Five Years Later
Part 61
After stopping by Blaine's apartment after brunch, Victoria told the boys it was going to be easier than they thought to combine their two styles. Hearing that was a relief for them both as they'd hoped it wasn't going to involve a complete makeover of Sebastian's to make it their space instead of his. They also let her know what they were going to need functionally considering Blaine does most of his work at home. Getting this taken care of let them know exactly which pieces of Blaine's were going to be going into storage versus coming with him.
It didn't come as much of a surprise to Sebastian that before his parents prepared to head for the airport, his Mom had put together a few possible designs for them to look at. And let them know she'd put something more concrete together once she was home and had all her fun gadgets to play with. After saying goodbye to them, Blaine and Sebastian both felt a sense of relief as now they had the parent weekends out of the way and they'd gone off well. From what they could both tell, once their respective weekend was over, each set of parents liked their son's boyfriend more than they'd already had.
With Sebastian's parents gone and the guys all on their respective ways home, Blaine and Sebastian finally had time to relax after what ended up being quite the weekend. "How crazy is your upcoming week B?" Sebastian asked as he ran his fingers through Blaine's curls as they relaxed on the couch.
"Nothing out of the ordinary, though having shows tomorrow, Tuesday, and Thursday is a bit different. And as usual I'll be in the studio in-between, why?"
"Curious."
"Bas." Blaine asked as he glanced at him having a feeling something was on Sebastian's mind. "What is it?"
"Honestly, I was curious considering I won't be able to make it to all your performances. So, I was hoping we might be able to fit a late lunch or something in on Tuesday since I won't be seeing you like I usually do."
"That shouldn't be a problem, just let me know when." Blaine then felt Sebastian's lips against his forehead. "Since I'm so busy, care to tell me what I need to pack for our weekend."
"Anything that you'd wear here." Sebastian told him. "And make sure you pack a coat as we are going to be outside some."
"Aright. By chance do your parents know where we're going as I could've sworn I heard your Dad tell you to be careful during our drive?"
"They do know where we are going, but they would've told me to be careful regardless if they knew where we are going. But in this case, they do. I should also tell you, I'm bringing my camera with me."
"Does that mean we're going to do some sight-seeing?"
"Some as I'd like to show you the area."
"So, it's someplace you've been before."
"Yes, more than a few times. Now, you're not going to get any more clues unless I get some about the single they chose for your first."
"That's playing dirty Bas."
"You did say you learned from the best. So, if you want to know more about where we are going, you'll tell me more about the song, and not something vague." Once he was done, Sebastian watched as Blaine's lips began to move, clear he was contemplating what Sebastian had said to him. "So, what will it be?"
"What would you say if I gave you the title?"
"I'm negotiable."
"It's called Our Moment, Our Time. And it's not something you've read as I've written it in the last couple months so it'll be completely new to you. What does that get me?"
"We're going to be near water and it should only take us a couple hours to get to our destination."
"Fair enough."
With everything that had happened during the weekend, Santana was rather thankful Rachel was preparing for the next part of her audition. If there was ever a time she was glad Rachel could get tunnel vision, this was one of those moments. "Are you going to go to Blaine's show tonight?" Rachel asked once Santana appeared on Monday morning.
"Yes, since I don't get to see him nearly as much as everyone else. You?"
"Yes." When Santana looked at her while pouring her coffee, Rachel laughed. "I know, you never expected me to say yes considering I've got the next stage of my audition on Tuesday."
"Precisely, so why are you going?"
"I felt it would give me something to enjoy so I didn't get too nervous beforehand."
"That's not a bad idea." Santana replied as she walked towards her. "Are you rehearsing today or working?"
"Both. Shelby agreed to come and listen to me. She's got an excellent ear so if anyone can tell me any last minute tweaks I need to make, it would be her. Oh, did I tell you that since things have been narrowed down that the director and producer are going to be at this audition?"
"No. Wait, they weren't at the others?"
"Nope, just the casting director and some other people. It was up to them to narrow the field down to those they felt fit the mold of what the other two were looking for. But as I said, the casting director was there so no doubt she had the most influence out of those that were there."
"Are you nervous?"
