Five Years Later

Part 48

Once they were in the car, it hadn't surprised Sebastian when Blaine curled up beside him. While he loved having him close, the reason behind it was different than it should've been. He knew part of the reason why he was, is that seeing Kurt had frustrated him. After asking if he minded if he sent a text out, Sebastian pulled his phone from his coat to send the guys a quick text so they weren't surprised should Kurt still be outside when they left knowing they'd appreciate the heads-up.

While Jeff was already in back with the rest of the band, he was quick to shake his head after checking his phone. "What's wrong?" Talia asked noticing the change in him.

"Let's just say Blaine and Sebastian's night had a slight hiccup." Jeff replied as he slid his arm around Morgan who was looking up at him. "Nothing major, but he was outside when they left."

"God, does that schmuck have nothing better to do than try and talk to someone that wants nothing to do with him?" Todd said as they headed out behind Scott. "Honestly, he's lucky that Blaine and Sebastian have the self-control that they have as I would've punched him by now."

"And here we thought he was annoying when they were married." Justin added. "Your Warbler buddies are going to be as upset as you are, won't they?"

"Yes." Jeff replied. "Luckily nothing happened though according to Sebastian, Scott got between them."

"Thank you Scott!" Morgan said causing him to look over his shoulder and smile. "Do you mind if we ask what happened?"

"Nothing." Scott replied. "Mr. Hummel called out for him and once we were clear of the building he tried to get close and that's when I stopped him. And while I did that, Blaine and Sebastian got into their awaiting car."

"So nothing else happened?" Jeff asked.

"No sir. Since the car was right there they were able to get right in."

While they were all heading towards their cars, Nick was trying to calm Wes down who was less than thrilled to get Sebastian's text. But as Hunter reminded him, it was better they got the text than walking outside and spotting him should he still be there.

"Why tonight of all nights?" Rachel asked as she looked at Santana and Jordan as Thad had stepped away momentarily.

"I honestly don't know Rach." Santana told her. "A part of me thought he'd finally gotten it through his thick skull to drop the subject." When she sighed, Santana glanced at Jordan who excused herself to give the two a minute in private before they all left. "Talk to me Rach."

"Considering how angry he was that night, do you think he was trying to ruin their night tonight? I mean, it is Valentine's Day."

"I don't know. But seeing the way they look at one another, he wouldn't have stood a chance. Might he have frustrated them, maybe, but ruined tonight, no."

"Good as they both deserve tonight to be special."

"We all do." Santana replied as she wrapped her arm around her shoulders. "I've got Jordan to share today with and you have Thad."

"It's weird if you think about it."

"How so?"

"If Blaine hadn't gone to Sebastian, none of this would be happening."

"I hadn't really thought of that, but you're right. We owe a bit of our happiness to the fact that Blainers felt that need to go to Sebastian. Did he ever tell you how or why it all happened?"

"No, and I doubt he ever will." Rachel replied just as Thad approached. "Are we leaving?"

"We are. Ready?"

"As ready as we can be." Rachel told him before taking his hand. "Lead the way."

By the time they all got outside, it wasn't surprising to see all the guys looking around for Kurt. Needless to say, Chloe and Sophie were getting quite the introduction into Wes's and Nick's lives yet neither seemed bothered by it. Yet just as the band appeared, Wes spotted Kurt towards the end of the building. "And here I thought you would've had the good sense to leave since Blaine and Sebastian went home."

"Nice to see you too Wes."

"There is nothing nice about seeing you." Wes replied bluntly. "Of all days you try to mess with Blaine, you had to go and try and ruin his Valentine's Day with Sebastian. But I guess that's what unhappy people do, try and ruin others happiness." While Wes spoke, Kurt took a look at everyone who was around them. And soon his eyes fell upon Rachel who was standing just beyond Wes and Nick.

"Rachel, what are you doing here?"

"I think that's pretty self-explanatory Kurt." Rachel replied. "I came to see Blaine perform like everyone else here. What are you doing here?"

"I need to talk with him."

"He doesn't want to talk with you." Thad said. "Why can't you seem to understand that?" As he spoke, the band proceeded to get into their cars even though it was clear from the looks on their faces they wanted to join in on the fun. But all it took was one look at Vincent to know they weren't going to be able to and that included Jeff if he wanted to stay with Morgan. "Just move on with your life as you supposedly were before you found out Blaine was with Sebastian."

"Sebastian's only going to hurt him."

"That's your opinion." Nick told him. "We, think otherwise. And considering the things you've done to Blaine, you're one to talk."

"I didn't do anything to him."

