Five Years Later

Part 64

Knowing Rachel was having her last callback for the role; those closest to her were certainly a bit distracted throughout their day on Thursday. Each member of Blaine's band noticed he was distracted as he kept glancing over at his phone that was on the table. "If you need to make a call, we can take a break." Justin said to him once they finished their current song. When Blaine looked at him, Justin smiled. "I know, you're usually the one to call a break, I'm just saying it because we can all see you're a bit distracted."

"Sorry." Blaine replied as he turned to face all of them. "Have I been zoning badly?"

"Only between songs." Talia told him. "What's going on as this isn't like you? Is everything okay with you and Sebastian?" The moment Sebastian's name was mentioned; a smile crept to Blaine's face. "I take that to mean you two are okay."

"We're more than okay." Blaine said as he winked in Talia's direction. "I'm actually thinking about Rachel as she's at the last call back for the role she's been auditioning for. Today, the finalists are singing with some of the cast and I really want this for her."

"That's a good reason to be distracted." Todd replied. "Just keep in mind, that she probably won't hear anything till late tonight or tomorrow." The others all nodded in agreement as Todd had a good point. "But in case they tell them on the spot, give your phone to Talia to watch and she can cut us off should Rachel call."

"Would you mind?" Blaine asked a bit hesitantly.

"Of course not!" Once she spoke, Blaine walked over to the table to grab his phone to give to her. "If anyone else calls, do you want me to stop things?"

"No, as I'll get back to the others. We've got work to do."

By the time Blaine got home from rehearsal that night, he smiled when he saw Sebastian stretched out on his couch studying. He couldn't quite place when it happened, but it had become the norm for Sebastian to be at his place when he got home on Thursday evenings. Considering the look on Sebastian's face before they kissed, Blaine could tell Sebastian had quite a bit of work to do. With as tired as he felt from rehearsal and them having a show that night, Blaine mentioned to Sebastian he was going to order in as he didn't want to do more than needed as he hoped to get a nap in. Not surprisingly, Sebastian didn't have the slightest issue with it leaving Blaine to order for them.

Once the order was placed, Blaine walked back to the couch and looked at Sebastian who looked up at him. Knowing Blaine as well as he did and from how they'd spent the previous night, Sebastian patted his lap for Blaine to get comfortable. After Blaine was settled, Sebastian went back to work on his paper. Sebastian didn't remember when the first time they'd done this had happened, but he was glad it worked. There was something about having Blaine so close and peaceful while he was working that was quite soothing for him. With as different as their career paths were, it helped as they rarely ever stressed about the same things. And they were always able to help the other see things from a different perspective.

When there was a knock on the door, Sebastian was all set to carefully move Blaine off his lap to answer when Blaine slowly sat up to answer himself. While it was pretty clear Blaine had been sleeping, he wasn't out cold. As Blaine went to the door, Sebastian went into the kitchen to get plates as well as drinks for them both. He was just turning around when he heard Blaine's phone going off in the next room. The two had just gotten back to the living room when the ringing ended. So, Blaine set the salad and pizza on the table before reaching for his phone as it beeped with a message. "Salad Killer?" Sebastian said as he opened both containers.

"I need to try and keep a healthy balance." Blaine said with a wink while entering his password. "Could you dish some up for me along with getting me a slice?" Sebastian nodded so Blaine put his phone up to his ear. He'd just taken care of his own plate when he noticed the huge grin on Blaine's face. "Listen!" Blaine said as he sat down beside him while putting his phone on speaker.

While I didn't expect to be getting your voicemail, you and Sebastian must be enjoying yourselves pre-performance. I wanted to share some Wickedly good news and didn't want to wait till I saw you.

The giddiness was evident in her voice, but the moment she said 'Wickedly', Sebastian's eyes flew wide. While she spoke, he could hear voices in the background that were undoubtedly Santana and Thad. When he glanced at Blaine who was chewing, he noticed his smile hadn't left his face. "She did it Killer!" Sebastian then leaned over to kiss Blaine on the cheek. "You're going to call her back, right?"

"Yes, but I'm going to wait till we're done eating." The look Sebastian gave him caused Blaine to chuckle. "She things we're otherwise pre-occupied. And while I want to call her, I want to enjoy the pizza while it's hot and the salad while it's still chilled and not room temp."

"Makes sense." Sebastian replied before taking a bite as well. "You'll have to talk to Jean-Baptiste to find out how she did." The fact that Sebastian waited to continue till he swallowed, further proved that even though their parents were no longer around, certain manners were in place. "No doubt he's got an opinion."

