Five Years Later

Part 46

Considering how the last week had been for all of them, it wasn't too surprising that some of them were doing a bit of last minute scrambling for Valentine's Day. And Blaine was so nervous about it as he wasn't quite sure what to expect as everything about his relationship with Sebastian was so different from what he was accustomed to. Yet at the same time, the not knowing was rather exhilarating. "Blaine, you still with us?" The sound of Talia's voice shook Blaine out of the daze he'd gotten into without realizing once the song ended.

"Sorry." Blaine replied as he turned to look at everyone as they were going through all the songs for their show the next night. "How out of it was I?"

"It wasn't that bad, honest." Justin told him. "But it was clear you were thinking and from the look in your eyes, it's about Sebastian."

"Am I really that obvious?"

"You get a pretty specific look in your eyes when he's on your mind." Morgan replied. "Just how you always seem to know when Jeff's occupying my thoughts." Blaine laughed softly as she did get a certain look in her eyes when she was thinking about him. "Are you guys going out tonight or what?"

"He's coming to my place."

"Then, let's finish up so you can get there to make sure everything is set." Todd told him. "Because I have no doubt you have something special planned."

"And why is that?"

"Blaine, the way you write lends a lot to who you are and there is no doubt that you are a romantic at heart. So, it only makes sense that you have something special planned."

"I do, but it might not be what you think. Now, how about we finish up as you recommended as I'm not the only one with plans tonight?" They all smiled while glancing over at Morgan as they were aware that Jeff was coming into the city that night and was probably already on the train.

While they were finishing up, Sebastian was taking care of last minute details at home for the next evening. With Blaine performing he had to make sure everything was going to be ready when they arrived afterwards. Knowing that Blaine loved the little things he'd done after they'd confessed what they'd felt that gave Sebastian a good starting point. But from there, he was clearly in uncharted territory as he'd never celebrated Valentine's Day before. He ended up talking to all of the guys way more than he expected as they'd all seen a bit of evolution in Blaine since the two were together.

Not only had he become more relaxed, but even his attire had begun to change. That wasn't to say he didn't sport his bowties still, but it was more on occasion. After listening to Nick, Jeff, Wes, and Thad they told him Blaine's style had reverted to what it had been like before he transferred to McKinley. And if they all thought about it, it fit the musician in him better as well as his personality. After getting this bit of confirmation from the guys, it led Sebastian into a jewelry story as Blaine had been wearing more lately. He nearly jumped when they were wrapping it as Hunter happened to come walking in that day to pick up Kimberly's gift. Needless to say, Hunter teased him a bit as for someone who said it wasn't this thing; Sebastian was truly getting into it.

Upon setting the wrapped box on the table, Sebastian confirmed their dinner reservations as he wasn't going to skip a romantic dinner on Valentine's Day just because Blaine was performing. And while he would much rather cook for the two of them, between classes and the performance time was limited. Once Sebastian knew everything was set, he sat back to doing a bit more reading while he waited for his text from Blaine telling him he could head over as Blaine didn't want him arriving before him. And with him being in rehearsal beforehand, they both knew it could easily run long. But once he received that message, Sebastian was quick to throw his book in his bag and head out the door.

By the time Blaine was home, he had to stop himself and take a deep breath before he began to make dinner as his nerves were starting to get the better of him. He knew it was silly as it was only Sebastian, yet the feelings were still there. But once he felt a bit better, he finished taking out everything he needed from the refrigerator to get started. Blaine knew he wouldn't have to stop as he told Sebastian to just come in when he arrived.

Once he got to work on dinner, the remaining nerves seemed to disappear as he concentrated on what he was doing as it began to feel like a normal evening for the two. The only difference being that he was doing a bit more for dessert. With the stereo on, Blaine didn't even hear Sebastian come walking in but soon jumped slightly when he felt arms wrapped around him. "Hey." Sebastian whispered into his ear before kissing him on the cheek. "You didn't have to do this B."