"Playing innocent doesn't work with us." Wes told him. "You cheated on him amongst other things." When Kurt's expression changed, Wes glanced over at Hunter who had quite the smirk on his face, surprised Wes went there vaguely. "So, this little act you're putting on pretending to care about him isn't going to fly. Hell, you finally showed your true colors to everyone, right ladies?" After he spoke, Wes looked at Rachel and Santana who both nodded. "See, even your own friends know you're not the person you portray yourself as to others." While he spoke, Wes noticed Kurt looking directly at Rachel.

"Rachel, I'm not the person Wes is describing, you know that." Kurt said to her.

"I…I don't know what to think anymore Kurt. You tried to hit Blaine on New Year's Eve and I never took you as someone that would try to do that. All because Blaine told you Sebastian lives here and that he went to him." Hearing those words come out of Rachel's mouth, Wes and Hunter exchanged another look and it was as though they were both thinking the same thing. If Rachel honestly believed that was the first time it ever happened, Kurt had put on quite the show in front of their friends and Blaine hid it extremely well. It also backed up what Blaine had told them that Kurt had essentially told everyone that all the problems in their marriage were his fault and he'd never said a word to refute that.

"It was a mistake Rachel. I was angry and upset."

"That still gave you no right to try and hit him. You're lucky Hunter stopped you as I have no idea what Sebastian would've done had you actually hit Blaine, especially after what he said to you afterwards." Considering Kurt knew that Sebastian knew that it wasn't a first, he knew the only reason nothing happened is because of their surroundings that night.

"I think it's time to get out of here everyone." Hunter said calmly as he could, knowing he wasn't going to be able to listen to Kurt's denials much longer before he said something that wasn't his place.

"Hunter's right, the night is still young everyone." Santana added. Once she did, Nick and Thad went about hailing cabs leaving the others closer to the building. When the girls all began to talk, it gave Wes and Hunter a chance to step closer to Kurt who'd yet to leave.

"Just what do you think Rachel would do if she knew you had actually hit Blaine in the past, on multiple occasions?" Hunter said quietly. When Kurt went to object, Wes shook his head while waving a finger before him.

"Don't even try to deny it, as we know you did." Wes told him. "And Sebastian was right, had he or the rest of us been around for that matter, it wouldn't have happened again after the first." Kurt then glanced over towards Thad and Nick. "Don't worry, they don't know…yet. But I have a feeling it's only a matter of time till Blaine opens up to the rest of the guys about what happened during your marriage. And don't think the rest of the guys haven't wondered about what happened and how they both reacted that night as they have."

"I understand you knowing, but not him." Kurt said to Wes before he glared at Hunter.

"Well, you see Hummel…" Hunter said with a tilt of his head. "Blaine understood Sebastian needed someone to talk to after he filled him in on what you did, and that person was me. He knew Sebastian and I could talk without him giving me all the details. But you see, there are only a few things that could upset and anger someone as much as Sebastian was that day. Then the moment you tried to hit Blaine, I knew for certain and they confirmed it once I addressed Sebastian about it."

"I still don't get why he spoke to you?"

"The choice was me or Thad and do you really think Thad would've been able to restrain himself from going after you considering how long he and Blaine have been friends."

"Guys!" Nick called out as he and Thad had actually managed to round up a few cabs. Wes and Hunter both nodded before looking at Kurt once more.

"Stay away from them." Wes told him once more before the two left him standing there on the sidewalk to leave with everyone else. Once they were all in the cabs and on their way, Kurt took a look around to make sure he was alone. Considering Blaine's band had been leaving when the others came out he looked to see if their manager or body guard was still around. After seeing he was alone beside the usual pedestrian traffic, Kurt took a deep breath and headed towards the subway while thinking about what he was going to do next.

Considering that brief hiccup when they left the bar, Blaine and Sebastian's night continued as planned. So when Sebastian awoke the next morning to an empty bed, he could only sigh. After rolling over to look at the clock he realized Blaine was already on his way to class for the day. With the crazy hours Blaine put in, his ability to nap just about anywhere was certainly coming in handy, something Sebastian couldn't help but tease him about. So after stretching, it wasn't long till Sebastian headed for the shower before his day of classes began.

With the water flowing over him, he wondered how Blaine was able to get up and out of there on time as they didn't go to sleep for quite awhile once they returned. Yet the remainder of their celebration certainly put quite a few images into Sebastian's mind. While those images were beginning to affect him, Sebastian knew he didn't have time to enjoy them so he turned the water a bit colder to help tend to matters for the time being.