"I'll give him a call tomorrow as he's probably getting ready now and I don't want to disturb him. I just realized something though Bas. I might not be here when she makes her debut."

"Whether you're here or not B, I'll be there to support her. And I'm pretty sure everyone else will be there as well." Sebastian told him, earning a smile from Blaine. "I'll be sure to tell you all about it if you're not here. Then, we'll have to make sure we have tickets to see her once you come home."

While Blaine and Sebastian were talking and having dinner, it seemed like complete chaos at the loft with all the calls that were being made. Rachel was going to wait to tell everyone that night at Blaine's show, but Thad and Santana convinced her to let everyone know ahead of time. Thad was right that everyone was more than ready to celebrate her big news that evening. The fact that it happened on a day they were all going to be together, was rather fitting in their minds. Once Rachel got off the phone with her Dads as she'd waited a bit to call them knowing it wasn't going to be short, she noticed Thad and Santana staring at her. "What?" She asked as she noticed they kept exchanging looks between one another.

"You do it since you brought it up." Thad stated as he looked at Santana.

"You were curious too."

"Yet you mentioned it first."

"Bastard." Thad just smirked before walking up behind Rachel and wrapping his arms tightly around her from behind. "Fine, we were curious if you're going to share this bit of news with everyone's favorite pain in the ass."

"I'm going to, but not yet as I don't want him ruining today." Rachel replied with a smile. "You know he'd want to celebrate and well, he wouldn't be welcome at our celebration tonight."

"Darn right he wouldn't be." Thad said before kissing Rachel on the cheek. "While I accept your friendship with him, group outings are never going to happen."

"I'm pretty sure he shares that sentiment considering how he feels about all of you. I still can't believe they called tonight." Rachel said as she relaxed in Thad's arms. "Yet they said they'd be making a decision quickly."

"While I'm sure you're going to hear this a ton, I'm so proud of you." Thad told her before kissing her once more.

"He's right Rach. You set your sights on this, worked your ass off and got it. What did Shelby have to say?" Santana said to her, unable to contain how happy she was.

"She was ecstatic." Rachel replied. "Though, I think you two have topped everyone, even my Dads."

"I find that hard to believe, but we'll take it." Santana told her. "How did Blainers take the news?"

"I got his voicemail." The moment she spoke, Thad and Santana both snickered. "You two are terrible, you know that."

"We just know them, that's all." Thad replied. "Now, when do you start rehearsals?"

"Monday morning." Rachel told him. "Why?"

"So I know when to take you out to dinner?"

"The sooner the better." Santana chimed in with.

"Santana."

"She's got a point Rach." Thad said to her. "Heck, I would've taken you out tonight if we hadn't already eaten when you got the call. So, how does tomorrow night sound?"

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. I would love nothing more than to take you out tomorrow night to celebrate your accomplishment." Seeing Rachel look over her shoulder and gaze up at him, Santana was pretty quick to excuse herself to make a call she really didn't have to make to give them some privacy. Having Thad there when she got home that day had meant the world to Rachel and it pleased Santana to see how well Thad could read her. While Rachel could say she was fine, Santana knew all too well that the wait for a call regardless of how it could've turned out was going to stress her out. "She didn't have to go." Thad said as Rachel turned in his arms to look up at him. "But it was nice."

"She has her moments, much like Sebastian…and you. Heck, I'll even throw Hunter into the mix."

"I could be offended by that, but I can't argue with it as it's true. We all have a certain perception about us to others." As he spoke, Thad loosened his hold for a moment to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "But those that know us know there is way more to us beneath the surface."

"That is something I know all too well." Rachel told him before moving up on her toes to give him a kiss. "Honestly, you guys let it show more than you realize. You just love putting people in their places that deserve it."

"It sounds as though you're talking about someone in particular."

"Maybe. Were you able to get back to studying last night after our call?"

"It took me a bit to clear my head again, but yea, I was able to no thanks to you." Thad then lowered his head and kissed her on the tip of her nose. "You were quite the tease last night, but in a good way." Just as the words were leaving his mouth, Rachel's phone went off bringing a big smile to her face. "Go talk with Blaine." Rachel kissed him once more as he let her go, before going to answer Blaine's call.

The moment she answered, her enthusiasm was showing in full force and that was something Thad wouldn't tire of soon. Seeing her so happy after everything she'd been through, he had a better understanding of how Sebastian felt about things going Blaine's way. As he watched Rachel talk with Blaine, he felt an arm wrap around his shoulders. "Do you already have plans made?" Santana said as they took in the sight before them.