"Yes, but I know as long as I do my best I've got nothing to be ashamed of." When Santana looked at her, Rachel laughed. "You weren't expecting that, were you?"
"No, but it's nice to hear that even with as badly as you want this, you're seeing things clearly. That if you don't get the part doesn't mean you weren't good enough, just not what they were looking for."
"Precisely. I learned my lessons the hard way so I'm more aware of what's happening around me."
"How'd your talk with Jean-Baptiste go as I never got the chance to talk to you about it?"
"Well. He told me a lot of things Shelby told me, but it was nice hearing it from another source. And he was glad to see me putting myself out there again."
"He's not the only one Rach. You have too much talent to not go for it again."
"Thank you." Rachel replied as she got up off the floor to go sit on the couch. "After I met with Jean-Baptiste, I got quite the reminder of how important it is to surround yourself with people that respect and encourage you."
"What the hell did Hummel do now?" Santana asked, clearly annoyed as she tucked her feet beneath her. The moment Rachel looked at her, Santana tilted her head as she could tell from the change in Rachel's voice Kurt had said something.
"He was just his typical self. One moment he was encouraging, and the next flipping out on me because I spend time with Jean-Baptiste whom he doesn't like."
"Who cares if he doesn't like him, you needed a professional opinion and he was willing to help."
"That was my thought. Yet he couldn't really see passed his dislike of him and then began ripping on everyone Blaine and in part me, surround ourselves with."
"Please tell me you told him off."
"Not completely, but I did leave our lunch as I wasn't going to listen to him anymore. With everything going on, I need positivity. Heck, Jean-Baptiste said a few direct things, but he didn't say them in a malicious way. He was being honest."
"I take it that was why you went to Thad's that day." Rachel nodded. "And let me guess, he wasn't too happy to hear how Kurt acted."
"Not in the slightest. That reminds me, I told him."
"Told who what?"
"I talked with Thad about Finn." The moment those words were said; Santana sat upright and looked directly at Rachel. "He didn't freak out, at all. Just sat and listened."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. And then we had a really nice talk as he understood. We probably would've talked more as I told him, but at one point I started crying pretty bad so you know at that point it's pointless."
"Do you feel better after telling him?"
"I do, as now that information is no longer hanging over my head, waiting for that time I need to tell him."
"May I ask why you told him?"
"I came to realize it was pretty hypocritical of me to ask about Blaine's secrets, when I have secrets of my own that you guys have kept. So, I will patiently wait for Blaine to tell us what's going on should he choose to. But if he doesn't, I now understand as some things aren't meant to be shared with everyone."
"That's probably a philosophy we both should've embraced long ago." Santana said, realizing how badly she'd put Blaine on the spot the night before and how she'd made Sebastian feel. Her inability to leave well enough alone ended up upsetting them both and that's not something she wanted. And even if they denied it, she knows something happened considering the way Wes and Hunter looked after Blaine spoke with them prior to searching for Sebastian.
Considering how things had gone over the weekend, Santana was looking forward to seeing Blaine perform that night. While she enjoyed his shows, it would help her gauge if everything was alright as she assumed Sebastian would be there. And if anyone was going to be honest with her, it would be him because if he was pissed, he'd let her know. Beyond that, Santana had a new perspective on things thanks to her talk with Rachel. Whatever had gone on with Blaine, it clearly wasn't something he wanted to share with them and surprisingly, she was alright with that.
By the time most of those that were coming to the show that night arrived, they couldn't help but notice the conspicuous fact that one was missing, Sebastian. Yet once Hunter took a seat after getting a drink, he explained to those curious that Sebastian should be there shortly as he had studying to finish and couldn't come with Blaine. "Should we even ask how you know this?" Santana asked as she looked for a waitress. "Or did I miss something?"
"Sebastian mentioned it before leaving the library today. And if him not being here startles some, he won't be at the show tomorrow and neither will I as we each have a late lecture and then a seminar first thing Wednesday morning." Santana nodded then looked at Rachel who was sitting next to Brad.
"Where is your other half?"
