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.

55. Chapter 55

Five Years Later

Part 55

After receiving a text the night before from Blaine letting her know that Jean-Baptiste hates it when anyone is late, Rachel got up a bit earlier than she had planned. Since she'd requested this meeting and Blaine had made it happen, the last thing Rachel wanted was upsetting Jean-Baptiste. Especially should everything work out, they'd be seeing quite a bit of one another. With as nervous as she was, she really wished Santana was home but she'd crashed at Jordan's the previous night. So, after checking the clock, Rachel decided to give Thad a call since he still had some time before his first class.

The moment she spoke, Thad could tell that she was nervous, so he sat back on his couch and relaxed. He'd learned pretty quickly that when Rachel was nervous, she spoke a mile-a-minute so it was best to get comfortable. Not only did she speak quickly, it was often hard to get a word in edge wise. In the middle of her ramble, Thad took a deep breath when he heard her mention she was having lunch with Kurt after meeting with Jean-Baptiste. "Rach, hun, you need to take a deep breath or you're going to hyperventilate." Thad told her once she finished and he could hear her almost immediately do so. "While, you're being vague about what you're meeting Blaine's friend about and I get that. Why, are you having lunch with Hummel?"

"It's because I've been putting it off for almost two months' time." Rachel told him as she slipped into her shoes. "And, the last couple of times we've spoken he hasn't asked about Blaine. I really believe he's starting to understand what Blaine does is none of his business." When Thad laughed almost sarcastically if possible, Rachel shook her head. "Thad."

"I'm sorry, but I don't think he's going to give it up that easy. He was livid that you kept that Blaine and Sebastian were together from him. For all you know he was only being nice so he could lure you into a false sense of security."

"Thad, aren't you being a bit dramatic?"

"Look who we're talking about Rachel. I bet if you asked Santana the same thing, she'd give you a similar answer." Thad replied. "I'm sorry, but I don't trust him as his actions have spoken volumes." Once the words came out of his mouth, Thad sat up as he needed to collect his thoughts. Luckily Kurt had acted out in front of all of them so he could only hope Rachel wouldn't read more into his words than the obvious. "So, where are you meeting Jean-Baptiste?"

"Your favorite coffee shop." Rachel replied sweetly. "I thought while I was there I might pick you up some. Would you like that?"

"You know I would like that very much, thank you. Do you have plans for after you meet with Hummel?"

"No, why do you ask?" Rachel said as she grabbed her coat as she was going to continue this call on her way to the coffee shop.

"I was wondering if you wanted to come over. I mean, I'm obviously going to have some studying to do, but I'd like to see you." Thad told her. While he really did want to see her, he also wanted to be able to talk to her in person after meeting with Kurt. Anytime she'd spoken to Kurt since New Year's Eve, there always seemed to be a bit of residual feeling from it. And with everything currently going on for her, he wanted to make sure Kurt didn't throw her off her game. Once Rachel agreed, Thad felt a bit better knowing he was going to get to see her face to face that evening.

By the time Rachel got off her train, she checked the time and was thrilled to see she was still running ahead of schedule. Being early was going to allow her to not only get Thad's coffee ahead of time, but also hopefully snag them one of the back tables. Since it had been quite some time since she'd last seen Jean-Baptiste, she was keeping a look out as she walked. Upon entering the coffee shop, she was happy to see it was rather quiet, plus one of the back tables was free. So after placing her own order, she ordered Thad's coffee.

Once she was seated, Rachel made a point to take the seat facing the door so she could see Jean-Baptiste enter. It was only about ten minutes later when he came walking in which was still early in regards to their scheduled meeting time. Anytime she'd seen him, he'd been dressed rather nicely, but that shouldn't have been a surprise since they'd been out. But, she was still a bit thrown to see him come walking in wearing jeans and a hoodie. After calling out his name, he waved in response before pointing to the counter as he was going to get coffee before joining her.

Rachel took a deep breath as he looked so different, but considering the setting it shouldn't be surprising. Though, the way he was carrying himself was very much as she remembered. When he came walking towards her with a latte and a muffin she composed herself before he sat down across from her. "Good morning Rachel."