"I do actually." Thad replied. "From the moment she told me about making it this far, I put something together. Regardless if she got it or not, I was going to take her out. It was only a matter of it being a celebration or to make her feel better."

"You are winning me over more and more Harwood. You're so good to her."

"It's easy to do." Thad told her. "It's crazy to think how everything has turned around for her and Blaine isn't it?"

"It is, but it couldn't have happened to two nicer or more deserving people." Santana said. "While I've given them both a lot of crap through the years, the latter out of love versus me just being a bitch like in high school. They're both so insanely talented it was only a matter of time."

"Plus, getting the right people around them. While Hummel had been out of Blaine's life for awhile, their marriage had some residual effect on him that Blaine needed to get through. And not to be an ass, but things began changing for Rachel once she started spending less time around him."

"Are you implying that Hummel is toxic to those around him Thad?"

"Toxic is a rather strong word, don't you think?"

"Depends on the situation. But clearly, it's not a coincidence that Blaine and Rachel's lives began turning around once he became less relevant." Santana then rested her head on Thad's shoulder as Rachel was still rambling on to Blaine. "You do know, he's going to go ballistic once he finds out the two of you are together."

"I do, as does she. But he doesn't get a say in her life in that way. And if he really is her friend, he'd be happy that she's happy." When Santana laughed lightly, Thad turned his head to look at her. "Fine, that's like saying Hummel could be happy because Blaine's happy."

"And we know that's never going to happen. I can tell you, I can't remember a time I've seen Rachel as happy as she is right now."

"Blaine's mentioned something similar to me."

"It's true. After everything she's been through, she doesn't let many people in."

"Is this your way of telling me I better not fuck this up?"

"No, as I don't think you're the type of person that would hurt her." Santana told him. "The more time we've spent with all of you, I can see why you all meant so much to Blaine. It must've been so hard for all of you for him to have to push you away."

"It was. And we had moments of being angry about it, but Wes was quick to remind us all that Blaine wasn't doing it by choice."

"He wasn't, I can confirm that. More than once I heard him talking to himself when he didn't think anyone was around about how he missed you guys. It was hard on him too. Kurt really isolated him."

"That I do know."

"Could I ask you something since they're still talking?"

"Of course."

"Why didn't you help Blaine propose?" Thad cocked an eyebrow after she spoke. "I know you weren't there and neither was Jeff." When he continued to look at her, she continued. "There are pictures from that day Thad and both of you are missing."

"I didn't support it and neither did Jeff."

"Why?"

"They were too young."

"And?"

"What makes you think there is more?"

"How quickly those words rolled off your tongue. So tell me."

"We just didn't support the idea for numerous reasons." Thad told her. "Do you realize how hard that was on Sebastian to help Blaine propose to someone he couldn't stand?"

"Yet he did it."

"Only because Sebastian wanted to make him happy. Little did everyone know that by doing what they thought would make Blaine happy, would bring him so much heartache."

"Yet, he's been able to put the pieces back together and be happy again. I don't think it's a coincidence that he's happy again now that you're all back in his life again." Santana told him. "Just as I don't think it's odd that he's with Sebastian."

"Yet you were shocked to see them together."

"Yes, but that's only because I had no clue you guys were back in his life. Yet the moment I saw that Mr. Grab-ass was Sebastian, it made sense to me."

"Why?"

"I always knew there was a part of Blaine that was attracted to him. And I think, back in high school it…" Santana stopped as she saw Rachel walking towards them. "So, how did Blainers take the news?"

"He's really happy for me, as is Sebastian. What were you two talking about?"

"A little bit of everything." Santana replied. "Now, I'm going to go and start getting ready for work, reluctantly, as I'd rather be going to Blaine's show with you all."

"If he performs anything new, we'll be sure to tell you all about it." Thad told her with a smile. It was only a moment later when Santana headed off to her room to start getting ready. "What would you like to do till we have to get going?"

"I honestly don't know." Rachel told him as she moved towards him and slid an arm around his waist. "I'm still in a bit of a daze. I do have a question though." Thad nodded and guided them to the couch to get comfortable before she continued. "Do you know where Sebastian is taking Blaine this weekend?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Just, Blaine sounded really excited about going away this weekend even without knowing what Sebastian has in store for them."

"Well, Blaine's probably excited because it's their first bit of privacy in what seems a long time. And even without knowing, he trusts Sebastian so it doesn't matter to him. All that matters is being together."

"Okay, that all makes sense but that doesn't answer my original question." Rachel told him as she curled up against him. "Do you know where they are going?"