"I wanted too." Blaine replied before turning his head so they could kiss. "I hope you're hungry."

"I am. What are we having though; I've got a good idea."

"Chicken fettuccini alfredo as well as salad."

"Nice balance."

"Thank you; there will also be dessert later on and well, wine of course."

"But of course." Sebastian replied. "Anything you'd like me to do?"

"You may pour our glasses if you're so inclined. Otherwise, go and relax till it's ready."

"What if I want to stay here with you?" Sebastian asked as he trailed this nose over the edge of Blaine's ear, causing him to shiver slightly.

"If that's what you want, you're welcomed to stay." Blaine then turned his head and kissed him once more. "But as much as I love having your arms around me, you'll need to let me go so I can finish cooking."

"Alright." Sebastian replied before releasing his hold and going to open the bottle of wine. "I never expected to hear you guys on the stereo." He continued as he set a glass of wine near Blaine a few minutes later. "I like it though as I love listening to you sing."

"I had something else picked out to listen to once you got here. But I wanted to listen to some of the tracks we've recorded. Once it's done, you're free to put on whatever you want."

"What if I want to listen to you?"

"As touching as that is, I'd rather play for you if you want to hear me. There is something a bit weird about listening to myself."

"That'll pass with time, but I get it. Once this ends, I'll pick something and we'll play it by ear from there."

By the time dinner was ready, the two headed out onto the living room to eat as Blaine had transformed his coffee into something more suitable for what they were doing. "You didn't need to go through all this B, but thank you." Sebastian told him as he took a seat on the pillow next to Blaine after setting his plate down.

"You're welcome. No doubt your place is more suitable for romantic dinners since you have a table."

"This is perfect B, honest." Sebastian then took his hand in his and gave it a squeeze before giving him a kiss. "It's us and that's all that matters to me." The moment he saw Blaine relax, Sebastian released his hold and they began to eat. "This is really good B."

"Thank you."

"What are you making for dessert or are you dessert?" The way Sebastian wiggled his eyebrows at him, Blaine couldn't stop the smile that crept to his face.

"I'm actually making dessert, though I'm sure the other could be arranged as well." Sebastian smiled as he liked what he was hearing, but cocked his eyebrow. "I'm making chocolate soufflé."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes." Blaine told him. "I remember you mentioning it was one of your favorites so I called my Mom and asked her for a recipe." Blaine told him as they continued to eat. "Hopefully you approve."

"I have a feeling I will." After Sebastian responded, he noticed the card sitting in front of him. Then with a quick glance at Blaine who nodded, he set his fork down to open it. While he read it, he knew Blaine was watching him as he'd looked a little nervous. The more he read, Sebastian blinked as he felt tears forming which was unlike him. Yet Blaine seemed to have found a card that perfectly described the two of them. Once he set it down, Sebastian placed his hands on either side of Blaine's face before placing a gently kiss on his lips. "It's perfect Blaine."

"Like you." Blaine replied as he looked into Sebastian's eyes that seemed more vibrant than he remembered. "If you want, you may open your gift as well." Sebastian cocked an eyebrow as he didn't remember seeing one but turned his head to realize the card had been propped up by the gift.

"Do you mind if I wait till we finish?"

"Not at all, but do you mind if I ask why?"

"So I can properly thank you." Sebastian told him before giving him another kiss before they went back to eating. While they ate, they kept exchanging glances between one another so it was probably a good thing they were each about done. After the last bite was eaten, they each pushed their plates forward and scooted closer together. "Do I get any hints?" Sebastian asked as he grabbed the wrapped box. When Blaine shook his head, but also bit his lower lip, Sebastian turned a bit more to look at him. "What is it B?"

"Nothing."

"Blaine." Using his full name brought Blaine's eyes directly to his. "What is it?"

"I'm just nervous."

"Why?"