"Studying as he has a test tomorrow." Rachel replied and soon a smile crept to her face, causing Santana to cock an eyebrow. "Over here!" She called out getting those around her to look at her in a manner similar to Santana. Seeing Rachel that enthusiastic certainly caught Hunter's attention and soon there was someone standing before their table. "I'm glad you were able to make it." Rachel said before scooting over a bit so he could sit. "Everyone, this is Jean-Baptiste." When Brad and Hunter looked at her, Rachel giggled. "He's a friend of Blaine's so relax."
"You're the one currently on Broadway." Hunter said as he put his arm on the back of the booth as he looked at him. "You're portrayal is amazing."
"You've seen the show?"
"I have. I actually took my girlfriend a few weeks ago and she loved it as well."
"Thank you, I'm always happy to hear when people have enjoyed it." Jean-Baptiste replied. "And is your girlfriend here?" He asked as Jordan was sitting next to Hunter and the two laughed before Santana leaned over and kissed Jordan on the cheek.
"No, she's currently in Tampa for work. She'll be upset that she missed you."
"Bring her by sometime either before or after the show. I'll give you my number."
"Soun…" Hunter didn't get to finish as Sebastian plopped down next to him mid-rant. "Bad day?"
"Not until I got here and the dumb-ass working the door couldn't seem to find my name on the list. Then had the nerve to tell me to go wait in that long as fuck line to get in." Sebastian then looked for a waitress much as Santana had as he needed a drink. "When I refused, he started to get a fucking attitude so I called B who had Vincent come and handle thing. Low and behold, my name was second on the fucking list." He then got up to look around. "What the hell does someone need to do to get a fucking drink around here?!"
"Sebastian, we have company." Rachel said quietly after he let out a huff in frustration.
"Bonjour! Jean-Baptiste said as he extended a hand to Sebastian across the table. He then watched as Sebastian looked at him, clearly assessing the situation.
"It's a little late for that sort of greeting, isn't it? Bonsoir serait plus approprié, vous ne pensez pas?" Sebastian said before flagging down a waitress so he and the others could order.
"Vous parlez français?"
"Oui, couramment. And you must be Jean-Baptiste."
"Yes. Are you normally this charming Sebastian?"
"No, you caught me on a rare day." Sebastian said with a smile after ordering his drink. "B will be happy you were able to make it."
"I told him should he play on a Monday, I'd be there."
"So here you are."
"Sebastian." Rachel stated, clearly not amused by the tone of the conversation. "He's Blaine's friend, you should be nice." When Sebastian laughed, Jean-Baptiste shook his head as Blaine's description of Sebastian had been spot on. Then once he factored in that he was in a bad mood because of what happened at the door, Jean-Baptiste wasn't the slightest bit offended.
"Rachel, it's okay, honest." Jean-Baptiste told her. "Sebastian is every bit the person Blaine describe to me. And honestly, I can be as bad." Just as he was speaking, a member of the venue's staff came walking up to their table and asked who Sebastian was and soon all fingers pointed. Sebastian looked at the gentleman before taking the note from him. "Is everything alright?"
The rest of them sat back and waited for Sebastian to open the note. Yet the moment a smile crept to his face, they all knew it was okay. "Blaine?" Hunter asked and Sebastian nodded. "I guess he wanted to make sure you got in."
"Oh, he knew that as Vincent waited till I was through the door before heading back to him." Sebastian replied. "He just told me to calm down as Vincent told him I was pretty pissed. Leave it to B to check on me before he goes on."
"If he didn't relay that message to you, I could've pictured him saying something before he began." Santana said. "Or finding some song to relay the message that you need to relax. No doubt your boy is going to make sure what happened is long forgotten once you get home." When Sebastian looked at her, Santana laughed. "Just as I thought."
"Hey, I can't help it if he wants to take care of me."
"Just as he can't help it that you want to take care of him. You two are quite the pair. I'd say your sappiness is disgusting, but I can't as it's just too cute." Sebastian then tapped his glass against Santana's before taking a drink.
"Let's not fail to mention, you and Jordan are as bad." Once Santana cocked her head, Sebastian laughed. "Don't deny it, as it would be futile. We're made of the same type of cloth Lopez and you know it."
"True, true!" Santana said before leaning over to give Jordan another kiss. "Now, has this brief introduction to us scared you away from any of Blainer's future shows Jean-Baptiste?"
