Five Years Later

by Aquaria245

Never would Blaine have imagined after what was probably the happiest moment of his life, that his life would be in it's current state or he would've gone through the things that he has when he wasn't even out of college yet.

43. Chapter 43

Five Years Later

Part 43

By the time Sebastian had gotten outside, everyone else was out there as well. When Blaine looked up at him, Sebastian smiled and mouth they'd talk later. Considering Sebastian didn't look stressed out, it made it easier for Blaine to accept what he said. Blaine then informed him that they were all going to go and see Santana at work considering she was still on shift for a couple more hours and would love to see them. "Are you sure you guys don't need any help?" Hunter asked as they placed the last of Blaine's things in the car.

"We're good." Blaine replied. "So, go-ahead and head over. Tell Santana we'll be there shortly as will everyone else."

"Will do." Hunter told him before they all said the rest of their good-byes till meeting up at Santana's work.

After they pulled out into traffic, Blaine looked at Sebastian who looked rather content. "Care to tell me what that was about?" Blaine asked as he turned in his seat to look at him more directly. "Or is this a conversation we should wait to have?"

"It would all depend on how you react to what I have to say. But, I'd say it's probably best that we wait till we get back to your place." While he spoke, Sebastian had taken Blaine's hand in his, and once he finished, he kissed him gently. Blaine looked at him, but Sebastian didn't say anything else, just gave his hand a squeeze before relaxing. Under normal conditions, Blaine might be a bit worried but Sebastian was so relaxed it didn't hit him that way. So by the time they arrived at his building he was more concerned about unloading everything and going to meet with everyone else.

It was days like this that Sebastian was thankful that Blaine had gig bags for his guitars as transferring everything would be a problem if they had cases they had to carry by hand. Once they were back inside Blaine's apartment and had everything placed where it belonged, Sebastian wrapped his arms around Blaine causing him to look up at him. "Things are changing B."

"I know." Blaine replied before leaning his head against Sebastian's chest. "Is that what Vincent wanted to talk to you about?"

"It is." Sebastian told him. "You're just so different from the others he manages or has managed. Others love when changes happen like getting security yet you weren't that way."

"Since we'd talked about it before, I'd always known it was going to happen at some point. It just happened sooner than I'd expected. Ever since that recording contract has been signed, things have been changing."

"This is what you want, isn't it?" Sebastian asked before using one of his hands to life Blaine's head so he was looking at him.

"It is, but I don't want to lose sight of who I am in all this." Hearing that from Blaine brought a smile to Sebastian's face.

"Don't worry Killer, I'll help keep you grounded…we all will. But I really don't think that's going to be a problem." Blaine smiled up at him as he spoke. "It's true as we've all told you that you're often too modest for your own good. It would take a lot for all of this to truly change you, but change is inevitable."

"I know. Just as I know Vincent is looking out for us. While I think having security is a bit crazy at this stage, it was needed today as Scott got to that girl before the bar's security did. He's doing the job he's paid to do. He clearly knows when things are needed well before we do."

"I pretty much told him the same thing, but that once in a while you might need a gentle reminder of why things are happening. Your easy going attitude is something he has to adjust to as well." Sebastian told him before leaning in to kiss him. "Now, how about we get going because who knows what sort of craziness we're already missing out on." Blaine nodded before kissing Sebastian once more before they headed on their way.

With the others having to go home first, the rest certainly had a head start on them by the time they'd arrived. When Jeff and Morgan came walking in, they were certainly surprised to see Rachel, Quinn, and Kimberly up on the counter dancing along with Santana and a few of her co-workers. The look on Jeff's face must've spoken volumes as Wes was pretty quick to hand him a shot off the tray they had. "We were going to wait till everyone else got here but you look like you need this." Wes told him as Nick laughed.

"Should we even ask how much the three of them have had to drink to get up there?" Morgan asked as they all watched and waited for the others.

"Less than you might expect." Nick replied since Hunter and Thad's attention was clearly on what was happening before them. Though, Hunter didn't seem nearly as surprised as Thad seemed.