"That you might not like it. I mean…" Blaine took a deep breath before slowly releasing it. This was something Sebastian had seen on more than one occasion when Blaine was getting his emotions in check. "It's not as elaborate as Christmas because I really didn't have a lot of time to shop and…" Before Blaine could say anything else, he felt Sebastian's hand cupping his cheek.

"It's from you B, I'll like it." Sebastian then pressed a kiss to his forehead before undoing the wrapping of red and black paper. Once he lifted the lid, Sebastian tilted his head to the side upon seeing his IPod in the box. "B, care to explain as this is mine."

"I know it's yours silly." Blaine replied as he placed it in Sebastian's hand. "I bet you're wondering how I got my hands on it."

"Slightly as I thought I lost it a couple of days ago."

"You were with Hunter the last time you saw it, weren't you?"

"Yes." Sebastian said with a smile. "He took it, didn't he?"

"He acquired it at my request." Blaine told him. "Now, scroll through your playlists Bas till you find something you don't recognize." Sebastian looked at him, but proceeded to do what was asked of him. Yet it didn't take him long to find a playlist titled, Especially for Bas. The moment he stopped, Blaine rested his head on Sebastian's shoulder. "Are you going to listen?"

"Do you want me too?" Sebastian replied as he noticed Blaine put his portable speaker on the table. "I'll take that as a yes." Blaine nodded so Sebastian cued up the playlist and pressed play. The next thing he heard was Blaine's voice, telling him how much he loved him and that none of what was happening was possible without him. "Blaine."

"It's true Sebastian. You got me to believe in myself again which set everything in motion." Blaine then stretched to give him a kiss as the first song Sebastian had heard him sing began playing.

"This is perfect Blaine, I love it."

"Isn't it a little soon to say so?" Blaine asked and soon Sebastian began scrolling through the playlist which contained over twenty songs.

"No. When did you have time?"

"A few are actually studio quality as they are with the whole band." Blaine told him. "While the others are courtesy of that lovely equipment my parents got me for Christmas. Ever since I got it set up, I began recording songs for you since it was something you wanted."

"I…I don't know what to say Blaine."

"You don't have to say anything Sebastian."

"Then let's see if my actions can speak for me." Sebastian said before setting the IPod on the table and turning to kiss Blaine. While it started out soft, the intensity of it slowly built as the kiss deepened and they soon found themselves lying on the floor. The moment Sebastian felt his shirt being pulled out of his pants, the kiss finally broke. "I love you B."

"I love you Bas." Blaine then lifted his head and pressed a soft kiss to Sebastian's lips. "I'm glad you like your gift."

"Correction, I love it." Sebastian replied as he caressed Blaine's cheek. "Why don't we take this somewhere a bit more comfortable?"

"What about dessert?"

"Later as right now I have precisely what I want. What about you?" Blaine nodded in response as he slid his hands beneath Sebastian's shirt to the small of his back. "Shall we?"

"Yes." Blaine replied before they each got up and slowly made their way into the bedroom where they ended up remaining for the rest of the night.

Since neither didn't have class in till later in the morning, Sebastian thought he was going to be waking to Blaine in his arms so he was slightly disappointed to wake to an empty bed. After a quick glance at the clock and feeling a cool sheet beside him, he knew Blaine wasn't coming back. Once he pulled a pair of boxers out of the drawer, Sebastian made his way to go find Blaine. He didn't have to go far as the moment he reached the cut-out for the kitchen he saw Blaine putting the last of the dishes away. "Morning Killer." Sebastian said as he leaned against the opening. "Sleep well?"

"Amazingly well." Blaine replied as he closed the cabinet. "Happy Valentine's Day Bas."

"Happy Valentine's Day B." After he spoke, Sebastian made his way into the kitchen as he didn't want to get in Blaine's way. "Why'd you leave me this morning?"

"I wanted to get everything cleaned up." Blaine told him before giving him a kiss. "I was going to come back and join you."

"Really?"