"No, as you guys are everything Blaine ever described. And you Sebastian are exactly what Blaine's needed in his life." That comment brought most eyes to Sebastian who was looking at Jean-Baptiste. "Blaine deserves someone loving and supportive in his life, just as I'm sure Sebastian isn't afraid to give him a nudge when he's weary about trying something."
"And how did you come to this realization as B said the two of you don't get to talk too often?"
"Easy, all it takes it truly listening to him. Hell, most of it came to me when he and I spoke when he was at your place. Why, does that surprise you?"
"Slightly." Sebastian said before taking another sip. "But it's in a good way. B doesn't give much away so to be able to read him like that shows how much you understand him. Not to mention, you didn't have the preconceived notion of who I am in your head."
"Even if I had, one can't ignore just how happy you make him."
"Thank you."
They only got to talk for a bit longer as soon Blaine was introduced. Getting to watch Blaine perform was something they all enjoyed, but getting to see someone see him for the first time was special. All of them could see how impressed Jean-Baptiste was with what he was seeing. And since he knew Blaine had struggled performing in the not so recent past, this was an awakening for him.
While they were all enjoying the show, Thad was taking a break from studying as his head felt like it was going to explode. Not only did he have all the information going through his head, he couldn't seem to get what Blaine had told them out of it as well. After contemplating it a bit, Thad grabbed his phone deciding he needed to give Jeff a call. Even though he knew all of the guys were struggling with what was told, his perspective was slightly different from the others, much as Jeff's was. By the time Jeff answered, it was clear to Thad that Jeff had things on his mind besides the paper he was working on.
"Should I even ask how you managed to keep your head on straight once you went back to Morgan's?" Thad asked as he sat back on his couch. "Or did you and Nick go off somewhere to talk as I doubt he was in a better mindset?"
"Nick and I did go to talk, as we were both too pissed to go back to the girls. Hell, even by the time I got back to Morgan's she knew something was up. Thankfully she didn't push since she knew where I'd gone that morning." Jeff replied as he pushed his laptop back on the table. "I swear, if I wasn't with Nick he was going to go and find Kurt."
"I know the feeling as Hunter stopped me from doing the same thing. Even though everything Sebastian said made sense, I still want to pummel him for what he did to Blaine. Yet, that makes me no better than him."
"Nick and I discussed something similar. Just as him going to talk to Hunter and not you made sense."
"True. Hunter told me how vague their conversation was, but I can understand how he put the pieces together. Kurt really is lucky that Sebastian loves Blaine as much as he does otherwise, I don't think he'd have the same sort of self-control."
"Or the clarity to see if he does anything it's only going to hurt Blaine more. I still can't get over the fact Blaine didn't tell anyone."
"Sadly, I can considering how hard it was for him to tell us and he only told us the basics."
"And we know it was bad when Sebastian didn't even flinch saying the two of them cried quite a bit when Blaine opened up to him. While I never thought Kurt was right for Blaine, I never imagined something like this."
"No one ever does."
"Did you happen to talk to Blaine about waiting to tell Rachel?"
"I did and he had no problem with it as he understood where I was coming from. Plus, he knows how important this is for her. Selfishly, I'm glad he's waiting as it's giving me more time to get a handle on all this. Knowing how we feel, I can only imagine how hard this is on Sebastian, to know what Blaine went through."
"I have a feeling Sebastian's keeping his focus on Blaine and in the now, which is what we need to do. While what happened is awful, we can't let it take over our thoughts." When Thad huffed slightly, Jeff shook his head. "I know, it sounds simple but it's what we need to do. If Sebastian and Wes of all people have been able to behave, we can too."
"You've got a point there. If Sebastian's been able to keep it together when we know he'd love nothing more than to rip Kurt to pieces, we can too." Thad replied. "We just need to keep reminding ourselves of that fact till it's second nature."
"I have a feeling, that's going to be easier to do than one might think."
Once Blaine finished his encore, Sebastian leaned back in his seat with a big smile on his face. No matter how bad a day he could be having, listening to Blaine sing was medicine for his soul. If he ever told Blaine how often he listened to the playlist he'd made for him, Blaine probably wouldn't believe him. "Was his show everything you expected Jean-Baptiste?"