By the time everyone else arrived, Santana was back behind the bar and the girls were catching their breath as they'd danced for quite a while. "Santana wants to see you both." Quinn said after they all took a shot as she looked at Blaine and Sebastian. When Sebastian tilted his head, Quinn smiled. "I have no idea what about; just she wants to see you both." After exchanging a look between them, the two headed towards the bar.

Luckily for them, just as they approached two people left so they were able to take a seat. Shortly after they were, Santana spotted them and made her way towards them. "I see Quinn relayed my message." Santana said as she poured them each a beer."

"She did." Blaine replied. "What can we do for you?"

"I just wanted to make sure you two are good with Rachel seeing Thad."

"Considering I nudged him in her direction, yea." Blaine said with a smile before taking a swig. "Are you okay with it?"

"I'm thrilled as she's been in a much better mood since their first date." Santana told him while keeping an eye out for anyone else that needed her. "Now, do you think he's going to be put off once she opens up more? I mean, you know."

"No." Sebastian replied earning a look from her. "B explained everything to me. Thad will be fine with it. If anything, he'll be like I was and more things will make sense in regards to how she acts after everything she's been through."

"Okay. I just wanted to make sure before she gets in too deep. Some guys have freaked a bit when they've heard about Finn and that's not fair to her."

"Thad will be fine." Blaine told her. "But you might want to let Rach know the sooner she opens up, the better. I mean…"

"In case he wonders why things might move a bit slower." Once she spoke, she soon laughed causing Blaine and Sebastian to turn and look back at their friends. "Though, she's clearly comfortable from her spot on his lap."

"They both seem happy, don't they?" Sebastian said with a smirk. "Just wait till Hummel finds out."

"One thing at a time Mr. Grab-ass, you dating Blainers here was already quite the shock." They both nodded, before going to join the others as a customer was calling out for Santana.

On their way back to their friends, they were both a bit surprised to feel arms going around their shoulders. They were both quick to look back as they could see their friends ahead of them. "What are you doing here?" Sebastian asked as he looked back at Stephen. "Don't you have your own bar to hang at."

"I do." Stephen replied. "But, I'm out with buddies for a bachelor party and we ended up here. Plus, it's probably best if my employees don't see me like this."

"Probably." Blaine said with a laugh. "What can we do for you as I'm assuming you wanted more than to just say hi?"

"You're right, I do." Stephen told them. "I would've asked Thad or Hunter but they both seem a bit preoccupied at the moment."

"That's putting it mildly, Hunter more so than Thad." Sebastian said. "So, what's up?"

"Who is the blonde with you guys as I haven't seen her before?"

"That would be Quinn." Blaine replied. "I went to high school with her and she's now currently attending Yale." When they saw Stephen smirk they both laughed. "In case you were curious, she's a year older than us."

"She single?"

"I'm pretty sure she is." Blaine told him. "Would you like to meet her?"

"I would, but not in the shape I'm in right now." Stephen replied.

"You're not that bad." Sebastian told him. "You're speaking very clearly. The only difference between now and when we usually see you, you're attire is in a bit more of disarray." Stephen glanced at Blaine who agreed with Sebastian's assessment. "So, would you like us to introduce you?"

"Yea." With that said the three of them headed towards the others who were laughing. Once they were close those that knew Stephen were quick to say hello. And Thad couldn't help but tease him about the fact that he was out on a Friday instead of working like he usually was. While they spoke, Blaine as well as Sebastian noticed that ever since they approached Quinn's eyes hadn't left Stephen.

The fact that Stephen had caught her eye didn't surprise either of them as he was very handsome with his dark hair and blue eyes. "Since you know everyone else Stephen, I'd like to introduce you to Quinn." Blaine said and soon the two reached out to shake hands. Thad looked at Sebastian who was refraining from saying anything as they were both clearly checking the other out. Considering they'd both been drinking, they weren't as subtle about it as they probably would usually be. Yet before they could really begin to talk, some of Stephen's friends came over and pulled him away. The instant he was gone, Blaine extended his hand to Quinn who walked towards him and Sebastian. "Give Bas your phone."

"Why?" Quinn asked while simultaneously pulling her phone out of her purse before handing it to Sebastian.

