Five Years Later

Part 52

With the Andersons being in town, everyone knew they probably weren't going to be seeing Blaine and Sebastian that weekend. So with a rare Saturday off of work, Rachel wasn't quite sure what she was going to do till Thad called and asked if she was free. While they'd briefly spoken the night before, they didn't discuss plans since she was a little thrown with Blaine's parents in attendance. Once she told him she was free, she smiled when she heard a knock on the loft door. Upon opening it, there stood Thad with a tray of coffees as well as a bag from bakery in Midtown. "Is that where I think it's from?" She asked after giving him a kiss once he was through the door.

"If you think it's from the vegetarian bakery you love, then you are correct." Thad told her as she took the bag from him before seeing another in his hand. "Are you wondering what this is?" He asked as they sat down on the couch and she nodded.

"It's from the French bakery that Sebastian won't shut up about so I finally gave in to try it."

"And?"

"It's every bit as decadent as he said." Thad replied before extending his arm, allowing her to curl up next to him. "How'd you sleep?"

"Really well." She replied before taking a sip of her coffee. "I can't remember the last time I slept in this late."

"It was a late night." Thad said before looking around. "Where is Santana?"

"She should be back soon as she went over to Jordan's last night as she was working on a story so she never got out." Rachel told him before breaking off a piece of the muffin he'd brought her. "I still can't get over all the screen time she's been getting lately."

"It's deserved as the girl she's filling in for has no personality whatsoever."

"I mentioned the same thing and Santana got this big grin on her face. You can tell she's really proud of her."

"She's got every right to be." Thad said before taking a bite of his croissant. "Now, I need to ask you something after last night. Are you more comfortable around Blaine's parents?"

"Yes, but I'm nowhere near as comfortable as the rest of you. But I no longer feel as though they hate me."

"I doubt they ever hated you, they were just unsure of where you stood in regards to Blaine. Were you his friend because of Kurt, or were you truly Blaine's friend? And after some of the things Blaine has been through in his life, it's understandable his parents are protective."

"That is the second time one of you have mentioned something about Blaine's past that would cause his parents to be protective." Rachel said as she sat a bit more upright. "What aren't you telling me?"

"You need to talk with Blaine as it's not my place to tell you things about him you don't know."

"Thad."

"I'm sorry Rach, but I'm not going to budge on this. If you want to know, you need to ask Blaine." Rachel looked at him for a moment before setting her coffee and muffin on the table and looking at Thad once more. "Nope." Thad said before taking another bite. Then once he took a sip of his coffee, he saw Rachel straddle his lap. After taking another sip of his coffee, Thad looked up at her as he set his coffee aside. "Still not going to work."

"Come on." Rachel said before placing her hands on his shoulders.

"Rachel, while I would love to tell you, it's not my place."

"So, this is serious."

"Yes." Thad replied while sliding his arms around her waist. "And I care too much about Blaine to share something that personal to him. Though, I'm a bit surprised that you don't know."

"Why?"

"Because what I do know of Kurt, he has a big, freaking mouth. And, he is most likely to share information that isn't his to share." Once he spoke, Thad looked at Rachel who pursed her lips. "See, you know that to be true."

"This might sound bad, but he's probably one of the worst gossips I know."

"Considering what Blaine told of us the New Directions, that speaks volumes."

"Are you sure Kurt would know?"

"If he doesn't, I'd be shocked." Thad then leaned forward and kissed her. "Now, even though you're not going to get the information you wanted. What were you going to do to try and get it?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

"I would or I wouldn't have asked." Thad told her as he pulled her a bit closer. After he did, Rachel leaned closer till her lips were against his ear.

"Like you, I'm not telling." That was the last thing Thad expected to hear and when she sat back the accompanying smile had him shaking his head. "Thad, what are you thinking?"

"That I could get it out of you."

"I doubt it."

"You wanna bet?" The words had just left his mouth as he got up off the couch enough to flip them so she was lying beneath him on it. "What were you saying?" Thad asked as he looked down at her.