Once he arrived on campus, he went to make his usual first stop to grab coffee before heading onto class. While he waited, he wasn't too surprised to see Hunter walkup beside him. "Did I hear correctly that you ordered a triple shot?" Sebastian asked as he looked to the side and saw that Hunter looked more tired than he did.

"That would be correct." Hunter replied. "How about you?"

"Double." Sebastian told him. "I can't help but wonder how B is even functioning this morning."

"Late night?"

"Probably not as late as yours though." Sebastian said before taking his coffee from the barista. "How much sleep did you get?"

"A few hours as I took Kimberly to the airport this morning as she needed to get back to Tampa."

"Wait, she flew into town for Valentine's Day?" Hunter nodded as he was being handed his coffee as well. "That must've been a good feeling."

"It was. By the way, thank you for the heads up last night though and I'm sorry he was there."

"You're welcome." Sebastian told him. "And while I wish he wasn't, it wasn't too bad. If anything, he only frustrated B by showing up last night of all nights. But he was essentially over it before we even got home. He even quipped that Hummel was a glutton for punishment last night as he had to know the two of us would be together."

"That is very true. Honestly, I wish we could've seen his face when he first saw the two of you together; it had to have been priceless. Especially considering Morgan and Talia both said it was one hell of a kiss."

"What can I say; I wanted to let B know how much I appreciated that little encore which was directed at me."

"Let me speak for most of the dating public that was there, but that little encore had quite the effect on a lot of people." When Sebastian started to laugh, Hunter raised an eyebrow before smirking. "Hey, it's true. And while I'd prefer to tease you, I should let you know that Hummel was still outside when we left."

"And?"

"He tried to play innocent and well, no one was really in the mood to deal with it. Hell, he even said enough that Rachel spoke up."

"Shit!" Hunter just looked at Sebastian as that response seemed to come out of nowhere. "Not that she spoke up, she was there with Thad."

"Hummel didn't notice as they were standing behind Wes and Nick. But, some of the comments exchanged pissed Wes and I off."

"Let me guess, he acted like trying to slap B was an accident."

"Basically, but before Wes and I left with everyone we had a few words with him personally and let him know that we know the truth." Sebastian looked over at him and cocked his head. "That's sort of the look he gave. He understood Wes knowing, but me knowing threw him. But after a brief explanation, he realized I was the lesser of two evils in this case as Thad would've beaten the crap out of him."

"That's true. B and I were talking about how we find it funny that he still has no clue that you didn't just meet Blaine."

"I was tempted to start whistling when Wes and I went to catch our cabs." Sebastian couldn't stop the laughter that escaped him at Hunter's words.

"I wonder what he thought of that performance back then considering he was a bit of a prude."

"Maybe you should ask Blaine about it." Hunter told him before they walked into the lecture hall to start their day.

While Sebastian was about to start his day, Blaine was getting ready to finish up his day of classes before heading for the studio to lay down some vocal tracks. With everything that had been going on around them Blaine was thankful that he was as busy as he was. It helped keep him focused on what truly matter and the things he could control. As badly as he wished he could keep Kurt away from him, he knew that was outside of his control. The only thing he could do, is not allow him to disrupt his life in any manner. And while the previous night the moment was brief, he knew at one point it would've thrown him for the remainder of the evening.

Blaine was about to head out when Talia came running up behind him, calling his name. "I was hoping that you heard me." She said once he stopped and turned. "Are you leaving?"

"Yes, I need to head into the studio. Why, what's up?"

"I was hoping we could play around with those new arrangements." Talia told him as she handed him a folder.

"You finished them?"

"I finished what was left as you hadn't left much. As I said, I was hoping we could play around with them as we usually do and tweak them."

"Are you done for the day or do you still have classes?"

"I have one more, why?"

"I shouldn't be at the studio that long, but one never knows considering how determined they are to have something to release soon." Blaine told her while putting the folder into his bag. "So, if you still want to work on these when you're done, give me a call and I'll tell you where I'm at in regards to time."

"That works. What about Sebastian?"

"He's going to be in class for a few more hours. And even if he wasn't, he's not one to get in the way of the creative process."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. If anything, he might swing by and listen while he studies if you don't mind."

"Not in the slightest." Talia then leaned into give him a kiss on the cheek. "Now get a move on as you don't want to keep them waiting." Blaine nodded, before giving her a kiss in return and heading on his way. Since this was a bit of a last minute trip, Vincent had sent a car to get Blaine which allowed him time to check his mail and messages during the ride over. He couldn't help but smile when he got to his messages as he had a few from Sebastian, which were mainly pictures including one of numerous coffee cups captioned, well worth it after the night we had. I love you. No matter how crazy things seem to get, Sebastian always seemed to know how to make everything seem normal.