"You want Stephen's number, don't you?" Sebastian replied while he looked up the number in his own phone. "But, if you don't wa…" He didn't even get to finish as he was handing the phone back when she pushed it back towards him. "That's what we thought."

"How old is he, not that it really matters?" Quinn asked as she watched Sebastian enter the number. Blaine looked at Sebastian as he wasn't quite sure.

"Twenty-seven." Thad said as he'd overheard the question. "But, his birthday is this summer." Upon hearing Thad's answer, Quinn pursed her lips slightly.

"He knows you're a year older than us, so it's not an issue for him." Sebastian told her as he handed her back her phone. "Also, I sent him a text so he now has your number." Once she had her phone, Sebastian slid his arm around Blaine and smiled. "That's not a problem, is it?"

"Not at all." Shortly after she spoke, they watched a smile creep to her face when her phone went off.

"Stephen?" Blaine asked as he leaned against Sebastian, the long day starting to catch up to him. When she nodded, he smiled. "I take it you're staying with Rachel and Santana tonight."

"I am. You guys were really good tonight."

"Thank you, we aim to please."

"Know that you did as everyone around us loved it." Quinn told him before leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. "You two are really cute together." When Sebastian raised an eyebrow, Quinn tilted her head. "What, you don't think you two are cute Sebastian?"

"B isn't a fan of the word cute." Blaine glanced up at him and rolled his eyes. Ever since he'd erupted in the beginning at being called cute, Sebastian couldn't help but tease him about it anytime it was said. "Don't look at me like that." Sebastian told him before kissing his forehead. Watching the exchange before her, Quinn began to giggle.

"I think my point has just been proven." She then kissed Sebastian on the cheek. "You two click in a way I never would've expected, yet it certainly works." The words no sooner left her mouth, was she going to sit down. Once she was seated, none of the guys were surprised to see the girls surround her and ask what was going on.

With the girls pre-occupied with Quinn's new admirer, the guys all got comfortable as well. Considering three of them had performed earlier that evening, it wasn't shocking that the other guys had quite the buzz going. "Now, since your parents are coming to town next month Blaine, does that mean you two are going to actually stay at your own residences while they are in town?" Nick asked and Sebastian tilted his head to look at Blaine as he hadn't thought about that. But if Blaine's parents were in town over the weekend it might change things.

"I don't see why we'd change anything. It's not as though my parents are staying with me. We tend to spend the weekend at whoever's home is closer to where I'm playing that weekend."

"Still, some might not be so sure about doing so while the parentals are in town." Thad added.

"My parents aren't that naïve." Blaine said with a laugh. "They are well aware that we crash with one another quite a bit. They're actually looking forward to meeting Bas in person." Sebastian smiled before kissing Blaine on the forehead. "It's true."

"Just as my parents can't wait to meet you Killer."

"Wait, so your parents are coming to town as well?" Wes asked.

"That would be correct." Sebastian replied. "They are coming the week after B's parents so it should be interesting."

"Any specific reason why the trips are planned this way?" Jeff asked.

"Well, we told them they couldn't all come at once as it would be a bit much." Blaine told him.

"They understood how we felt." Sebastian said. "Plus, with B performing each of the weekends there wouldn't be a lot of time for us to spend with all of them if they were in town."

"So, one weekend with each set so we can concentrate on getting to know them." Blaine finished for him.

"If the parents are coming to see you perform, should we not?" Nick asked even though he couldn't see that being a problem.

"You're all more than welcome to come as you always do. I know my parents would love to see you all."

"Just had to check."

"I appreciate that."

While the guys were talking, they didn't even see Jordan arrive and join the rest of the girls until she poked her head around and kissed Todd on the cheek before heading up to the bar. Once she did, Blaine looked at him. "Did you know she was coming?"

"I had an idea." Todd replied before looking at Nick and Wes. "By the way, you guys were good sports on New Year's Day. Jordan was surprised neither of you nor David even flinched with what the girls had to say."

"That's essentially because of what Kurt said." Wes replied. "It set up that sort of remark from Santana and we all talked after the fact as we were all on the same page."

"Plus honestly, they're both beautiful so most guys probably wouldn't object." Nick added.

"I told him the same thing after he spoke with Jordan about it." Justin said. "And he really couldn't argue with that bit of knowledge."

