Five Years Later
Part 41
The next day, Thad wasn't too surprised when he finished his last class of the day and saw Sebastian and Hunter waiting for him. "Don't the two of you have better things to be doing than waiting for me?" Thad asked as the three of them headed towards the subway.
"Not that I can think of at the moment." Sebastian replied to which Hunter agreed. "By the way, if you haven't checked your phone recently, B sent everyone a text as he changed his phone number."
"Got it." Thad replied. "Are you two coming home with me?"
"Yes." Hunter told him. "That is, unless you want to discuss your date with Rachel on the train where everyone can here." When Sebastian only smiled when Thad looked at him, Thad only shook his head. "You had to know we'd want to know."
"I was well aware of that." Thad told them as they waited for the train. "I just didn't think it would call for an in-person meeting."
"We like to be thorough." Sebastian replied. "But, since we're in public, care to tell us whether or not there is going to be a second date?"
"There is going to be a second date as the first went extremely well."
"But different from some of your past dates." Hunter stated and Thad nodded.
"What aren't you telling us?" Sebastian asked as they boarded the train.
"Let's just leave it till we get to my place." Not surprisingly, Thad's response caused Sebastian and Hunter to exchange looks with one another. Considering the train was rather full considering the time of day, they kept the conversation rather neutral knowing how easily the three of them could get carried away. "Now, when does Blaine head into the studio to begin recording?"
"He's there as we speak actually." Sebastian replied. "They started a couple of hours ago and will be there till who knows when."
"How does he feel about it?' Hunter asked.
"He was nervous, yet excited this morning. Hopefully I'll hear all about it when he gets home tonight unless he's too tired."
"Home?" Thad questioned.
"Shush!"
"No. That's not the first time the two of you have said home." Thad stated. "You both said it on New Year's Eve and again now."
"Home is relative." Sebastian replied earning him looks from his two best friends. "Come on. I said home as B's coming to my place."
"Yet Blaine called it home on New Year's Eve." Hunter said.
"That's because it was where we were going since Wes and David were at his place."
"Right." Thad scoffed causing Hunter to laugh.
"You're both ridiculous."
"We're only ridiculous if you're not waiting for the semester to end so the two of you can stop all the traveling back and forth."
"Do you blame us?" Sebastian stated. "Yet, we're not with each other every night."
"That's only because of classes." Hunter added causing Sebastian to glare at him. "It's not a bad thing Sebastian. From what you said, even when the two of you are together at night you both get your work done. It's not as though the other demands attention if they don't have things to do."
"That's because we don't want to be a distraction to the other. B knows my classes are important, just as I know his classes and work are important. We support each other and during finals, B was a godsend to me."
"That's a feeling I understand because Kimberly was as well." Hunter said. "I was thrilled she was home as she helped keep me relaxed." When Thad laughed, Hunter nudged him. "How'd I guess you'd go there?"
"Because I have a feeling it was true." Hunter smirked before looking at Sebastian. "That's what I thought." Thad added.
"It was more than just that. I get what Sebastian meant by having someone around who understands where your focus is in the moment and supports you."
"Speaking of, when does she leave for Florida?" Sebastian asked as they only had one more stop to go.
"Next week, but she'll be flying back and forth thankfully. I was almost afraid she was going to be spending all of spring training down there." Hunter replied. "But if she had, we would've figured it out." Once he spoke, they each noticed the change in Sebastian's expression. "Sorry man."
"It's okay. B and I have talked about it. We both know we'll be spending quite a bit of time on the phone and in front of our computers this summer."
"And here I thought you'd be going with him." Thad said as they exited the train.
"I would, if I wasn't interning. But depending, I'm going to try and join him on the weekends."
"Hard to believe he's got so much going for him when only a few months ago, Blaine was hesitant on stage."
"Tell me about." Sebastian replied as they climbed the steps. "And that isn't lost on B whatsoever. He knows it's all a matter of luck and things coming together at the right moment."