"I do know as does Hunter, but I'm not going to tell you."

"Thad."

"I'm sure you'll hear all about it after they return. Just know, Hunter and I both told Sebastian that we think Blaine's really going to like where they are going. It's exactly the sort of weekend that they both need." When Rachel looked up at him, Thad laughed softly before kissing her forehead. "Rach, I'm not going to say anything else."

"Alright, I won't push anymore. I was just curious."

"You wouldn't have been you if you didn't ask."

When they reached the venue that night, Sebastian and Hunter were standing off to the side talking. Thad looked at Jeff who was sitting at the table with Kimberly who shook his head essentially telling Thad to wait for them to return. "You've been in town quite a bit lately." Thad said to Kimberly after kissing her on the cheek. "Hunter must be happy."

"He is, though I fly-out on Monday again." Kimberly replied before leaning forward a bit to look at Rachel. "Congratulation my dear, Hunter and I are so happy for you!"

"Thank you! I'm still in a bit of disbelief that all this is happening as you try and brace yourself for the worst so when it does happen, it's a bit shocking." Rachel told her.

"That's something I can actually understand in a way. When it comes to us drafting players or when possible trades are being discussed you can see a certain mindset taking place inside the players mind. It takes a strong person to deal with that." While Kimberly spoke, Hunter and Sebastian joined them at the table. She glanced at Hunter for a moment once she felt a card being slid into her hand. "What is that?"

"The information you asked for." Sebastian replied before greeting Thad and Rachel. "I actually have a couple of Vincent's cards in my wallet for cases like these. What do you have in mind as Hunter didn't say?"

"Well, with everything happening I thought it might not be a bad idea to see if Blaine could sing the National Anthem at a game this season. And that is something that needs to go through his management, especially with his ever growing schedule."

"That would be very cool." Jeff chimed in with after taking a swig of his beer. "I could picture Blaine doing something like that."

"Me too." Kimberly replied with a smile as she leaned against Hunter. "Sebastian, what do you think?"

"It would be very cool and I believe it's something B would love to do. But as you said, it all depends on scheduling as things seem to constantly be added to his life."

"How are you guys handling all that?" Rachel asked. "It must be hard."

"It's not as hard as it sounds as we make a point to communicate…a lot." Sebastian told her. "Not to mention, it isn't all for the same time period. Though, with the single coming out in May there is a lot that goes along with it. I don't think the calendar in my phone has ever been so full."

"I take that to mean you have Blaine's schedule in there as well?"

"I do, and he has mine in his. So, a word of advice to you two…" He then pointed at she and Thad. "… do the same once you start rehearsals so you're not constantly trying to remember what's going on." Hunter could stop himself from chuckling at Sebastian's words. "What's so funny?" They all watched as Hunter turned his head to kiss Kimberly on the cheek before settling back. "Hunter?"

"You guys are learning something the two of us learned awhile ago. Isn't that right love?" Kimberly nodded before getting another kiss, this time on the cheek. "While some might think it's a bit much, having each other's schedule allows you to make the most of the time you do get when life gets in the way."

"And while it's going to be hard for you, Sebastian and Jeff, when they go on the road, know it's going to be hard on them too." Kimberly told them. "Those Skype dates, phone calls, and texts help more than people realize. And with as much time as you all spend together, it will make things easier."

"That's something Blaine and I have talked about, at length."

"Morgan and I as well." Jeff said. "And you two are proof that it can work."

"And communication is key." Hunter replied. "Even if you don't have a lot of time, you can always leave a voice mail for them even when you know they're busy. Being able to hear the other's voice when you least expect it, is always nice."

"That is something we can both keep in mind, right Sebastian?"

"Right."

Once Blaine's show started, they all sat back and enjoyed as this was truly a time for all of them to relax and enjoy themselves. Throughout the show, more than a few glances were given to Sebastian, but that was certainly the norm nowadays. Anytime they did something new or changed something up Sebastian or Jeff got looks. At the same time, some began to realize what had become a bit routine, seeing Blaine at least once a week performing was going to be ending soon. While they'd been supportive since the beginning, even they could see Blaine was growing as a performer with each show he did. Considering the way the crowd was reacting around them, they could only imagine what it was going to be like once they saw him on the road during the summer.

During the lull after the show when Sebastian and Jeff waited for their respective others to be ready to leave, Thad managed to pull Sebastian aside to talk in private. The moment Thad brought up Blaine telling the girls what had happened during his marriage, Sebastian's stance shifted slightly. Since they'd held off till Rachel had this last audition, Blaine had been contemplating when to do it. "Since we're going away this weekend, you clearly know it's not happening in the next few days. But, I'm pretty sure it's going to happen sometime next week."