"Yes, otherwise I would've put more clothing on." While he spoke, Sebastian wrapped his arms around him and brought Blaine flush against him. "I guess you would've liked that."

"You know me well Killer." He said before leaning down to kiss him. "Now, what's the plan for the remainder of our morning together?"

"I was thinking a nice, long shower together, and then if there is time, breakfast."

"I'd like that. By the way, sorry we skipped dessert last night."

"It's alright, I'll make it another night if you'd like."

"I would."

"Alright, now how about that shower." Sebastian smiled, before releasing his hold around Blaine who soon took his hand and led him back to their shower.

While Sebastian and Blaine were enjoying their morning together, Rachel and Santana were both running around as they both had busy days ahead of them before Blaine's show that night. "Santana, have you seen my sheet music for my audition?" Rachel called out as she was tearing apart their sitting area. "Santana!"

"Whoa, relax there." She said as she finished pulling up her hair. "Say that again?"

"I can't find my sheet music."

"Last I saw it was on the kitchen table near Thad's gift." Santana replied and almost instantly Rachel headed over there. "Shouldn't you…"

"Got it! Thank you!" Rachel exclaimed as she put it into her bag. "I don't know how I didn't see it earlier."

"Probably because you're starting to freak out and you tend to miss things when you get like this." Santana told her. "You need to take a deep breath and collect yourself before going anywhere. Being scatter brained is not how you need to be heading into an audition." Rachel nodded before stopping in her tracks and doing just what Santana mentioned. "I haven't seen you this nervous in a long-time."

"I'm scared to death. I can't remember the last time I audition for a role of this magnitude." Hearing this come from her, Santana walked up to her and hugged her tight. "Maybe I'm in over my head with this one."

"What did Shelby say when you spoke with her about it?"

"She told me I needed to go for it."

"Then why do you think you're in over your head as I know her opinion carries quite a bit of weight in this regard. And she wouldn't tell you to go for something she didn't believe you'd be right for."

"I haven't starred in anything since Funny Girl. And I'm afraid that after that, no one will give me a chance."

"Rach, after Funny Girl ended, you sort of got a big head." Rachel looked up at her and could see Santana wasn't being cruel, she was being honest. "It's true. You felt that people should be offering you roles instead of you having to audition. While you did well, you didn't become one of those established names. People work hard for that."

"I know." Rachel said as she glanced down.

"So go put yourself out there and be the Rachel Berry we all know you can be." When Rachel slowly looked back up at her, Santana tilted her head. "Do you want me to call Blaine or even, Thad?"

"Blaine's spending the morning with Sebastian while Thad is already in class." Rachel replied. "But I appreciate the offer." Santana nodded and released her hold. Once she did, Rachel reached for her coat and as she did, there was a knock.

"I'll get it." Santana replied so Rachel could finish gathering her things. When she opened the door, a smile crept to her face spotting the delivery man with a bouquet of roses.

"Miss Berry?"

"No, I'm her roommate." Santana replied. The delivery man then handed a clipboard to Santana to sign before handing over the roses. Once she had them in hand, she headed inside. "Someone's got a delivery." The sing-song nature of her voice didn't go unnoticed as Rachel turned to face her.

"Are those for me?"

"They are." Santana told her. "Seems Mr. Harwood felt that just because he wasn't here, didn't mean you couldn't start your day off with a smile. They're beautiful Rach."

"They are, aren't they?" Rachel replied as she set the vase on the table. With a quick glance there were probably two dozen pink and white roses.

"Nice to see he didn't go with the cliché of red roses."

"They wouldn't have felt right." Rachel told her before leaning in to smell them. "These, feel right."

"While I know you'd love to look at them, you have an audition to get to. Now, take a picture of them to look at and call Thad on your way."

"Yes Mom."

"Hey, you'd be pissed if you were late so go."

"You're right."

"Knock'em dead Rach!"