"Has Hummel tried talking to him since?" Hunter asked.
"No, but they all wouldn't be surprised if he comes looking for B after the next show. But Vincent has essentially assured Blaine that if he's around, Hummel won't get near him."
"That must be a relief." Thad stated. "It sounds a bit how Rachel feels in that she knows she needs to speak with him still after everything. Hell, it almost happened last night." While Sebastian and Hunter had been paying attention to him, those last words certainly caught their complete attention. "Yea, he was coming to see her just as we were getting into the car to leave."
"Did he see you were the one with her?" Sebastian asked and Thad shook his head.
"But, he could tell she was going on a date which got him all protective after the stunt we all pulled." No sooner did Thad finish, did they all start to laugh.
"Technically, you did it." Hunter replied.
"Semantics, it was your idea." Hunter only smiled in response. "He actually called her and they spoke as we headed off. Thankfully, it was a rather calm conversation or I would've had the driver turn around."
"Is she going to tell him that it was you?" Sebastian asked as they entered Thad's building. When Thad just looked at him Sebastian smiled. "I figured as much since he dislikes you almost as much as me. So the thought of you dating Rachel would piss him off big time and she doesn't need that especially in the beginning."
"We discussed that actually." Thad told them. "And while she's not going to hide it from him, she's going to wait to tell him."
"That's smart. She first needs to deal with the whole Blaine and Sebastian situation before telling him you were her date." Hunter stated. "After the run-in we had with him at dinner, Sebastian is right; he doesn't like you much better."
"Yet he came to talk to me."
"He's a glutton for punishment." Sebastian replied before Thad opened the door. "Now, since we have a bit more privacy, talk."
"What is there to talk about?" Thad asked as they all got comfortable. "We had a wonderful time and we're going out again."
"Since Sebastian is going to be the gentleman because of Blaine, I'll ask." Hunter said. "Did anything happen?"
"If you're asking if we kissed, then yes, we did." Thad stated. "But nothing else happened."
"Don't take this the wrong way, but we really weren't expecting it." Sebastian told him. "We were mainly curious how it went since there are still times Rachel is pretty quiet."
"Are you saying Blaine was afraid she was going to shut down on me?"
"The thought certainly crossed his mind. But he was hoping she was relaxed and was able to enjoy herself."
"Well, you can reassure him that she did if she hasn't spoken to him."
"Considering his schedule, I doubt it as he is pretty busy. Not to mention switching everything with his phone."
"Why did he do that?" Hunter asked before Thad had the chance. "Just, please tell me Hummel didn't try to call him again."
"He didn't." Sebastian told him. "But, after everything he didn't want to take any chances. And now with everyone in his life again, he felt better about doing it. So, if someone accidentally misses the text, there are plenty of people that have B's new number." Before Sebastian could say anything else, his phone went off causing Thad and Hunter to laugh as it was actually Blaine singing on the ringtone. Not knowing what Blaine wanted, Sebastian excused himself to take the call leaving Thad and Hunter in the living room.
"Do you have anything else to say about your date?" Hunter asked.
"Not really, but I'm glad Blaine gave me the little nudge to do so."
"I just wish I realized it was Rachel, Santana was asking me for when she asked if you had a type." Hunter said with a laugh. "I would've told you so you would've asked her sooner."
"Like I told Blaine, I had an inkling that she liked me more than a friend, but I wasn't sure. Yet, for as relaxed as she could be around me, there were times she was very self-conscious." The moment Hunter started to laugh; Thad could only shake his head. "That's not funny."
"Bull, you know it's funny." Hunter told him. "It certainly puts a different perspective on things, doesn't it?"
"You could say that." Thad replied before leaning back to see if Sebastian was still on the phone. "Though, the fact that she gave me free reign even after Sebastian and Blaine's warnings proved how frustrated she was. I mean, she gets that he's not thrilled with some of her new friends and that's his right. But, that stops when he treats her like a child because he doesn't approve."