"That I doubted that you could get it out of me."

"We'll see about that." Thad replied as he got settled above her before leaning over and placing a soft kiss just behind her ear before trailing those kisses a bit lower. When he reached her pulse point he placed light, feathery kisses upon it sending chills through her body.

"Thad." She sighed softly.

"What were you going to do Rach?" He asked between kisses, being aware to keep his hands in place, bracing himself.

"Nothing."

"I doubt that." Thad replied before continuing to kiss her neck, causing her to run her hands over his back. "What were you going to do Rach, were you going to kiss me?"

"Yes." She replied, her voice airy than moments earlier.

"It would take more than that."

"I know, but it would be a start." Rachel said before turning her head to capture his lips with hers. Once they began to kiss, Thad lowered himself down till he was lying above. With one of her legs between his, he could only pray she didn't move it. The two got so lost in their kiss that it wasn't till they heard a noise did it break.

"No need to stop on my account." Santana said as Thad looked back at her as Rachel leaned her head back onto the cushion. "Clearly I interrupted something."

"We were only kissing Santana." Rachel told her as Thad rolled onto his side into the space between Rachel and the back of the couch. "Did you have a good night?"

"Always, I was with Jordan." Santana replied with a smile while she sat down in the chair beside them. "Make sure you watch the news tonight as Jordan is hosting a new feature."

"Any particular reason aside from seeing her?" Thad asked, propping his head up with his hand.

"She's hosting a new feature on the up and coming music scene." Once Santana spoke, Rachel and Thad both stared at her. "Yes, Blaine is part of the story."

"Does he know?" Rachel asked before Thad pressed a kiss to her head. "What?"

"If he's part of the story, I'm sure he knows." Thad said earning confirmation from Santana. "Is he only spoken about or did she sit down with him for an interview?"

"She sat down with all of them for an interview about a week or so ago. Jordan showed me the presumable final cut and it's really good. And I can't believe I'm saying this, but Blaine looks so adorable during it while also looking hot." When Thad looked at her, Santana laughed. "I know, it doesn't sound like something I'd say, but it's true. Sebastian is going to freak when he sees it. And before you ask, yes Blaine knows it's airing tonight as Jordan called him this morning to give him confirmation of when it was airing."

"It's great timing since his parents are in town." Rachel replied as she put a pillow behind her head to prop it up a bit.

"Jordan and I talked about that as well. But she said if they weren't, she would've made certain that Blaine got a copy of it to send to them. Now, should I go back out and let the two of you get back to what you were doing?"

"No, you don't have to go." Rachel told her. "We're just going to take it easy today."

"Risky." Santana replied.

"Why?"

"Uh, Kurt could show up."

"I think after Valentine's Day, he knows he needs to stay away from me for awhile." Rachel replied. "If not, he's going to find Thad here."

"I like this new side of you Berry. But since I mentioned his name, how did things go with Blaine's parents last night? Were they still the scary people you imagined?" When Santana spoke, Thad couldn't refrain from laughing. "I guess you don't picture the Andersons as scary."

"Far from it." Thad replied.

"No, they were nothing like any of the other times I ever met them. And I'm sure you're going to love this bit of information, they adore Sebastian." The laughter that came from Santana caused them both to look at one another.

"I told you they never liked Kurt!"

"From what I saw of them around Sebastian last night, there is now no doubt in my mind that you were right. They put up with Kurt for Blaine's sake. But they honestly adore Sebastian."

"Do they truly adore Sebastian?" Santana asked as she looked directly at Thad.

"I probably wouldn't use the word adore." Thad replied before glancing at Rachel. "But they like him, a lot. And there is no doubt they approve. I mean, they were their usual selves around his parents."

"You mean exchanging those little kisses that they don't think we all see." Santana said and they both nodded. "And during the performance did Sebastian get that, I so love him, look in his eyes."

"Yes." Rachel replied. "And at one point, when Blaine was singing a love song, Mrs. Anderson nudged her husband before pointing at Sebastian and smiling."