"Do you know when since Blaine mentioned wanting me there?" Thad asked as he looked up at Sebastian.

"From what he said earlier this evening, Tuesday. But, he wanted to check in with Vincent tonight to make sure nothing else had been added to his schedule as it's not something that he was to tell and run."

"That makes sense as I'm pretty certain the girls are going to be asking a lot of questions, after they freak-out of course."

"That's something we're both well aware of." Sebastian said to him. "My problem comes in that I'm afraid how their outburst is going to affect B considering he's rather sensitive."

"I've thought about that as well, but that is one thing that is completely out of our hands unfortunately. Now in happier news, are you ready to leave to…day?" Thad asked as he paused for a moment to check the time before finishing.

"If B and I each didn't have classes we needed to attend, we would've left after the show. By the way, should I bother asking what you and Jeff were talking about earlier?"

"Probably not."

"Thad."

"Man, don't worry about it okay. Jeff and I were just discussing a few things that we have a shared opinion of." When Sebastian cocked his head to the side, Thad smiled. "What?"

"Don't do anything stupid while we're gone?"

"Me?"

"Yes, you." Sebastian told him.

"Relax; I'm to be with Rachel most of the weekend before things begin to start getting crazy for us since she'll be starting rehearsals. Plus, Jeff and Morgan are going away like you and Blaine are so my partner in presumed crime will be occupied." The look on Thad's face when he finished was one Sebastian knew all too well as he had one similar in his repertoire.

"Just do me one favor…that should you and Jeff do something that it's not going to come back and bite B, especially with everything going on."

"I promise as we'd never do something to hurt Blaine, you know that."

"I do, but I also know how much the two of you despise Hummel and well, his reactions are not necessarily normal."

"Sebastian, I know, as does Jeff. We won't do anything stupid should we do something."

"Alright, otherwise you'll be having to deal with me…and probably Wes."

"That's something none of us need reminders of." Thad told him causing Sebastian to cock an eyebrow and Thad chuckling. "It's true as the look in both of your eyes when you spoke to us after Blaine left the room, said more than your words did." The smile that then crept to Sebastian's face was one that clearly approved of what Thad had said. While Sebastian would never outright threaten his friends, he was clear his feelings came across when he spoke to them. Understanding of how their friends felt, Sebastian didn't care who they were should they do anything to hurt the one he loves.

With them having classes in the morning, Blaine and his band packed up relatively quick as they all were ready to head home. When they made their way out, the others were all waiting for them as Blaine wanted to see Rachel before he left to congratulate her in person. Watching the two interact had Sebastian and Thad exchanging quite a few glances between them. There was no hiding how happy Blaine was for her in that moment. After kissing her on the cheek, Blaine looked at Thad who was standing beside Sebastian. "While I told her Bas and I want to take her out to celebrate sometime soon, you better start things off later Thad."

"Do you doubt me?"

"Not really, but I wanted to make my opinion known." Blaine said as Sebastian took his guitar case from him. "Also, let Bas or I know later if Tuesday evening is a good time for you." After Blaine spoke, Thad looked at him for a moment, but it quickly hit him what Blaine was referring to. "Should it be a problem?"

"It shouldn't, but let me check my lecture schedule at home to double-check." Thad told him. "I'll text one of you later and let you know."

"Cool." Blaine then leaned in to kiss Rachel another kiss on the cheek. "And you missy, enjoy your weekend cause come Monday, the work begins."

"Don't worry, I will as I know." Rachel said before kissing Blaine on the cheek. "And you and Sebastian enjoy yourselves as well, wherever it is you may be going."

"Oh, we will. I don't doubt that one bit." After Blaine spoke, he glanced at Scott who was standing by their waiting car. "I'll see you shortly after we get back, okay?"

"I can't wait." Once Rachel replied, Blaine and Sebastian made their way into the car and were soon on their way. "I guess it's time we go our separate ways too, huh?" Rachel said to Thad once he took her hand in his.

"It is. But it won't be long till we see each other. I'll be at your place to get you at seven."

"How should I dress?"

"Nicely, but not formal." Thad then leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. "Till then?"

"Till then." Rachel replied before Thad moved towards the cub to hail a cab for her as he hated letting her ride the subway home this late alone. Once she was on her way, Rachel leaned her head back and smiled in anticipation of what Thad might have in store for her that night.