"Yea, I got that from the messages she let us listen to. Not to mention he's not happy when she's out with Santana either. It's as though anyone outside of someone he approves of, is wrong for her."
"I mentioned the same thing to hear. One can only imagine what he would've said to her had he known Sam stayed with her at Blaine's on New Year's Eve since it's clear he doesn't care for Sam either."
"Well, that's because Sam is one of Blaine's best friends." Hunter stated. "But, if something had happened, that's Rachel's business and not his. She's entitled to do what she wants, with whom she wants as she's an adult. He needs to understand that she's friends with people he doesn't like and there is nothing he can do about it."
"Easier said than done." Sebastian said as he came walking back into the room. "By the way, B says hi and is happy to hear you guys had a nice time last night." Thad nodded as Sebastian sat back down. "Now, why are you two discussing Hummel?"
"It came about because I was teasing Thad here about his little performance a month ago." Hunter replied causing Sebastian to laugh and Thad to roll his eyes. "And the fact that he can't seem to stand the fact that she's bonding with Blaine's friends and they're becoming her friends as well."
"And to think, people used to accuse me of being selfish." Sebastian said as he leaned back.
"Oh, you still are Sebastian; you just choose your moments now." Thad stated and Sebastian could only nod as it was true. He most certainly still had moments of selfishness, but now he gave thought to how his actions could affect others where he once didn't care. "Now, what's going on with our future rock star?"
"They are busy at work, but he called to say hello as they were taking a short break." Sebastian replied. "Even though they've been at it for awhile, his enthusiasm is still going strong. And from what I could hear in the background, the others are still feeling it as well."
"That's because for all of them, this is what they dreamed of." Hunter said. "Hell, considering how happy we are for all of them, it probably can't compare with how happy they actually are." When he looked at Sebastian, they could all tell that Hunter's words were on the mark. "With this happening, has it spurred Blaine to write more than he used to, or is it about the same?"
"I'd say it's about the same." Sebastian told them. "Rarely have I ever seen him sit down with the sole purpose of writing a song. Most of the time, he jots things down here and there, and then at some point he begins putting it all together. It's one of the reasons why he always has a notebook and his tablet with him. He never knows when inspiration is going to hit."
"That answers one question." Thad said. "Lyrics come before music."
"That's pretty much the case though there has been a couple of times I've seen him working on the whole thing at once and that's quite the sight. But when he does, don't try and talk to him as he's in his own little world."
"It sounds as though the two of you have figured out most of each other's quirks already." Hunter added as Thad got up to get them all something to drink.
"For the most part, yes, but I'm sure there is still quite a bit to learn." Sebastian replied. "That reminds me, with everything that's been going on has B gotten a chance to talk to you."
"You mean about the information I acquired?" Hunter asked and Sebastian responded accordingly. "Yes, he did. I must say, I'm not surprised that he wasn't interested in really taking a look at things."
"He only looked at one picture as he was curious as to what the guy looked like and if he'd met him before."
"And?"
"He'd seen him in passing before, but didn't know him. For B, finding out about everything was a last bit of closure. It reaffirmed things he thought in that the marriage wasn't working. And that Kurt truly wasn't interested in him and that it wasn't his imagination."
"Did you look at the disc?" Hunter asked just as Thad responded.
"What disc?" Thad asked as he handed them each a beer.
"It's about that envelope I had you give Sebastian before Christmas." Hunter replied.
"No, but considering the note that was attached to it, I had no interest." Sebastian said. "Did you?"
"Hell no!"
"Will one of you two please tell me what the hell you're talking about?" Thad blurted out, slightly frustrated that he was out of the loop.
"Fine, remember how Kurt was cheating on Blaine during the marriage." Sebastian said causing Thad to nod in response. "It wasn't just some random dude; he had a full blown affair. And well, there is some video of the two in a compromising position." When Thad's expression completely changed, Hunter couldn't help but laugh.