"Yea, they approve." Santana said while being unable to stop from smiling. "That must make Blaine happy."

"I'd have to agree." Thad told her. "Now, what are your plans for the day since you already asked ours?"

"Jordan is coming by here after dropping the footage off at the studio. Since she has time before she goes on the air tonight, we were just going to take it easy as well. Sometimes a quiet day is exactly what one needs."

"That is something you don't need to tell me twice." Thad said. "Being in Med school has me all the more aware how precious quiet time is."

"Yet, I noticed your bag by the table."

"That's because I always have reading to do."

While the three of them talked, Jeff and Morgan were heading out to meet Nick and Sophie for lunch. Even with the relationship being new, it was clear how well the two clicked which pleased both Jeff and Morgan as they knew how much Nick hated being a third wheel. Once Jeff slid his arm around her shoulders as they walked, Morgan looked up at him. "Is it wrong to wish they hadn't called when they did?" Jeff asked noticing the look in her eyes.

"Not really." Morgan replied. "But as easily as we could've spent the entire day in bed together, you couldn't say no to spending some time with Nick."

"That must sound pathetic." Jeff told her as they made their way across the street.

"Not in the slightest. He's your best friend and you two don't get to see each other too often." Morgan told him as she slid her arm around his waist. "And there is nothing saying we can't get back to what we were doing." When Jeff smirked, she tapped his hip with her hand. "If you're good, I'll put on what I bought for Valentine's Day again."

"The heels too?"

"Yes, the heels too." Morgan replied before stretching to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Considering you're about a foot taller than me, it's only right. So, you don't think it was weird I took Blaine with me shopping for it?"

"It's a bit different, but I'm not complaining. You two found something that was equal balance of sexy, yet sweet." Jeff then leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "If it had been red instead of pink, I don't think sweet would've been in my description though."

"That's something Blaine mentioned as well."

"Did you buy anything else that day?"

"You'll have to wait and see." Morgan replied playfully before stretching once more to kiss him.

By the time the two walked into the café, they were both smiling as not only were they both in good moods, but they'd received a text from Blaine that the feature would be airing that night. "Do we even want to know why you're both in such good moods?" Nick asked as they slid into the booth across from them.

"Only part of the reason." Jeff replied with a wink as they both removed their coats.

"Why am I not surprised?"

"You know me." When Jeff looked at Nick, Morgan only shook her head.

"Before the two of you get into it in a manner only you can." Morgan began. "Blaine texted to let us know the feature Jordan did on us is airing tonight at seven and then they're going to do a replay during the eleven o'clock news."

"That's wonderful." Sophie replied. "You must all be so excited."

"I'm a bit dazed by it all honestly." Morgan told her. "Truly, I don't know how Blaine deals with it all at times since most of the focus is on him."

"I'd have to say, his easy going demeanor is part of it." Nick said. "The other, he's got you guys with him for this crazy ride so he knows he's not alone."

"Not to mention, he's got Sebastian who he's said more than once helps keep him grounded." Jeff added. "I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest that the two of them talk about everything that's happening quite a bit."

"Me either." Morgan replied before they all ordered something to drink while continuing to look over the menus.

"Do either of you know if Blaine and Sebastian are with his parents today?" Sophie asked. "I'm only asking since Nick mentioned that last night was the first time the Andersons met Sebastian in person."

"From what I'd guess, yes, they're all together." Jeff told her. "From what Mr. A said last night, this weekend was all about them getting to know Sebastian better. Much how next weekend is going to be about Sebastian's parents getting to know Blaine better."

"Crazy to think at this time last year, Blaine still felt rather alone." Morgan said as she leaned against Jeff. "I wish he would've felt strong enough to reach out to the rest of you."

"We do too." Nick replied. "Yet, he needed to choose the time that was right for him. As he's mentioned to Wes, he didn't want to try and work himself back into our lives when he wasn't sure how we all felt about what happened. Whether we all want to admit it or not, Hummel did one hell of a number on him. Yet whatever epiphany he had that brought him to Sebastian, also brought him back to all of us and for that I'm grateful."