"No." Jean-Baptiste replied earning a few looks from those around him, especially Sebastian. "It was more, so much more. Someone please tell me he's releasing music soon."
"His first single drops just before he goes on tour in May." Sebastian replied.
"We have to wait till May?"
"Yep, that is unless your name is Sebastian." Hunter told him. "Blaine put together a playlist especially for him."
"True, but most of the stuff off his album isn't on it including the first single."
"What does it sound like?" Jordan asked.
"I have no clue as he doesn't plan on letting me hear it much earlier than anyone else. Though, since he's admitted to it being a song he hums quite a bit, I can tell you it's damn catchy."
"Perfect for summer." Jordan replied.
"And that's why it was chosen for his first single." Sebastian then got up from his seat. "While I would love to stay and talk, I just got a text so I'm going to get going. For those of you that are going to be at B's show tomorrow night, enjoy. I'll see you all on Thursday before B and I go away."
"Where are you two of you going?" Rachel asked as she looked up at him.
"It's top secret." Sebastian said while winking. "Jean-Baptiste, know Blaine would talk with you but with classes and everything he's heading straight home."
"That's fine. Please tell him how much I enjoyed it and that I'll call him sometime this week."
"Will do. Later!"
Once Sebastian headed towards the stage door, the others began to gather their things since they weren't going out that evening. While they were heading out, Jean-Baptiste asked Rachel if she was ready for her audition the next day, to which she replied yes. The fact that Jean-Baptiste seemed well aware of what was going on with Rachel, Hunter smiled to himself. With as secretive as Rachel was being, the fact that someone not in her immediate circle of friends knew led him to believe that she was auditioning for his show. Yet, without more information, he wasn't going to say anything as everything Thad had mentioned in regards to her being superstitious made sense and he didn't want to ruin things for her. With everything that was going on, it felt strange for Blaine and Sebastian to go back to their own homes that evening, but they knew it was necessary. But before saying their goodbyes for the night, they decided on a time to meet for lunch the next day.
With as hectic as his morning was, Blaine made a point to give Rachel a call to wish her luck before her audition. Blaine hated that the call was so short, yet he knew she understood as everyone was well aware how crazy his life was becoming. Hunter had called him on it more than once after spotting his schedule in Sebastian's phone. The two were pretty certain if they didn't have everything noted, things could easily fall between the cracks. Blaine's graduation couldn't be coming soon enough for them both as it would be one less thing for them to be concerned about. Not to mention, by the time that happened they'd be living in the same place so there would be no more talks about where they would be sleeping at night.
When Blaine made his way into the café late that afternoon, he wasn't surprised in the slightest to see that Sebastian was already there. "Hey stranger." Blaine said softly causing Sebastian to look up from his book as he was studying. "This seat taken?"
"It will be once you put that fine ass of yours in it." Blaine couldn't help but smile as he grabbed the strap of his bag to lift it over his head. Once the bag was on the floor, he sat down across from Sebastian who leaned over to give him a kiss. "How was your morning?"
"Long, as I was exhausted." Blaine replied before seeing a drink placed down in front of him before being handed a menu. "You ordered for me?"
"You tend to stick with tea when you're performing in the evening. Did I guess wrong?"
"No, thank you as I need this. How was your morning?" Blaine asked as he squeezed the lemon into his tea.
"Surprisingly quick, considering all the information I was processing. But the guest lecturer has a way with words that my professor for this class doesn't possess. It was actually intellectually stimulating." Sebastian then paused as their waitress came back to take their order. "Now that food is coming, be sure to check your email as my Mom has already sent some revised plans and I'm curious as to what you think."
"Already?"
"What can I say; when she's excited about a project she doesn't waste time." Sebastian replied while sliding his book into his bag. "I think you'll like her idea for storing your guitars." While Sebastian spoke, Blaine pulled out his tablet to take a look at what was sent. "And don't hesitate mentioning if you don't like something, she won't be offended as she knows design is very personal. Heck, she and I had quite a few talks when it first came to designing the apartment." Sebastian stopped as he noticed a change in Blaine. "B, what is it?"