"Good morning." She replied as he broke off a piece of his muffin. "Thank you once again for agreeing to meet with me.

"Considering everything that is going on with Blaine right now, I had a feeling it must've been important for him to ask." Jean-Baptiste said before popping the piece into his mouth. "I honestly don't know how he's doing it all."

"Very carefully." Rachel told him. "So, the two of you actually spoke and not just through text?"

"We did actually. And we spoke last night as well. Part of the conversation was me asking if he had any shows coming up on a Monday so I can catch his act in person."

"Does he?"

"In a couple of weeks. So not only will I get to see him, but I'll get to meet his Sebastian." He said before taking a sip of his latte. "Now, what would you like to know Miss Berry?"

"Well, I have my secondary audition tomorrow and…"

"You want to know what they are looking for, correct?" Rachel nodded. "Obviously, they are looking for a distinct voice. But, if you're asking if they're looking for someone exactly like you're replacing, no. They're looking for the best actress for the part. Each actress seems to add her own special touch to the role." Rachel smiled as what he was telling her was very much what Shelby had told her when it came to recasting a part, yet she wanted to be sure. "You should also know the further you get, at one point you'll be singing with other members of the cast, including me as they want to make certain the chemistry is there."

"That's good to know." Rachel told him. "Also, I presumed at a certain point I'd have to sing with other cast members if I got far enough in the process."

"Could I ask you a question?" Jean-Baptiste asked after taking another bite and Rachel nodded once more. "Why didn't you tell Blaine why you needed to speak to me in particular?"

"With everything that's going on, I wanted him to concentrate on himself." Rachel replied. "So much is going on for him right now that I didn't want him worrying about me. And you know Blaine; he only ever wants the best for those in his life."

"That I do know." He said. "He was so happy for me when I got this role and was one of my biggest cheerleaders along the way. So I understand where you are coming from. From everything I've heard, his life is moving at mock speed."

"It is and I couldn't be happier for him." Rachel said. "Not only has he got a record deal and is going on tour, but his personal life has come together."

"I got that from when he and I spoke last night as he was at Sebastian's." When Rachel giggled, he tilted his head. "I guess that's not a surprise."

"Not really. Do you have any recommendations for songs to sing during my callbacks?"

"Just ones that you are comfortable with and can show what you're capable of. Yet stay away from ones from our specific show. They heard them hundreds of times so they don't need to hear it during your audition. Obviously though, there will be a time where you will be singing them, but let that be their call."

"That's good to know as I have a few songs prepared so I had my bases covered."

"You really want this, don't you?"

"I do. Trust me, after Funny Girl; I've learned a lot about how the theater world works." When Jean-Baptiste smirked, Rachel looked at him. "I have. Why do you think I've done a lot of ensemble and smaller part work? I know I needed to pay my dues."

"Not to mention you got a bit of an ego."

"Hence my comment, I know I rubbed a lot of people the wrong way."

"It takes a lot to admit when you screwed up." He said. "And the fact that you reached out to Blaine to speak with me, speaks volumes. You certainly aren't as full of yourself as the first time we met."

"I've learned a lot, as I said."

"So it seems. Just keep in mind, that even though the role you're going for is one of the leads, we're all a big family."

"I will." Once she replied, he glanced at his watch before looking back at her. "While I would love to chat longer, I need to get going. I'm taking part in a kids' workshop this afternoon and need to get a warm-up in. But hopefully, I'll be seeing you during a later part of the process."

"Do you mean that?"

"I do. You've got quite the voice Rachel, it's time you showcased it once more." After he spoke, Jean-Baptiste got up from his seat.

"I appreciate it." Rachel replied as she got to her feet as well.

"It's true and you can ask Blaine, I don't give out compliments for no reason. Maybe I'll see you before then at one of Blaine's shows if you attend."

"I attend quite a few so there is a good chance of it. Thank you once again Jean-Baptiste."

"You are welcome. Now, I need to go. Bye Rachel."

Once he left, Rachel glanced at the clock and couldn't believe where time had gone. So she quickly gathered her things and a lid for her coffee before heading on her way to meet Kurt. Considering the conversation they'd had the day before, Rachel knew he'd throw a fit if she was late. Luckily the trains were running on time and she was walking up to the restaurant just as she spotting Kurt coming at her from the opposite direction.