"Heck, if Kurt pushed enough, I wouldn't have been surprised if Santana kissed one of you." Blaine said catching all of their attention. "It's true. She loves nothing more than screwing with people. And if he was gullible enough to believe that the five of them got their freak on that night, it's on him. Think, this is the same person who assumed I was sleeping with Morgan because of the way we were walking the other day even though he knows she's with Jeff."

"She got a good laugh out of that." Jeff replied. "She said once she got home that night that she wasn't surprised if that's what he thought that you'd gotten it on with both her and Talia."

"Considering the way he didn't like them, wouldn't surprise me." Blaine said. "But since he knows Bas has been in the city all along, I'm pretty sure he's set that he's the one I was with."

"Even though he was the one cheating on you." Hunter added and Blaine nodded.

"He was pretty dumbstruck that I knew. Hell, I wouldn't have known if your instincts didn't kick in that something was up."

"That's because he played on the fact you're so trusting B." Sebastian said. "And after the way he acted after your mistake, you'd never expect him to do the same to you." The rest of them could only nod as Sebastian had hit the nail on the head with his comment. Yet before their conversation could go further, the girls all joined them and part of what they were talking about wasn't common knowledge.

And since Santana knew ahead of time that Quinn was going to be in town, she's changed shifts with one of the other girls so she was only working till close and not having to stay after to finish cleaning up. With that being the case, it wasn't too surprising that they all stayed till she was done for the night. "While I appreciate this, you guys didn't have to wait for me." Santana told them as they all headed out. "But, I appreciate it."

"We're thoughtful like that." Sebastian replied before winking at her. "Now, are you heading home or going to Jordan's?"

"Does it really matter?" Once Santana spoke, Blaine shook his head as he had no doubt where this conversation was going to head. And after taking in the looks of those around them, they all knew it as well. Their instincts weren't wrong as that's precisely where the conversation went. Sebastian reminding them to keep it down since Quinn and Rachel were there.

"They're normally pretty good about keeping quiet." Rachel blurted out of nowhere causing Santana to look at her. If anyone had doubted Rachel had quite a bit to drink that night, those suspicions were now confirmed.

"Are you implying they aren't always quiet?" Todd asked before getting elbowed in the side by Jordan.

"Yes." That next answer got them all laughing, even Santana and Jordan as they couldn't believe this was coming from Rachel of all people. "Sometimes…" Before Rachel could say anything else, Thad wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. When it broke, Rachel slowly licked her lips before looking up at him. "What was that for?"

"To stop you from saying anything else about Santana and Jordan's private life."

"But I didn't say anything."

"You said enough." Kimberly told her from her spot on Hunter's back as he was giving her a piggy back ride. "Santana seemed a bit surprised as did Jordan."

"Sorry."

"It's okay." Santana said as she put her arm around Rachel's shoulders. "It's just going to take us all a bit of time to get used to this new side of you. Normally you were the one that would blush if this topic was even remotely addressed." A shy smile crept to Rachel's face as she looked at her. "See, they are corrupting you in the best ways possible." Santana then leaned forward and looked at Thad and winked.

"What was that for?" Rachel asked as it didn't go unnoticed by her or the others.

"Thad knows what it was for, right?"

"That would be correct."

They only got to all talk a little bit longer as they were soon going their separate ways to head home. By the time the girls returned to the loft, they had a bad case of the giggles as Blaine and Sebastian had them going before they switched trains for the last stretch of the trip. "Was Sebastian always that funny?" Quinn asked as Santana locked the loft door behind them.

"I don't know, but he's gotten me going a few times." Santana replied. "It doesn't help that Blaine eggs him on the way he does."

"That's something else that's going to take time to get used to. Blaine is so relaxed around him. I can't recall ever seeing him like this."

"That's because he wasn't." Rachel said as they all got comfortable in the sitting area. "Yet now, Blaine is completely comfortable with who he is as he knows the guys don't judge him."

"We all had a certain image of him in our heads, didn't we?" Quinn said as she tucked her feet under her."

"What image would that be?" Jordan asked.