"Now you know why I replied the way I did and why Sebastian had no interest." Hunter told him.
"What did Blaine say when he saw it?" Thad asked.
"He looked at me and asked if I watched it." Sebastian replied. "Then laughed when I told him I had absolutely no interest in doing so considering the note that was attached and neither did he.
While the guys were catching up before they all head to go their own ways to get started on homework, Blaine and the others were listening to replay. After the initial conversation with their producer, he'd sat down with Blaine again shortly before the others had arrived and told him he'd essentially pushed him because too often people change their thoughts around him. For him to give the songs the sound that they all want, he needs to know exactly what Blaine or the others had in mind when they were written. Needless to say, the producer wasn't too surprised to hear that his actions had frustrated Blaine quite a bit, but was happy to hear it as long as he didn't anger him. So as they were going through the tracks this time around, there was a better understanding.
Once they were back in the studio to get started on the next song, they were surprised to hear Vincent's voice over the speaker. While they were performing the next night, they were surprised to hear that one of the bigger clubs in the city had called asking if they were available on Saturday evening. Even being short notice, it didn't take them long to agree to play. But the fact that it wasn't the first time they'd played back to back nights made it easier to accept.
With the sudden change to their schedules, Vincent gave them a few minutes to make any necessary calls or texts due to the sudden change. Not surprisingly, anyone they needed to reach more than understood the change as they knew this was another step forward for them. So once all those calls were made, they went to work. It didn't come as much of a surprise when the decision was made to postpone some of the vocal work till after the weekend as Vincent didn't want to strain Blaine's vocal chords. Even though he was strong vocally, he didn't want to risk anything with two back to back performances approaching.
By the time they called it an end to things that night, they were all happy that none of them had much to do once they got home as they were all beat. While they all normally, headed off together, Justin, Todd, and Talia headed off together as Morgan and Blaine were heading out to run an errand before either headed home. Once they were outside Morgan slid her arm through Blaine's which he'd offered her. "I don't know how to thank you for doing this Blaine." She told him as they walked.
"You don't need to thank me; it's not a big deal." Blaine told her. "You do know Jeff would be happy with whatever you got."
"I know. I just…want to do something a little extra considering we're performing that night." When Blaine just looked at her, Morgan couldn't stop from giggling. "Blaine."
"Come on now, you can't tell me you're getting all innocent on me considering where we're going. Now, why isn't Talia coming with you to do this as this seems to be something you two would do together?"
"We normally do go together. But, I asked you because I wanted someone's opinion that knows Jeff a bit better." Morgan told him. "And while Nick would be the obvious choice, there would've been something awkward about going with him."
"While he is clearly Jeff's closest friend, taking him lingerie shopping would be awkward." Blaine said with a smile. "Yet, taking his gay friend is safe as I won't be gawking at you."
"Blaine."
"I'm kidding. I understand, I really do." The look on his face truly reflected what he was saying in that moment. "If I can't tease you about this, what sort of fun would it be? Plus, you know I'll give you an honest opinion if something looks good or not."
"True. Do you have anything special in store for Sebastian?" Morgan asked as she looked up at him.
"I've got a few things in mind, but I'm not quite sure yet."
"Do you mind if I ask you something?"
"Ask away?"
"How do the two of you decide who's going to take the lead in planning something when it comes to a holiday such as this? I mean….crap, I'm sorry." Seeing Morgan was a bit flustered, Blaine glanced at her reassuringly.
"It's okay, honest." Blaine replied as he placed his hand over her hand that was through his arm. "Bas and I haven't really talked about it so, in a way we're both planning something for the other. And we'll just have to wing it if the plans clash a bit. I guess it's one of the benefits of performing that night. But know, I've thought about it as well since my relationship with Bas is very different from the way my marriage was."