After giving her a hug, Kurt looked at her. "I must say I'm impressed." He said as they headed towards the door. "I honestly expected you to be late since you were meeting with that egotist." The words no sooner left his mouth did Rachel sigh as they approached the host station. Once he finished telling him how many in their party, he looked at Rachel who as staring at him. "What?"

"Could you please try to refrain from insulting people I hang around with while in my presence?" Rachel asked him as she was in too good of a mood for him to ruin it from the start. "If Jean-Baptiste was such an egotist, he wouldn't have agreed to sit and meet me for coffee so we could talk. Especially, since he's part of a workshop this afternoon before his show." Once Kurt's lips formed a pout, Rachel could tell she got her point across. Before she spoke again, they were led to their table which was a bit of a surprise considering the time. "Now, how has your day been going?"

"It's your typical sort of day." Kurt replied as their water was poured. "Isabelle is stressing over deadline even though we still have a couple of days. But she wouldn't be her if she didn't. Is that coffee I'm seeing in that bag?"

"Yes." Rachel told him before looking over the menu, though she already knew what she was having. "I picked it up for a friend."

"Might this be the same friend you've been seeing quite a bit of?" Kurt asked and Rachel relaxed because there was no sarcasm hidden in his tone.

"If you're asking if the coffee is for my boyfriend, then yes, it is." Rachel replied just as their waitress approached for their order. "He goes through quite a bit of it with all the studying he's doing."

"Wait, the person you're seeing is still in school? Rachel." The disapproving look he gave her caused her to sigh softly. "And here I thought from the car I saw the two of you getting in, he was a professional."

"He's in graduate school."

"I see." Kurt said. "What is he going to school to become?"

"A doctor." Rachel told him rather proudly. "He's quite smart and wants to be able to help people."

"How sweet." Kurt told her before taking a sip of his water. "I take it since he's in school is why I haven't met him yet."

"You haven't met him yet as the relationship is still new and I'd prefer we have our footing before he meets a ton of people."

"Let me guess, Santana's met him."

"Of course she has, and she likes him." When Kurt cocked his head, Rachel shook hers. "Why do you dismiss her opinion so? Not just hers, but that reaction is as though you don't trust my judgment anymore."

"Maybe it has to do with something we all don't agree upon." Kurt replied. "Not to mention that one moment on your phone." It took quite a bit of composure on Rachel's part not to role her eyes. "Face it Rachel, you've made some questionable decisions since you began hanging around more with Blaine and...and those people."

"Did you just call Blaine's other friends, those people?" Rachel asked trying to not to laugh at the absurdity of it all.

"Yes." Kurt said. "I can't refer to them just as, Warblers, because there are others. Plus, it's the least offense able term I could think of in the moment. I'm truly trying not to insult them even though I don't like them."

"Well, those people are my friends as well Kurt. And you don't really know any of them." Rachel replied as their food was brought to them. "I'm sure they've all changed since you last saw them, much as you have changed. But since Blaine and the others are a touchy topic, let's talk about you. Are you seeing anyone?" Once the worlds left her mouth, Rachel took the bite of her salad.

"I actually have a date tomorrow night." Once those words left his mouth, Rachel couldn't believe how happy she was. Not only was he going on a date, but she hoped that meant he was going to leave Blaine alone. "Though, I'm a bit nervous."

"Why, if you don't mind me asking?"

"It's just been awhile since I've been on one." Kurt replied after he swallowed. "Hopefully it goes well."

"I hope it does as well. You deserve to be happy after everything."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." Rachel told him between bites. "Why would you think I wouldn't feel that way?"

"Considering everything you've heard, I'm a bit surprised that you feel that way."

"Are you referring to what Wes said on Valentine's Day?" When she asked, Rachel was curious of the answer she was going to get since Thad wouldn't go near the subject and she'd yet to broach it with Blaine. "Kurt?" Once she spoke his name, she could've sworn he looked uneasy in his seat. "Did you cheat on Blaine?"