"The prim and proper private school boy." Santana replied as she leaned back against Jordan as she was tired after her shift. "Heck, he still had aura about him after he transferred to McKinley."

"Ever think that's because it's how he felt he needed to be, how you all expected him to be?"

"I hadn't thought about that." Rachel said. "But, Kurt never said he acted different."

"That's because it's Kurt." Santana said. "Considering Blaine is so at ease with the guys, I have a feeling we never truly knew the aptly named, Blaine Warbler, yet the guys did."

"Seeing him with the guys, I can now see why Kurt didn't want them around." Quinn added. "He's a completely different person, probably someone that Kurt wouldn't have fallen for. Yet now, seeing him with the guys, it makes sense why Kurt forced them from his life."

"Just think, if that hadn't happened, you might've met Thad sooner." Santana said as she looked at Rachel. "You two looked awfully cozy this evening." The blush that crept to Rachel's cheeks didn't go unnoticed by any of them.

"We weren't much different from anyone else."

"But they've all been together longer." Santana told her. "Hunter and Kimberly, Jeff and Morgan, they've all been together give or take as long as Blaine and Sebastian, meaning months. You and Thad only recently went out on your first date."

"I can't help it; I'm just comfortable around him."

"Santana's not saying it's wrong Rach, just…" Quinn paused for a minute as she didn't want to say the wrong thing. "While you're comfortable, you need to be careful."

"Are you saying Thad might try something that I don't want?"

"No." Santana said quickly. "Just, you don't want to send the wrong signals to him." Rachel tilted her head before looking between them.

"You think I'm being a tease?" There was a bit of hesitation in Rachel's voice as she spoke.

"No." Quinn told her. "That's not your style. Trust me when I tell you it was so good seeing you honestly enjoying yourself tonight. And even before we really started to drink later on, you were just as happy and comfortable with Thad. What we're trying to say is…now that we're all older relationships tend to move a bit differently from when you last were in a relationship. And, after everything that's happened to you…"

"That, I might not be ready to take things to the next level as soon as he might think." Rachel finished.

"Yes." Santana replied. "It's clear Thad likes you, a lot. So, you might consider opening up the lines of communication with him."

"I know." Rachel said and soon felt Quinn's hand on her thigh.

"Rachel, if you want…I can go make myself scarce as it's pretty clear the three of you have something to talk about." Jordan told her.

"You don't have to go, honest." Rachel told her. "What Quinn and Santana are skirting is the fact that shortly after I moved to New York I made a few questionable decisions. Not to mention, that during that first year here, my first love that I'd been engaged to, died. And after that happened I threw myself into work and essentially put my social life on hold."

"When was the last time you were in a relationship, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Years ago." Rachel replied. "I've gone on dates, but nothing ever really felt right."

"You just needed to wait till the time was right." Jordan told her. "While the idea of being in a relationship is great, if you're not ready for it, it's better if you're not. So, you did the right thing."

"Thank you. If you three don't mind, I'm going to go to sleep."

"Not at all, we'll talk in the morning." Quinn replied and Santana soon chimed-in in a similar manner. "Good night!" Once Rachel got up to go change, Quinn turned to face Santana and Jordan. "Well played as I was curious if she'd opened up to him."

"I knew she hadn't and after talking with Blaine and Sebastian I agreed that a little nudge might be necessary." Santana replied. "While I doubt Thad would push her to do anything she wasn't ready for, it's probably better if he knew why she'd be hesitant a bit down the road of taking things to the next level."

"That's very true." Quinn said. "It would help put things into perspective for him."

"Agreed. Now, did I see correctly that you were talking with Stephen?"

"I was and thanks to Blaine and Sebastian, I have his number as his friends pulled him away before we could do so. What do you know about him?"

"He owns the bar that Blaine made his debut at as his brother, Brad, is friends with Sebastian, Thad, and Hunter. Thad shared video of Blaine from a concert with Brad who then shared it with Stephen and the rest is history." Santana told her.

"But what about him?"

"I don't know him that well as I've only ever seen him when I've gone to see Blaine perform. But, he's really nice and a hands on boss from what I've seen. If you want to know more, you need to talk with the guys. But I've only ever heard good things from them."

"I just might do it."