"I'd say that's a good thing considering you're happier now than I've ever seen you. And that's even before all this other stuff started to happen." When she looked up at him, Blaine couldn't argue anything she had to say as he was truly happier than he could ever remember being. Once the conversation turned back to the shopping they were going to do, Blaine couldn't help but tease about whether she was going for sweet or sultry. They were both laughing so hard that it took a moment for them to compose themselves when hearing Blaine's name being called out.
The instant Blaine laid eyes on Kurt, he began to loosen his hold on Morgan's arm, but she just held onto him tighter. She knew enough to know that Blaine shouldn't be left alone with Kurt. "Well, what do we have here?" Kurt said as he walked closer. "What would the Meerkat have to say about this? Are you confused again Blaine?"
"How'd you guess?" Blaine replied sarcastically. "And I thought the best way to get through it is to screw around with Jeff's girlfriend. Isn't that right Morgan?" The tone in which Blaine was speaking was having quite the effect on Morgan who was trying so hard not to giggle.
"The Meerkat's attitude is rubbing off on you Blaine."
"His name is Sebastian, Kurt so stop calling him that!" Blaine stated. "And he's not rubbing off on me, this is me. If you think back, you might remember that. Now, if you don't mind, Morgan and I have something we need to do before we each head home."
"We need to talk Blaine, so why don't you just send her on her way." Kurt's dismissive tone clearly pissed off Morgan.
"Excuse me?" Morgan said. "Why don't you go so Blaine and I can do what we were on our way to do? He's got nothing to say to you. He's got a new life now, one that doesn't include you."
"Blaine."
"Anything you want to say to me can be said in front of Morgan. Just know, since she's here Jeff will find out about everything. And well, I'll of course tell Bas."
"Fine. You're making a big mistake Blaine. Sebastian will never be able to love you the way I did." When Blaine started to laugh, Morgan looked at him as his laughter was so different from the laughter the two had been sharing earlier. "Blaine."
"That's rich coming from you of all people." Blaine told him. "And you're right, Sebastian doesn't love me the way you did and I'm thankful for that. Kurt, you cheated on me." When Kurt looked at him, Blaine tilted his head. "Yea, I know all about the affair you had with that editor's assistant. While I had a lone hook-up in high school, you had a full-fledged affair."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Really, because there is a picture of you on the guy's lap at a party and him kissing your neck." When Kurt didn't say anything, just looked at Blaine in surprise, Blaine smirked. "For everything you ever said to me, at least I was man enough to admit when I screwed up. But from the look on your face in that picture, you don't regret it. Just as now, you're only surprised that I know about it. Nice to know all those times you accused me of cheating; you were actually the one doing it."
"Like you weren't cheating with the Meerkat." The instant Kurt called Sebastian the Meerkat again, Blaine glared at him.
"I wasn't cheating on you with Sebastian! But if you don't believe me, I honestly don't care. Bas and I know the truth and that's all that matters. Plus, now that we're divorced why do you even care how I chose to spend my life."
"I'll always care about you Blaine." Once Kurt spoke, Blaine scoffed. "It's true."
"If what you did to me is how you care, I don't want it nor do I need it. And the way you've treated Rachel over something that is none of your business, is disgusting."
"She lied to me."
"No, she chose not to tell you who I was with, that is not lying. We all decided it was for the best that you not know because you'd act, well, the way you have."
"Ever since she started spending time with you, Rachel has changed and not for the better."
"That's your opinion as I've seen her become confident in herself once again as she's enjoying life once more. Isn't that right Morgan?"
"That would be correct." Morgan replied.
"You don't know her." Kurt snapped at Morgan.
"No, I don't know the person you perceive her as, but, the person I've gotten to know is pretty awesome. And I enjoy spending time with her when given the opportunity. But I will tell you something, if you don't lay off her, you're going to be looking in from the outside." When Kurt went to speak, he stopped as he looked between Blaine and Morgan.