"They're trying to make Blaine look innocent by accusing me." Kurt said quickly before taking another bite. "Don't listen to them." In all the years that she'd known him, this was the first time she could remember him behaving this way. While plenty of accusations had flown between all parties, she clearly remembered the look on Kurt's face when Wes spoke to him and it wasn't that of an innocent person. Considering the setting, Rachel wasn't going to push anymore as the last thing she wanted was a scene. But it set her resolve that she was going to ask Thad for an answer on the topic once and for all. "Rachel."

"I'm going to drop it as Wes clearly bothered you."

"He surprised me, that's all." Kurt replied and Rachel nodded, silently accepting his answer though she knew it was far from the truth. Between the way he acted in that moment, and the other things she and Santana had noticed, Rachel couldn't shake the feeling that what Wes had said was true. Yet after the way Kurt had treated Blaine after his hook-up, it was hard to believe that he'd do the same thing. "Rachel?"

"Sorry, I thought I heard my phone vibrate in my bag."

"Boyfriend?"

"Actually, I'm expecting a call from my agent some time today."

"Agent, Jean-Baptiste…you're auditioning again."

"Yes, I am as I felt it's time."

"Why talk with Jean-Baptiste and not Jesse as the two of you are actually friends?"

"I needed an honestly opinion." Rachel replied. "With Jesse being my friend, even though he's blunt, he'd be more likely to spare my feelings. While Jean-Baptiste was more likely to be direct with me."

"What did he tell you?"

"That if this is what I truly want, to go for. Plus, he gave me other advice as well which I won't get into."

"While I can't believe it, it sounds like the two of you had a very nice talk."

"We did. Regardless of what you think of him, he's actually a nice guy."

"Agree to disagree. I didn't like him when Blaine and I were together, and that won't change. I never understood how Blaine could be friends with him, yet considering who he's with now…Blaine tends to be drawn toward arrogant assholes." The words had barely left Kurt's mouth and Rachel sighed loudly. "I'm sorry."

"No you're not, so don't even pretend to be." When Kurt went to speak, Rachel shook her head. "Don't. All I asked of you was not to insult them around me, and you can't do that."

"Like they don't bad mouth me." Kurt replied defensively. "I'm sure the…Sebastian trashes me every chance he gets."

"Actually, Sebastian doesn't talk about you, at least around me. What he says to the guys, I don't know but that's between them." Rachel told him as she grabbed her wallet out of her purse.

"What are you doing Rachel?"

"I…I can't do this right now Kurt." Rachel said as she pulled money out for her portion. "All I asked was for you not to do what you just did…yet you couldn't. It's as though you're trying to force me to choose sides, and I won't. I didn't do it when Blaine left you or through the divorce, so I'm not going to do it now."

"Rachel, I'm sorry. Don't go…please."

"I need to Kurt. I've got too much going on that I really can't afford to get upset." While she spoke, Rachel got up from her seat and gathered her things. "Clearly, it's going to be a while still till we can sit down and have a conversation in which one of us doesn't say something to upset the other. I hope you have a wonderful time on your date tomorrow night. I meant it when I said you deserve to be happy. Good bye Kurt." When she walked out of the restaurant, Kurt was in shock as Rachel walking out was not something he ever expected. While he knew he crossed a line, he didn't think it would push her to the point of leaving. That only proved to him how close she'd gotten with all of them and that irritated him considering his feelings for them all.

Once she was out of the restaurant, Rachel didn't have a clear destination yet her sub-conscious seemed to know exactly where she needed to go. By the time she exited the subway a half hour later, she made that short walk towards Thad's building. With everything that had happened, Rachel needed some answers and she could only hope that this time Thad wasn't going to shut her down when she asked. It wasn't till she was on the ride up in the elevator did Rachel bother to look at what time it was. Even though Thad wasn't going to be home for about another hour, Rachel still got out when she reached his floor. Luckily across from his door was a bench where she could sit while she waited for him to return.

She was reaching the point where she was about to call him, when a body came appeared out of the corner of her eye, and it was Thad. "Thad." Her voice softer than usual when she spoke. When he turned to look at her, there was no doubt in Thad's mind that something was wrong. "Could we talk?" He nodded so she grabbed her things before approaching him.