"Hell, Blaine's only gotten stronger since that first video chat we all had when he told us all that he and Sebastian were a couple." Jeff added. "You could tell he was trying to find the right words, but decided to just blurt it out which was honestly the best way to handle it."

"Was that the first any of you knew?" Sophie asked just as the waitress approached to take their order.

"No, Thad knew as did Hunter." Nick replied. "But they were both sworn to secrecy. It was up to Blaine and Sebastian to tell the rest of us they were a couple."

"It was only a matter of time." Jeff said as he leaned back in the booth.

"You and Thad are never going to drop that, are you?"

"Never."

"Drop what?" Morgan asked as she as well as Sophie looked between the two.

"Just that we were right." Jeff told her before kissing her. "That's something Nick here and the rest of the guys have to deal with."

"You're an ass at times, you know that." Nick stated as he looked at Jeff who was smirking. "Yea, you know it. Trust me, I wish I listened to you, alright." Yet before anyone else had a chance to speak, they all noticed a gentleman standing at the end of their table. "May we help you?"

"You're Morgan, aren't you?" The man asked causing Jeff's arm to slid down and pull her flush against him. It also made him thankful that he was sitting on the outside.

"Do, I know you?" Morgan asked as she looked up at the man.

"No." The man replied. "But I know you."

"And how do you know her?" Jeff asked.

"She plays bass for Blaine Anderson."

"I do. What can I do for you?"

"First, let me apologize as this must be coming off as a bit creepy." The man said and both Jeff and Nick nodded. "I just wanted to let you know I think you're extremely talented, you all are. I've seen you perform numerous times and keep spreading the word to friends who haven't heard you yet."

"Thank you." Morgan replied as she looked up at him.

"Do you know if you guys are going to be releasing any music anytime soon?"

"Our record label is currently deciding when to do so."

"Excellent!" The man said with a big smile. "I uh…take it that this is your boyfriend?"

"That would be correct." Jeff replied causing Morgan to nudge him in the side.

"Yes, this is my boyfriend."

"I had to ask."

"Understandable." Nick said knowing Jeff could easily put his foot in his mouth which wouldn't be good.

"Sorry again for interrupting you guys, but I…"

"It's okay." Morgan told him. "I'm sure once we know more, Blaine will be sharing the information during a show."

"Cool! You guys have a good day and again, I'm sorry for bothering you." They all nodded before saying goodbye.

"And here you thought only Blaine was getting attention." Sophie said with a smile. "No wonder Jeff tends to be on edge when you perform."

"If you heard some of the things Sebastian and I have heard when they're all on stage, you'd get it. I understand people gawking at them, but some people are flat out creepy. Personally, I couldn't be happier that they now have an even bigger security detail." Once Jeff finished, Morgan kissed him on the cheek. "It's true."

"I know and we all feel the same way." Morgan said as she set her hand on Jeff's thigh. "Trust me; I was a bit freaked when that guy came up to me. Having people recognize you is weird."

By the time Jordan arrived at the loft, the three of them were stretched out watching a movie. "Should I bother asking what kept you?" Santana asked after giving her a kiss. But soon slide her arms around her waist when she noticed she seemed distracted. "Jordan, what's going on?"

"After a long week, I'm not handling stupidity well today." Jordan then leaned in to give Santana a kiss.

"What happened?" Santana asked as she took ahold of her hand and guided her towards Rachel and Thad. "Or, am I better off not knowing?"

"I think you'll laugh, honestly. I just hate when people make assumptions about things I know are wrong."

"What happened?" Thad asked as they got settled.

"One of the production assistants walked in when I was screening the final cut of Blaine's interview with my producer and proceeded to exclaim that Blaine is sleeping with Morgan."

"Excuse me?" Santana asked.

"That was my thought. But I guess, she saw them after a show and Blaine was holding her hand as they made their way through the crowd."