By the time he arrived at the studio, he'd caught up and also had sent Sebastian a picture during the ride over so he knew he was thinking of him as well. To have his life where it was at that moment, was something Blaine never could've imagined even a year prior considering the mess he felt his life had become. Yet now with Sebastian and his friends back in his life, he truly believed that anything was possible.

Once he was through the doors, all it took was a wave to the receptionist for her to buzz him through the security door towards the studios. Moments like that reminded him of how often he'd been there since everything started as he now had a permanent badge to get him throughout the building and didn't have to go through the same protocol as he did through his first few visits. When he walked through the doors, it wasn't much of a surprise to see Vincent and their producer behind the mixing table.

"How are you feeling after last night?" Vincent asked as Blaine set his bag down before removing his coat and tossing it on the couch.

"Are you referring to the performance or how I felt after seeing my ex?"

"Either."

"I felt great after the show as did everyone else." Blaine replied before taking a seat near them. "As for seeing my ex, it was more of an annoyance than anything but that didn't last long. Where is Scott?"

"Meeting with his team, though, he'll be in later to speak with you." Vincent replied causing Blaine to cock an eyebrow. "You heard me correctly Blaine. After last night, I realized he needs a bit more help but that was only a matter of time. I personally would've felt better if he'd escorted you and Sebastian home last night."

"We were fine, but I can understand the thought behind it."

"You should also know Mr. Hummel presumed that Sebastian and I were the ones responsible for you having a body guard."

"Who knew Bas had such clout?" Blaine said with a laugh. "Though, he's happy Scott is around."

"That is something I do know as he mentioned it to me. But I did let Mr. Hummel know that your record label and I were responsible for it." The way Blaine's eyes lit up, surprised Vincent slightly. "You're not upset?"

"No, it's just one more thing for him to chew on since he never thought I'd get anywhere in the music industry." Blaine told him which earned a chuckle from their producer. "It's true, according to him I was wasting my time and should've gone and gotten my teaching degree."

"Yet he still comes to your shows." Vincent said.

"Yep and he's been called out on it numerous times by my friends."

"Their dislike of him goes beyond that he's your ex, doesn't it?"

"Yes as quite a few of them have disliked him since high school. Now, what song am I doing as you didn't mention it to me?"

"Words." The producer replied. "After listening to a few recordings from live performances, we'd like you to sing it with almost as much emotion here as you do live."

"You mean I don't?" Blaine asked being slightly caught off guard by what he was being told.

"No, you don't." Vincent told him. "And while the recordings so far have been beautiful, the live performances are something special." When Blaine glanced down, Vincent nudged him. "There is more emotion live as you're singing to Sebastian, isn't it?" Blaine nodded in response as he truly didn't realize that was the case. But after a bit of thought, he knew that was the case. "Is it going to be a problem doing so if he's not here, because if it is, we can do another and ask Sebastian to join us later on."

"I should be able to do it. But, would you mind if I set my tablet up inside?"

"Pulling up a picture to look at?" Vincent asked and Blaine was quick to reply yes. "Do whatever you need to get that sort of feeling, even giving him a call."

"That would work if he wasn't in class right now."

"What is he going to school for if you don't mind me asking?" The producer asked.

"He's going to Law School at Columbia." Blaine replied proudly while taking his tablet out of his bag.

"Impressive, his family must be happy."

"They are, it actually runs in the family as his Dad is a former State's Attorney."

"Those are certainly some big shoes to fill."

"True, but Bas will take his own path once he finishes." Blaine then pointed that he was going to head into the studio to get ready to which they both nodded.

Once Blaine disappeared through the doors and into the inner studio, it wasn't going to be much longer till they were able to start as Blaine was quick to get set up. Then once the headphones were on his ears, they were ready to begin. While the first time through showed a bit more emotion than he had previously, the second time through was more like a live performance. The more he lost himself in the lyrics, the more frequent looks were exchanged between Vincent and their producer as this was what they wanted.

"Did he mention if this was written about Sebastian?" Their producer asked as he looked at Vincent after Blaine finished once more.

"No, but if I heard Talia and Morgan correctly, the first time they actually played it for a show was right after the two told each other they loved one another." Just after he finished they noticed Blaine looking at them as they hadn't started the playback yet. Vincent told him it would be just one moment but that was precisely what they were looking for. Getting the same sort of energy in the studio that the band had live was probably the hardest thing to duplicate as they seemed to take it up a notch when performing live. Yet with being told what they wanted, it only took a few takes for them to have a copy exactly how they wanted.

