-out." Sebastian replied. "You should know, you lucked out as I had quite a few disasters before I started to figure things out."

"Sounds like me." Blaine replied as he leaned back in his chair. "Not to mention, you get to eat quicker when you cook for yourself."

"That's very true." Sebastian said as he got up and went to grab his plate but was soon stopped by Blaine. "B."

"I've got this Bas, you have studying to do."

"Just because I have studying to do, doesn't mean I can't help."

"I know, but if you get back to studying the more time we might have to spend together later." Between what he said and the look on Blaine's face, Sebastian couldn't really argue as Blaine had a point. While cleaning up often sounded quicker, the two often got distracted while doing so. So, Sebastian heeded Blaine's words and went back to studying while Blaine began cleaning up.

By the time Blaine returned to the living room, Sebastian was engrossed in what he was reading so Blaine got what he needed out and got to work as well. Being able to sit in the same room and work was something Blaine was thankful for as it allowed the two of them to spend time together. Even if they weren't necessarily talking, they were with one another. While it might sound silly to some, it was something they both appreciated having the other in the room.

When Blaine set his guitar in its stand to stretch, he was surprised to look towards Sebastian to find him relaxing against the couch. "How long have you been finished Bas?" Blaine asked as he scooted closer after stretching and curling up against him.

"Maybe an hour." Sebastian replied and was soon greeted by a look from Blaine. "Hey, you were on a roll so I refused to say anything. No reason for me to disturb you while you're working, as you don't do it while I'm working."

"Still, you could let me know you're done."

"Next time." Sebastian told him as he wrapped his arms around him. "I really liked what you were working on tonight, especially that last piece."

"Thank you. The earlier stuff was for school and the latter, professional." The smile that crept to Blaine's face at the very end caused Sebastian to hug him tighter. "I like the way that sounds Bas."

"I can tell. And so do I. I'm proud of you Killer."

"Thank you. By the way, we're going to be in the studio tomorrow so if I don't answer right away, don't take it personally."

"Got it. Since you'll be in the studio does that mean you'll be coming to crash at my place?"

"Probably, if that's alright with you."

"Sounds perfect to me. And by the time you get there I should be able to fill you in on all the intel." When Blaine cocked his eyebrow, Sebastian smiled. "Come now, do you really think Hunter and I are not going to question Thad about this date with Rachel?"

"Just remember this is Rachel you're talking about, alright."

"I know as does Hunter. Now, do you have more you'd like to finish or are you mine now?"

"Give me a half hour and then I'm all yours."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

While Sebastian was waiting for Blaine to finish up, Santana was watching a movie while waiting for Rachel to come home. When she'd gotten home that night, she couldn't help but smile when she saw the bouquet of flowers on the table. The fact that Thad had brought Rachel flowers was a plus in Santana's book. And while it was tempting to go out after work, she couldn't help but come home as she was anxious to hear all about Rachel's date. The one thing about her being out with Thad she knew they wouldn't be out too late considering Thad had classes the next day.

So while she waited, half-heartedly watching her movie Santana was thankful to get a call from Jordan who was on her way home after working late that night. Having her girlfriend to talk to was a distraction she needed and shortly into the call she realized Jordan knew she needed it as well. The fact that Jordan understood how Santana could be so happy for Rachel to be going out with Thad was something Santana needed. To have someone so understanding in her life was definitely something she appreciated.

Santana had just finished laughing at a comment Jordan made when she heard talking just outside their door. When she mentioned it to Jordan, she replied that it was a good sign that Thad had walked her back to the door. But once it went silent, the two began to speculate what was happening. The fact that the door hadn't opened yet, they agreed with one another that it was certainly a good sign. And while it was tempting to end the call, Santana stayed on as she knew the last thing Rachel needed was her ambushing her, the instant she walked inside. But once the door opened, Santana couldn't stop the smile that crept to her face as Rachel was positively beaming.

After she locked the door, it wasn't long till Santana ended her call with Jordan as Rachel was walking straight towards her. "Should I even ask how it went?" Santana asked after Rachel got settled on the couch. "Or does that smile say everything I need to know." When Rachel just kept on smiling, Santana scooted closer. "So, that good, huh?"

"It was incredible." Rachel replied. "I can't ever remember being on a date like it before. It started out with dinner at this vegetarian restaurant that was amazing." When Santana looked at her with a knowing look, Rachel smiled. "Yes, he remembered. He actually got the restaurant recommendation from Kimberly. Then after dinner we went to a jazz club."

"Jazz?"

"Yes, and since it was something I'd never experienced I didn't know that to expect, but it was wonderful. Like I said, the entire night was incredible Santana. Thad is incredibly sweet and such a gentleman."

"Any particular reason you didn't invite him in when you two returned?"

"He needed to get heading home. While he doesn't have class early, he has a few things he needs to work on." While Rachel spoke, she noticed Santana tilting her head. "What is it?"

"You lipstick is a little smudged." The instant the words left Santana's mouth, Rachel began to blush. "Was it everything you expected?"

"Better, he's one hell of a kisser."