"She's right you know. You keep pushing and it won't be long till Rachel pushes back…hard." Blaine told him. "So, if you don't want to risk completely alienating Rachel drop the whole tirade about her betraying you because she didn't tell you about me and Bas."
"She should've told me."
"Not really as it's not any of your business how I choose to live my life. Now if you'll excuse us, Morgan and I really need to get going." When they went to walk away, Kurt took ahold of Blaine's arm. "Let, go of me as we're done!"
"That's where you're mistaken Blaine. We still have plenty to talk about."
"Just give it up!" Blaine yelled as he finally snapped and when he did he pulled his arm from Kurt. "We have nothing to talk about. You are no longer a part of my life Kurt nor, will you ever be again!"
"Blaine!"
"Let's go!" Before Kurt could get ahold of him once again, he and Morgan were walking away rather briskly. If they were thankful their destination was just around the corner, they were thrilled the instant they heard Kurt calling out for Blaine. Once they walked into the lingerie store, Blaine couldn't help but glance back over his shoulder to see Kurt standing outside looking at them. "I'm so sorry about that Morgan."
"Don't be, it's not your fault." Morgan replied as Blaine helped her with her coat. "But you might want to call Sebastian while I start looking around in case he doesn't leave."
"That's probably a good idea."
So while Morgan began looking around, Blaine gave Sebastian a call. Needless to say, he wasn't happy in the slightest with what he was being told. The entire time Blaine was on phone, Kurt just stood outside watching them. Once he got off the phone, Morgan waved him over as she'd found a few things she thought Jeff might like. One, most certainly caused Blaine to blush, causing her to giggle as she'd pulled it specifically for shock value. While they looked, Blaine let Morgan know Sebastian was on his way over which didn't surprise her in the slightest. Knowing they had time as they weren't going to leave till Sebastian got there, they were more than happy to take a sales associate up on her offer to help. Before they got started though, she couldn't help but ask if Blaine was Morgan's boyfriend considering he was with her. But she only smiled when Morgan explained that Blaine was actually one of her boyfriend's closest friends and was there to help her find just the right item.
They were in the store for about a half hour when Blaine turned his head and saw that Kurt was still outside, yet smiled as he saw Sebastian passing by the window. "What, does your stalking have a limit in that you didn't follow Blaine inside?" Sebastian said as he came up behind him. "Or does a lingerie store give you the creeps?"
"What are you doing here?" Kurt replied as he turned to face Sebastian.
"Did you really think Blaine wouldn't call and tell me what happened? Or that you're standing out here while he helps Morgan find something naughty to wear for Jeff?" Sebastian said as he cocked his head. "But the better question, what are you doing here as Blaine has nothing left to say to you as I know he told you to stay away from him."
"You're going to hurt him."
"You're one to talk." While he spoke, Sebastian took a step closer. "Remember Hummel, I know everything that went on during your marriage. I know you emotionally abandoned him, hit him, and cheated on him. I'm pretty certain your goal was to destroy him and make him a shell of himself so that you'd be the strong one in the relationship and he'd be dependent on you. And while you tried, Blaine got out before you could do long term damage to him."
"You have no idea what you're talking about."
"Say what you will, but I know I'm right. It's just killing you to see where Blaine's life is right now. He's not only got his swagger back on stage, but he's happy in a new relationship, with me."
"You're using him Sebastian."
"No, I'm not. I love Blaine."
"You love who you think he is."
"No, I know exactly who Blaine is and love each and every part of him." When Kurt rolled his eyes, Sebastian smirked. "You would think that. And while our sex life is beyond stellar, there is more to our relationship than only that. Blaine's an incredible person who you didn't take time to truly get to know or appreciate. Your loss, my gain."
"He's not who you think he is."
"Like I told you once before, he's exactly who I think he is. Now, why don't you leave before we call the cops because if you're still here when we're done, it's going to happen. Later Hummel, hope to never see you again!" With that, Sebastian walked around him and headed into the store to find Blaine and Morgan.