"That's the plan." Rachel then took a picture of her roses to have with her before heading on her way as Santana was right, the last thing she wanted to be, was late. She was just about to head down the stairs when Santana came running after her with the card. "Thank you." Santana nodded as Rachel slid it into her bag as she didn't want to open it till she was on the subway. Thankfully, it wasn't long till she was on her way so she had time to read the card that accompanied the roses. While it was a simple card, the sentiment wasn't lost and it also said he couldn't wait to see her that evening. Besides that, there was a little note inside wishing her luck on her audition, something she didn't expect as she hadn't thought he'd remember with everything he had going on. Yet, he did and that meant more to her than she probably wanted to admit. It proved that Thad truly did listen to her, even when she began to ramble on.

Once the rest of their days truly began to get underway, it was pretty easy to forget it was Valentine's Day aside from the abundance of red and pink practically everywhere they looked. For the first time he could remember, Sebastian wasn't completely disgusted by the over the top displays. Yet now, he couldn't quite understand why some people needed such a day to show the one they loved how they felt. Though, from past conversations he'd had with some of the guys, some needed a little push to show the one they love how much they appreciate them.

When he began packing up his things as he'd spend his time after classes in the library as he'd be less likely to try and reach Blaine who had a busy day ahead of him before the show. "You should probably go get some sleep as you look like hell." At the sound of the voice, Sebastian looked to the end of the table and saw Hunter standing there. "I'm serious man."

"Do I really look that bad?"

"It looks like you either had a late night or an extra early morning." When Sebastian laughed Hunter cocked his head. "Okay, you had both. Now serious, go get some rest so you'll be able to enjoy tonight as I'm sure you and Blaine have plans."

"We do actually. We're going out for dinner before the show."

"Then?"

"Back to my place afterwards. You?"

"I'm going to Kimberly's for dinner and then we're going to Blaine's show. After that, a gentleman doesn't talk."

"I didn't talk, just said where we're going."

"We're going back to my place." Hunter replied. "Better."

"Yes. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go take your advice and go home and sleep."

"Don't forget to set an alarm as you don't want to be late."

"Done. See you later man!"

It wasn't till he was headed home did Sebastian truly realize how tired he was. And once he arrived home, all it took was one look in the mirror to know that Hunter wasn't exaggerating how he looked. Yet as he changed into something a bit more comfortable to nap in, he acknowledged that he had been running himself a bit ragged. That was something he tried not to let happen, but clearly he hadn't been as good about it as of late. So after setting dual alarms, he lied down on his bed to take a nap.

When he finally awoke, he was surprised to find Blaine lounging in bed beside him with his laptop open and music playing softly in the background. "Blaine." His voice was so soft that it took a moment for Blaine to turn and look at him.

"Hey sleepyhead, feeling better?" Blaine replied as he ran his fingers through Sebastian's hair.

"Wha…what are you doing here?" He asked as he moved slightly, yet not sitting up though he was now looking directly at Blaine.

"Taking care of you." After he answered, Blaine noticed the confusion on his face. "Hunter called me."

"What time is it?"

"A little after seven." The words barely left Blaine's mouth and Sebastian shot up in bed. "Relax Bas, I canceled our reservations."

"But…" Sebastian didn't say anything else as Blaine took ahold of his hand and squeezed it.

"As wonderful as a romantic dinner out with you sounds, you need to take care of yourself."

"Blaine." The sigh that came after his name caused Blaine to lean over and kiss him. "I wanted today to be perfect."

"It's perfect because we're together." Blaine reassured him. "You didn't move since I got here so you clearly needed the rest. If it wasn't for your chest moving I would've probably stuck a mirror under your nose to make sure you were still alive." When Sebastian laughed softly, Blaine smiled. "That's more like it. Us being together is what makes today perfect Bas. And if I had a choice of dinner or you being at my show tonight, I'd much rather you be at tonight's performance. While that might sound selfish, it's what I want."

"I'd much rather see you perform than go out to dinner too." Sebastian told him as he scooted a bit closer. "But, we still need to eat."