"This is incredible Bas." Blaine then reached out and took one of Sebastian's hands in his. "Even though I know we've talked about this, are you sure about redoing your place?"
"I'm positive. It's as I told my Mom, I want it to be reflective of us and I meant every word of that Blaine. I don't it to feel as though your personality has been forced in."
"That means a lot to me Bas, that must sound silly."
"Not in the slightest Killer. We're taking a big step so it's natural for there to be some concerns."
"You have some?"
"Of course. If there was one thing I could change though, it would be that you wouldn't be going on the road so soon after moving in."
"Me too. Though, it's nice knowing that when I come home, I'll be coming home to you and our place."
"I like the sound of that." Sebastian replied with a tilt of his head. "I love you."
"I love you too." When Blaine spoke, he gave Sebastian's hand a squeeze. "You know if any of our friends heard us, they'd laugh."
"I know, and I don't care. They're not much better when it comes to their love lives. Was that your phone B?"
"It can wait."
"Check it in case it's important, I won't be offended." Blaine smiled before letting go of Sebastian's hand, thankful he had a boyfriend he understood everything that was going on around him. Once Blaine had his phone in hand, Sebastian noticed a change in Blaine's expression. "What is it Killer?"
"It's a video message, from Jean-Baptiste."
"Does it have a title?"
"Just, watch immediately." No sooner did the words leave Blaine's mouth, did Sebastian move into the seat beside him. "Bas."
"Let's see what it is." That was all Blaine needed to hear, before opening up the video. The moment it was open, they saw Rachel standing on a stage. "Wait, how did he get this as this looks like an audition?" Sebastian said before Blaine even pressed play.
"My guess, she's auditioning for his show." Blaine replied before taking a deep breath. "Let's see how it went."
Feeling broken
Barely holding on
But there's just something so strong
Somewhere inside me
And I am down but I'll get up again
Don't count me out just yet
I've been brought down to my knees
And I've been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I'll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
You haven't seen the last of me
You haven't seen the last of me
By this part of the video, both of their eyes were wide as even they were shocked by what they were watching. While they both knew how talented Rachel was, they were both blown away by what they were watching. And now they understood why Jean-Baptiste had sent Blaine the video.
They can say that
I won't stay around
But I'm gonna stand my ground
You're not gonna stop me
You don't know me
You don't know who I am
Don't count me out so fast
I've been brought down to my knees
And I've been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I'll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
You haven't seen the last of me
By the time the video was over, their food was being brought to the table. "You have to send that to Thad." Sebastian said before scooting back over to his original seat. "He's going to freak!"
"I…I can't recall a time she's ever sounded like that. There's a confidence to her, even while singing a song that truly describes what she's been through." Blaine then looked down and saw he had another text from Jean-Baptiste asking if he watched it yet. He then typed back a quick response before setting his phone down so the two could eat. "I'll send it to Thad once we're done. I have no doubt that performance made an impression."
"You think?" Sebastian said with a light laugh before taking a bite. It was clear they were blown away by what they'd watched. And considering how good it sounded from a cellphone video, they both could only imagine how good it sounded in person. "Do you know how long it usually takes for her to hear back after something like this?"
"Sometimes it's same day, other times it can take days." Blaine replied. "But I'd guess since they're further in the process she'll be hearing something in the next day or so. Now I'm curious about what role she's auditioning for. And since Jean-Baptiste sent this video, depending on the role it could cause even more issues for Rachel in regards to her friendship with Kurt."
"Why?"
"I'll explain later as it's not something we could necessarily finish over lunch. Not to mention, your laughter at some point might disrupt others."
"B?"
"How about this, Wednesday night you come over and I cook us dinner. That way we'll have plenty of time to talk."
"Any particular reason of your place over mine, not that I mind?"
"I might've already bought the ingredients for dinner. Plus, I do owe you a rather decadent dessert my dear." When a smile crept to Sebastian's face, Blaine couldn't stop a smile from coming to his. "You like that, don't you?"
"I do. So, Wednesday after class I will head over to your place. You really think I'm going to laugh when you tell me?"
"I know for a fact you're going to laugh because I know you."
"You most certainly do so I will take your word on the matter."
Song : You Haven't Seen the Last of Me
Written by : Diane Warren