"He's done that for both Morgan and Talia." Thad replied.

"I know that. But this idiot automatically presumed it meant they're a couple."

"Well, Blaine did tell Hummel that he was confused again so he was sleeping with her." Before he even finished all the girls were laughing. "Think about it guys, I wouldn't be surprised if all of them are coupled up at some point or another."

"Did you correct her?" Rachel asked as she settled against Thad's chest.

"I did, but carefully as I don't want to say something I shouldn't. I just told her that I know for a fact that they aren't a couple as she's got a boyfriend who is tall and blond. And that her boyfriend is actually one of Blaine's high school friends."

"Well played." Thad told her, and Santana and Rachel agreed. "Blaine said he's not going to hide the fact that he's gay, but he doesn't want a big deal made out of it."

"That's what I remembered so I felt it was better to confirm it from Morgan's side and point out that Jeff is a high school friend of Blaine's."

"True. You should probably mention that to the two of them though."

"I plan on it. My producer got a good laugh out of it since he knows I'm friends with them all."

"Didn't that come across as a conflict of interests?" Rachel asked as she looked across at them.

"It could've, but I was able to do my job." Jordan replied. "Though, being friends with them did probably entitle me to some questions that they probably wouldn't have answered otherwise. My producer was really impressed with the interview. He feels it's quite the get considering the way their career is starting to take off. Have any of you seen their tour schedule for this summer?" All three of them shook their heads. "They are going to be some busy individuals. They're not only going to be playing their usual venues, but they're actually playing quite a few festivals as well."

"I wonder why Blaine hasn't mentioned it."

"Probably, because it's still a few months off." Thad told her. "And as much as we want to know everything that is going on with him, we're not going to. Things are picking up for him and I'm sure he's only trying to make sense out of everything."

"Thad's right, Rach." Santana added. "I'm sure Blainers will tell us all about it when he gets a chance. With so much going on, I'm sure he's got a lot on his mind like Thad said. We just have to wait. And while we all know we matter to him. If anyone is going to be in know, in the up to the minute happens, it's Sebastian."

"But…" Once Rachel began to speak, both Thad and Santana looked at her. "Okay, you've got a point. He probably doesn't want to tell any of us anything till everything is official."

"Probably."

"Hopefully we'll get some time with him before he leaves."

"That's going to be limited Rach." Thad told her. "Remember, he and Sebastian are going on vacation shortly after he graduates and before Sebastian starts his internship. Just think, depending on how your audition went, you might not have as much time on your hands as you think."

"Thad's got a good point." Santana chimed in quickly as she knew it was going to be hard on Rachel with Blaine going away. "Do you know if Blainers made that phone call for you?"

"Yes, and he said I probably wouldn't hear from him till Monday since that's when the show is dark."

"Care to tell me who this mystery person is?" Thad asked.

"Just a friend of Blaine's who is in the show I'm auditioning for."

"Why all the secrecy?" Jordan asked since Santana had been extremely vague about it as well.

"I'm superstitious." Rachel told her. "Only two people know which show it is and they are Santana and Shelby."

"Shelby is your birth mom, right?" Thad asked as he was trying to keep the bits of information she'd shared with him straight.

"That is correct. I want to share, I've just had bad luck in that regard. So, until I'm further along in the audition process, I'm going to keep quiet."

"Enjoy this time while you can Thad as once she starts talking, nothing will shut her up." Santana said with a laugh as Jordan smiled.

"We'll see about that." At Thad's response, all the girls' eyes widened and Santana only laughed louder.

"God, you are so much like Sebastian!"

"Maybe, but yours is the mind that went to the gutter with my comment senorita Lopez." The next thing that happened was Santana responding in Spanish to Thad who retorted in the same manner till they were having quite the conversation that had Jordan and Rachel looking between each other as well as Santana and Thad. While they were tempted to get into it, the fact that they were laughing occasionally they sat back and let the two continue. In that moment, it now made even more sense to Rachel why Blaine was brushing up on his French after hearing Sebastian and Sophie speak. But at least for Blaine, he could partial understand the conversation, Rachel was completely lost.