"He's really attractive." Jordan said. "Not that it matters or anything."

"Trust me, I noticed it as well." Quinn replied and the expression that accompanied her words didn't go unnoticed. "What?"

"Nothing." Santana replied. "Hell, even I noticed that he's attractive. And considering the way Blaine talks about him, I'd say go for it."

"Well, he said he'd give me a call tomorrow, well technically today so we'll see what happens." Quinn told them before standing. "Now, I think I'm going to go to bed as well so you two can have some privacy."

"Night."

"Good night to you both." Once Quinn spoke, she headed off to get comfortable. After she disappeared behind the curtain, Santana leaned back enough to give Jordan a kiss.

"Sorry about that."

"You have nothing to be sorry for as you guys talking is no different when I'm with my friends." Jordan told her. "Nothing beats being able to open up to your friends and getting their perspective on things. And from what I got, it sounds like Rachel is finally finding herself again."

"She is." Santana replied. "For the first time in a long time, I'm not worried about her. And having her falling for one of Blaine's friends is a good thing as I know if Blaine thought it was a bad idea, it wouldn't be happening."

"Are you saying he looks out for her?"

"He does. The more you get to know Blaine; you'll see he wants nothing more than for those around him to be happy."

"That's something I do know from things Todd has told me." Jordan said. "He's definitely the type of person you want in your life. Do you mind answering one question before we make the rest of this evening about us?"

"Not at all, what would you like to know?"

"Was the separation and divorce as hard on Blaine as the guys say?" When Santana only nodded, Jordan leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Not cool."

"It wasn't." Santana replied before rolling over so they were lying chest to chest. "But he got through it and if I don't say, he's stronger now than ever before." Once she was done, Santana leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "Do you want to stay here or get more comfortable?"

"I'm good here for now unless Quinn would feel uneasy seeing us in case she gets up as I know Rachel is good."

"Quinn wouldn't mind." Santana replied before kissing her once more. But this time, it wasn't a singular peck as it soon grew and deepened, slowly losing themselves in one another.

Considering the time they all got home that night, it wasn't too surprising when they all only started to wake around ten on Saturday morning. And while they'd all enjoyed themselves, there were some surprises the next morning. Like when Quinn checked her phone to find a message from Stephen already which pleased her more than she imagined. While she'd certainly been hoping to hear from him, she wasn't sure considering the way they met one another.

Yet, she couldn't seem to put her phone down as she went to go and get herself some coffee. When she walked towards the kitchen she was surprised to find Santana up, but no sign of the others. "Someone looks to be in a good mood this morning." Santana said while motioning towards the coffee cups and Quinn nodded so she poured for her as well. "Sleep well."

"I did actually, you?"

"Very well." Santana replied. "Mind me asking what has you so happy?"

"Stephen actually called and left me a message."

"Did he say he was going to?" Santana asked as she got the cream out of the refrigerator.

"He did, I just wasn't sure if he was going to." Quinn replied before fixing up her coffee. "I mean, think of how many times people say they will call but never do."

"True, but considering Blaine and the guys know him, I didn't see that happening. So, are you going to call him back?"

"I'm going to but not till I had my coffee and are a bit more coherent. He said he's at the bar already which is why he's up as deliveries are coming in."

"More power to him as I can't imagine having to get in and oversee that sort of stuff after going out the night before." Santana told her. "Goes to show he didn't let his fun get out of control so that it affected his responsibilities."

"That's very true. It would be rather hard for the owner to do that."

"Yet some do as I've seen it. And since he was out last night, there was no way he could've gotten Brad to cover as I bet he was there last night in his place."

"Is Brad his partner?"

"Brother. He actually goes to school with Thad, though I'm not sure what he's majoring in. All I know is that he's in grad school." Quinn nodded before sipping her coffee.

"Is Jordan still sleeping?"

"Yes, but I'm going to go wake her soon as we want to make the most of today as it's not often we both have a Saturday to ourselves."

"Are you going to Blaine's show tonight?"

"I most certainly am." Santana replied with a smile. "Since it's been awhile, I can't wait to hear some of his new stuff."

"He was incredible last night. When he's on that stage, your eyes are drawn to him."

"That is something I know all too well."