"How long have you been waiting for me?"

"I…I don't know." Rachel replied before being kissed on her cheek before he opened the door. "I just waited." From the tone in her voice, to how she was carrying herself, Thad couldn't help but wonder what had happened to put her in this state. "You're not upset that I just showed up, are you?"

"No." Thad told her as he set his bag in a chair. "Care to tell me what's going on as I have this feeling you didn't just come by to bring me coffee?" While he spoke, Thad helped her off with her coat before taking her hand and walking them towards the couch. "What happened to bring you to my door Rach?" Once they were comfortable on the couch, Thad brought her legs across his lap as she relaxed against the arm of the couch.

"You know how I was meeting with Jean-Baptiste today." Thad nodded. "I also had lunch with Kurt." When Thad sighed softly, she knew he remembered she was going to be doing that. "Well, the lunch was cut short as he couldn't help himself and insulted quite a few people in my life."

"That doesn't surprise me." Thad replied. "Now, why was the lunch cut short though because if he…."

"Relax; you don't have to go do anything, alright." Rachel then kissed him on the cheek. "But, his behavior during part of our conversation didn't match up with what he was saying."

"In what regards?"

"I asked him about what Wes said to him on Valentine's night.

"Rachel."

"I'm sorry but between your refusal to discuss it and his, I want to know the truth. Thad."

"I'm sorry, I…I can't tell you anything." When Rachel looked at him, Thad took his one hand and ran it through his hair before looking at her. "Rach, I understand you wanting to know…but it's not my place to tell you whether or not what Wes said is true or not. If you want to know, you need to talk with Blaine."

"Thad, please."

"I can't. I won't. Anything that happened while Blaine was married to Hummel is his story to tell." Rachel looked at him and there was something about the way Thad was looking at her, that she knew he wasn't going to tell her.

"Was it really that bad, I mean, can you tell me that?" Thad shook his head, causing her to sigh. Once he slid his arm around her, Rachel rested her head on his shoulder. "Do you know if Blaine is home today or is he with Sebastian?"

"He had class and then he was going to be in the studio." Thad told her as he brought her a bit closer. "I don't know for how long or where he's heading after that. But I can tell you, from the day he has in-store for yourself, now Is not the time to bring this up to Blaine. He's got so much on his plate not to mention the fact that Sebastian's parents are coming into town for a few days."

"You realize what you're saying is essentially confirming what Wes said if I'm not to talk to Blaine about it."

"What I'm saying is Blaine has a lot going on and talking about anything Hummel related could upset him. Talking about his marriage is not something Blaine likes doing." Thad then tucked a strand of hair behind Rachel's ear. "The only one he's completely opened up to is Sebastian and as much as you care about Blaine, you're not Sebastian."

"I know that. I only wish he knew he could talk to me."

"It's not about Blaine feeling he can, it's about him wanting to." Thad then kissed her softly. "We've all got things that we only share if we have to. Some are more personal than others. In Blaine's case, it's personal. For as open as Blaine is, he really does keep a lot to himself. Considering the things Blaine's been through in his life, it's understandable." Once the words left him, Rachel looked him in the eyes. "What is it Rach?"

"Even though I came here to talk about Blaine, I think it's time I open up to you. I mean, it's rather hypocritical of me to expect you to share something about Blaine when he's kept my secrets." Rachel then kissed him on the cheek as his expression had changed. "It's sort of complicated; Blaine believes I needed to be the one to share with you as it's my experience, not his. And well, Santana agrees with him."

"Sounds pretty serious." Thad replied. "But, you know you can tell me anything, right?"

"I do. Just try and hear me out, as it's time you know everything."

"About?"

"Finn and me." While she'd filled him in on little bits, she'd clearly left out large pieces. Once she told him that not only had they been engaged, but had almost gotten married had Quinn not been in an accident she watched Thad's eyes widen as he took in what she told him. Then to hear that he loved her enough to end things and put her on a train to pursue her dreams, caused him to wrap both arms around her as her voice began to crack.