With Blaine able to channel what they wanted in so few takes, they were able to move on to another song which they'd been hoping to be able to do. And since it took so few, they knew they weren't going to be pushing Blaine vocally as they had shows that weekend as well. Once again, as they started another song, it wasn't long till Blaine was losing himself in the lyrics. Considering Blaine had written the song, he knew exactly how to come at it and didn't have to wonder what the writer was thinking of since he was it.

During one of their breaks, Blaine was off on his phone talking to Sebastian about their plans for the night since he had work with Talia to do when Scott came walking in with a few others. While they were talking to Vincent, Blaine wasn't blind and took in the situation. Once he mentioned it to Sebastian, he heard a change in his voice that let Blaine know Sebastian clearly approved of what was happening. Not only had they had those couple of moments with Kurt, but their fans were starting to become a bit more over-zealous. And ever since the one girl came running towards them during Scott's first night of work, Vincent had made certain the venues they were playing were paying better attention.

By the time Blaine got off the phone, Vincent waved him over to make the proper introductions. Unlike when Scott was brought in, this was easier to handle considering everything that had been going on. So as Scott made the introductions, Blaine couldn't help but wonder what his band was going to think when he filled them in later on. Yet after everything, it really was the right move especially since they were venturing out into new venues where they certainly didn't have the same familiarity with their surroundings.

Once the introductions were made, Blaine asked to speak with Vincent and Scott for a moment in private which the others didn't have any issue with so they stepped out into the hall. "Now, this might sound crazy to ask, but there isn't going to be any issue with Bas being around, is there?"

"None." Scott told them. "These gentlemen are all professionals and are well aware that you have a boyfriend. Also, all the proper forms have been signed as well as confidentiality agreements. Your private/personal life will remain just that." After Scott spoke, Blaine released a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

"You should also know Blaine." Vincent told him. "Scott's going to become your primary while the others are going to look after the band, though they'll look after you as well."

"What does that mean exactly?" Blaine asked as he was a bit curious, though thankful as he got along well with Scott as did Sebastian.

"It means that when it comes to someone escorting you to and from engagements, it will be me and not one of the others." Scott told him. "Just, as I came to get you and Sebastian before your last performance." After he finished, Blaine looked at Vincent who didn't say a word till Blaine nodded his head.

"No comment?" Vincent asked.

"Not really. While it might seem a bit much to me, I know it's the right thing to do considering everything that's happened. Since that's the case now, I should let you know that before the shows next Friday and the next, I'll be having dinner with Bas, and our parents. So, I won't be coming to the venues from either my apartment or Bas's."

"While I will be there to escort you Blaine, I will stay out of sight." Scott reassured him. "My job is to blend in so if you don't want the parents knowing I'm there, they won't."

"Won't that be strange?" Blaine asked causing Vincent and Scott to exchange looks. "I know, it's part of your job. And no, you don't have to be invisible. It would make sense that you get to meet each set since they'll be at the shows that evening."

"Have you already made dinner reservations?" Vincent asked and Blaine nodded. "Do you mind sharing where you'll be going so Scott knows ahead of time?"

"Not in the slightest." Blaine told him before grabbing a piece of paper off the counter to write down where they'd be eating each night and which set of parents were going to be there. "Anything else?"

"Not at this moment. So, go ahead and head back in so we can finish up and you can be on your way." Blaine smiled in response before heading further inside to get ready. "Should either of those restaurants be a problem?"

"No. The only thing I'm going to need to remember is to dress a bit nicer as both of those restaurants are upscale."

"Alright, you go and talk with the others as they'll be on site before you both those nights since you'll be with Blaine."

"True, but will still do a normal walk through during sound check."

"I know, I just want them to be aware from the get go you won't be there when they arrive as you will be with Blaine."

"So, this means he's getting an escort to and from all shows from now on."

"That would be correct. The fact that his ex-husband showed up last night of all nights, it is pretty clear he's bound and determined to speak with Blaine who wants nothing to do with him anymore."

"I'd considered the same thing. And from what I witness from his time with Blaine's friends while I got the rest of the band on their way, you're correct. But there is no doubt that Blaine's friends are protective of him in a way I haven't really seen before."

"You mean like Sebastian is?"

"Yes, but clearly not in the same way since they are involved."

"Understandable. Why don't you see just what you can find out about Blaine's ex-husband?"

"I'm already ahead of you as I want to know who we're dealing with."