"I know which is why I picked something up on my way over."

"I love you."

"I know." When Sebastian began to laugh at Blaine's response, Blaine released Sebastian's hand and wrapped his arm around him, bringing him against him. "You didn't expect that, did you?"

"Not really." Sebastian replied as he rested his head on Blaine's shoulder. "That's more like something I'd say."

"Wonder where I got the idea." He then tightened his hold around him before pressing a kiss at top his head. "I love you too Bas. Now, are you feeling better?"

"I am. Are you sure you're okay with skipping dinner?"

"If I wasn't, I wouldn't have canceled the reservation. Yet now that you mentioned it, why don't we go eat as I'm a bit hungry."

"Happily." Sebastian replied.

Once they were out of bed, Sebastian was pretty quick to wrap his arms around Blaine and kiss him. The way they looked at one another after it broke, reaffirmed what Blaine had said about it only mattering that they were together. With them having a bit of time, they actually put dinner into the oven to reheat knowing it would taste better. After that was taken care of, Sebastian took Blaine's hand and guided him into the living room. "Is that for me?" Blaine asked softly upon spotting the gift bag on the table with a card sticking up out of it.

"It is." Sebastian told him as they sat down on the couch. "I was going to give it to you over dinner tonight. Open it." Blaine nodded before leaning forward to take ahold of the bag and bring it onto his lap. With the card in hand, he glanced at Sebastian who nodded before he opened it. Much as Blaine had done, Sebastian happened to find a card that expressed how he felt so eloquently that it brought tears to Blaine's eyes. "No crying B, as your eyes can't be red tonight." Sebastian said softly while wiping his eyes.

"It's perfect Bas, thank you." Blaine then leaned in and kissed him softly. Once he did, Blaine went back to the gift bag and pulled the tissue paper out of it before reaching in and pulling out an all too familiar blue box. "Bas."

"Don't look at me like that Killer. Keep opening." Blaine smiled before pulling on the white ribbon so that he could remove the lid. After that was done, it wasn't long till the box was open and his eyes kept going back and forth between Sebastian and what he held in his lap. For the first time in a long time, Sebastian wasn't quite sure what to make of Blaine's reaction as he was quiet. "Do…do you like it?"

"It's perfect." Blaine replied before taking it out of the box. "I had no idea they carried stuff like this."

"Let me put it on you." Sebastian said and Blaine nodded, allowing Sebastian to take the leather and sterling silver necklace out of his hand. "I thought it fit your new style perfectly while adding a little flare."

"I love it Bas, thank you." Blaine told him once it was hanging around his neck.

"You are very welcome B. Happy Valentine's Day." No sooner were the words out of his mouth, was Sebastian leaning over so that they could kiss. Unlike the earlier pecks, this one quickly deepened and they were falling back on the couch as the box and bag fell from Blaine's lap onto the floor. If it hadn't been for them setting a timer and bringing it in with them dinner probably would've burned.

By the time they'd eaten and cleaned up they didn't have much time to change before Blaine needed to be on his way. When he came walking out of the bathroom after doing his hair, Sebastian could only smile as his gift to Blaine was clearly visible with the top buttons of his shirt undone. "You don't have to come with Bas if you want to since there will be time before we go on."

"I'd rather come with you than be surrounded by all the lovebirds waiting."

"Good point." Blaine replied. "Hanging with us is probably the best place for you and Jeff till show time."

"We're not going to be in the way, are we?"

"Of course not." Right as Blaine answered, the bell went off. "It sounds as though our ride is here."

"I can't believe Vincent sent Scott to accompany us." Sebastian told him as he got up off the bed so they could be on their way. "The walk from the car inside isn't that far."

"I know, but he felt with this being a well-advertised show it was better to be safe than sorry." After he spoke, Sebastian took ahold of Blaine's hand even knowing he'd have to let go so they could put their coats on. But the last thing he really wanted to think about was Kurt ruining the night for them.