After telling him all about the Brody fiasco, it wasn't long till she got to telling him about Finn dying. It was in that moment, Thad could see the tears building in her eyes so he reached for a tissue to hand to her. "If this is too hard Rach, you can stop."

"No, you need to know." Rachel told him as she blotted her eyes. "All of what I'm telling you is why I'm a bit skittish about certain things. And once I tell you everything else, hopefully it'll all make sense. Yet at the same time, know I'll understand if you don't want to be with me anymore."

"Nothing you could say would make me want that." Thad told her before kissing her cheek.

"I won't hold you to that as…just trust me, okay." Thad nodded and Rachel began to speak once again. From the moment she got the call about Finn to going back to Ohio, Thad could see how hard this was for her to talk about. "Now, this is the part that's probably going to be the hardest for you to hear. Finn…Finn was my person. The one I knew I was going to end up with. The one I loved even though we were apart. He…." When she started to cry uncontrollably, Thad just held her tighter and let her cry. To hear how she felt and clearly still feels about Finn, certainly wasn't easy. Yet at that moment, it wasn't about him and he knew Rachel wasn't trying to hurt him with what she was saying.

Once the tears finally stopped, Thad caressed her cheek as she looked up at him. "You okay?" He asked, a softness to his eyes and voice that Rachel hadn't expected.

"Yes. It's just been some time since I've spoken about him."

"You still love him, don't you?"

"A part of me always will." Rachel told him. "Yet, I want you to know that I wouldn't be with you if I didn't believe in what we have. For so long after Finn passed, I believed that I'd never care about or love anyone else. It's one of the reasons why I didn't date as I never felt anything for anyone else. Not to mention that for quite some time I felt it would've been disrespectful to do so. But there was something about you….something that I couldn't quite put my finger on. And trust me; it took me quite a bit of time to figure out what I was feeling as it had been so long."

"And what were you feeling?"

"Attraction, and that's not something I could remember feeling. Heck, Santana and I had quite the conversation about it. That must sound silly."

"It doesn't." Thad reassured her. "I can't even imagine having to go through everything you did. But, why did you think anything you would say would make me not want to be with you?"

"Knowing I still love Finn."

"Rach, you're not the first person to have ever lost someone you love. When my Aunt passed away, my Uncle believed he'd never find that sort of love again. And for quite some time afterwards, he was a bit lost. Yet, a few years later he began to date and live his life again knowing my Aunt wouldn't have wanted him to spend the rest of his life alone."

"Was it hard for him?"

"It was. But my Mom, his sister, as well as the rest of the family supported him as he got his bearings once again. More than once I remember him telling my Mom why should he bother as he'd never find someone like her."

"What did your Mom tell him?" Rachel asked as she looked into his eyes.

"That he didn't need to find someone like her, he needed to find someone who made him happy as he's not the same person he was when he and my Aunt were together. And that just because he loved her, didn't mean he couldn't love another."

"How is he now?"

"He got remarried last summer actually." Thad replied. "And I've got to tell you, there is no doubt in my mind that he loves her. But that doesn't diminish or change the way he felt about his first wife. Hell, I know a part of him is always going to love her and there is nothing wrong with that."

"Is…is that your way of telling me that you're not bothered by the fact that I still love Finn?"

"It is. But I do ask one thing of you."

"What is that?"

"That you're honest with yourself about how you're feeling."

"I will be." Rachel then leaned in and kissed him softly. "And I can tell you right now, that there is no question in my mind about what I'm feeling in regards to you." When she saw a smile creep to his face, she smiled in return. "I bet this wasn't what you were expecting when you came home from class today."

"It's not, but I'm glad it happened. Are you going to stick around for awhile?"

"I'd like to, that is if it won't bother you."

"Not at all, but know I've got a lot of work to do."

"That's fine. After everything, I could use some time with you." Rachel then rested her head on his shoulder. "Would you like some coffee?"

"If you're offering?"

"I am."

"You remember where the grinder is, right?" Rachel nodded before giving him a kiss on the cheek prior to get off his lap. Once she was on her way, Thad reached for his phone which was in his bag and sent a quick text to Blaine and Sebastian letting them know that the three of them needed to talk, and it needed to happen soon.