It seemed their conversation was dwindling when Rachel's phone went off and the two got completely animated. When Jordan tilted her head, Rachel explained that it was Kurt on the phone before getting up to walk to the far side of the loft. Even being on the other side, there was no way Kurt wasn't going to hear the conversation Santana and Thad were having. Yet in that moment, Rachel was beyond thankful that they were having it in Spanish as it was clear neither was happy. "Hi Kurt."

"Miracles do happen." Kurt replied before hearing her sigh. "Sorry about that, I was beginning to think you were avoiding me since I kept getting your voice mail."

"I've just been busy between work and auditions. Not to mention, for a stretch I needed to be in the right frame of mind considering what was happening. Now, what can I do for you?"

"What's going on in the background, I hear a lot of noise?"

"Santana and Thad are having a rather intense conversation in Spanish."

"What is Harwood doing there?" Kurt snapped in response causing Rachel to roll her eyes.

"He's a friend of ours Kurt. Now, back to why you called."

"After what occurred on Valentine's Day, I had a few questions that I felt you were the only one I could trust asking."

"You trust me even though I didn't tell you Blaine was dating Sebastian."

"I do, as I can understand why you did it knowing how I feel about the Meerkat."

"What do you want to know Kurt?"

"Was that really Blaine's bodyguard and manager that tried to keep me away from him?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Yes, Blaine has a manager as well as a bodyguard now. Anything else?"

"Has he really signed a record deal as the manager stated the record label was behind getting Blaine a bodyguard?"

"Yes."

"You're not kidding me, are you?"

"No."

"Your answers are pretty short."

"It's best when talking about Blaine as we clearly disagree about how he is living his life."

"I still can't believe you're supporting of his relationship with…"

"Sebastian." Rachel said quickly as she didn't want to hear Kurt call him the Meerkat again. "I do, as he's nothing like I thought. Plus, it's been years since you last were around him Kurt, we've all changed."

"Well, the limited time I've been around him he's still the same arrogant bastard he always was."

"You must bring it out in him as he's nothing but a gentleman around me."

"Rachel."

"It's true Kurt, whether you want to believe it or not. And…" Rachel stopped herself from saying anything else as she almost mentioned the fact that the Andersons are in town and like him. "Just face it; the two of you are never going to get along so it's pointless trying to debate the fact."

"True. What about the rest of them?"

"By them I'm presuming you're talking about the Dalton boys?"

"Yes, and…Smythe's buddy, Hunter. Honestly, who the hell names their kid Hunter?"

"All of the guys are actually very nice and charming."

"Don't let that act fool you Rachel, they're all snobs."

"Clearly, we're not going to agree about them either. And since that's the case, I'd appreciate it if you refrained from talking badly about them to me. This won't be the first time we've each had friends the either didn't completely care for."

"True, just be careful around them as they aren't who you think they are."

"I will." Rachel told him even though she knew his perspective on them was skewed. It also reminded her that she was going to have to be careful when she finally tells him she's dating Thad. While these thoughts were going through her head, Kurt sighed softly as talking to Rachel let him know that she was still in the dark about what had gone on during his and Blaine's marriage. The week before had certainly thrown him for a loop finding out that Sebastian wasn't the only one that knew how bad things had gotten. Having Wes and Hunter knowing made him uneasy because he wasn't sure how much they knew while Sebastian had made it clear he knew everything. "Kurt, I need to get going as we're going to all go out and grab something to eat."

"Oh, okay. Do you think we can do that sometime soon?"

"We can try. As I mentioned, things are a bit crazy since I'm auditioning again."

"I remember. Just, call me when you know you have time and we'll figure it out."

"I can do that. But…"

"I know, you need to go as I know how impatient Santana can get."

"Thanks."

"And Rachel, good luck on your audition."

"Thank you. Bye."