Five Years Later

Part 70

When Sebastian and Jeff helped load up the trailer and SUV on Sunday, the whole experience was a bit surreal for them both. While they'd helped them pack for a trip once before, this time was different since they were going to be gone for the week. Once the last of the bags were loaded, Blaine took Sebastian's hand and led him back into the building so they could have their goodbye in a bit of privacy. "I promise…I'll call you once we get settled in Boston." Blaine said after a kiss that left him rather breathless.

"I know." Sebastian replied while leaning his head against Blaine's. "You're going to blow them away Killer."

"I hope so."

"You will. They're going to love you almost as much as me."

"Almost?"

"Yes, as no one else can love you as much as I do." Sebastian told him matter of factly, that statement bringing a smile to Blaine's face. "It's true B. Enjoy this trip as it's a glimpse of what's to come and I can't wait to hear all about it."

"I wish you were joining me."

"So do I, but I'll commiserate with Jeff as he's unable to go as well." Sebastian then tilted his head and the two began to kiss once again, not stopping till they were tapped on their shoulders. "Go away."

"Afraid not." They both turned to the sound of the voice which belonged to Jeff. "I had to stop doing the same thing you two were as well since they need to leave." Blaine sighed softly, before kissing Sebastian once more.

"You'll be at my place when I get home, right?" Blaine asked as they headed towards the door hand in hand.

"There is no place I'd rather be." Sebastian told him. "Just be prepared that I might not be able to control myself."

"That goes both ways." Blaine replied as they reached the SUV's opened door. "I love you Bas."

"I love you too Blaine." Sebastian then leaned down for one more kiss before stepping back. "Enjoy this!" Blaine nodded as he really couldn't respond as he felt his emotions getting the best of him and Sebastian could tell. "Tonight Killer."

"Tonight." Blaine said before getting into the backseat and closing the door. Once he was buckled in, he saw Scott get into the front passenger seat before he looked back at the others who were already settled. He never imagined it was going to be this hard leaving, but looking at Morgan he didn't feel as alone because she looked like he felt. When they pulled away, he reached over and took her hand as Sebastian and Jeff waved goodbye to them from the sidewalk. "That sucked." He muttered softly when they were about a block away before leaning his head back.

"Yea, it was certainly harder than I imagined it being." Morgan said to him. "Just keep in mind they'd be with us if they could." That little reminder, no matter how simple was something Blaine needed to hear.

They were probably a few blocks away before Sebastian and Jeff left the front of the studio and went to get something to eat. "Did the two of you hole yourselves up away from the world yesterday as well?" Jeff asked as they walked to a nearby pub. After Sebastian nodded, Jeff smiled. "Nice to know we weren't the only ones to do so. Nick thought I was crazy."

"Considering it was Nick talking, he should know better about wanting to make the most of the time he has." Sebastian replied. "Though, he's only been with Sophie for a little more than a month so his mind might not be there yet." Before he finished, Jeff laughed softly. "Yea, that's what I thought."

"It's all about timing man, you know that."

"True, I do." Sebastian said before they walked into the pub. "At least I get to spend the next week with B since my place is getting painted amongst other things."

"Preparing for the big move?" Jeff asked causing Sebastian to nod while they waited to be seated. "It'll make things easier for the two of you. Not to mention, your building has a bit more security for once everything happens with Blaine."

"That's something he and I have both talked about. While he loves his place, as do I, with everything happening he needs a building that's a bit more secure."

"What did your parents as well as Blaine's think about the two of you moving in together?" Jeff asked as they were being led to their table. "Or, do you not want to talk about it?"

"They're fine with it." Sebastian told him. "Actually, they're thrilled if I'm being honest which made us happy. B was a bit worried that his parents were going to think we were rushing things, but they're good."

"That stems from the fact that two of you are great together." When Sebastian looked across the table at Jeff after the each ordered a beer Jeff smiled. "It's true Sebastian. You and Blaine are great together and everyone can see it. Hell, Rachel is probably one of your biggest cheerleaders." Sebastian couldn't refrain from laughing at the comment as Jeff was correct. After where everything started, Rachel was one of the biggest supporters of their relationship, much as Blaine and Sebastian were of her and Thad.

"She might need to get in line behind you and Thad." Sebastian said with a wink that didn't go unnoticed by Jeff.

"Is that your way of admitting that Thad was right back in high school, that you were in love with Blaine then?"

"What do you think?" Sebastian replied with a cock of his head. "Even after all the crap we went through, we were able to salvage our friendship which meant the world to me."

"It meant something to him as well Sebastian, otherwise he wouldn't have worked so hard either." That brought a smile to Sebastian's face. "Even though you were vague about the day you ran into him, how was he that day?"

"Different, even then I could tell something wasn't quite right and they hadn't been married for that long. Yet, I didn't push. Just gave Blaine my contact info should he ever want to see me again. I truly never thought it was going to happen."

"Have the two of you spoke about that day?"

"A few times actually." Sebastian replied as they both glanced through the menu. "He never told Kurt he saw me and I don't blame him. B told me more than once he expected to see me walk into that coffee shop again. I'd actually considered it but I didn't want to risk Hummel being with him and causing a scene."

"I wish he would've gotten in touch with you sooner." Jeff told him. "But I get that he needed to figure out who he was once again before getting in touch with any of us. Do you know why it was you and not Wes?" Sebastian smiled once again. "How'd I guess?"

"While Blaine wanted to get back in touch with everyone, this was more personal. Hence, why I was the one he reached out to. Not to mention he knew I would probably be the least judgmental of the bunch."

"So part of him coming to you was him seeing if you were still available?"

"You could put it that way. Clearly, a part of me always stayed with him like he did with me."

"Sebastian, you stayed with him because a part of him cared for you more than he probably realized as he was so caught up in…well, you know."

"Yes, I know. And while I wish none of it happened, it gave me time to grow up and become the person he needed me to be."

"You mean, not the guy who had constant, random hook-ups?"

"Precisely. By the time Blaine came to me, I was ready for a relationship. And while I'd had a couple of relationships prior, none could compare to the one I share with Blaine."

"What the two of you share is special, I hope you realize it."

"I do. Just as I can see your relationship with Morgan is special. She's quite different from the girls you've previously dated." Sebastian said, before pausing to order once their waitress returned. "She's woken up a part of you that didn't always come alive." Jeff smiled, as he understood all too well. Ever since he started dating Morgan, he seemed to be embracing life a bit more freely. "Now, did the two of you go out at all yesterday?"

"Nope. Once she was done packing it was all about quality time for the two of us."

"I do hope you remembered that she was going to need to be on her feet tonight since they're performing." Jeff tried not to laugh, but couldn't as Sebastian's expression when he spoke implied so much more than what he said. "Jeff?"

"Don't worry, she'll be fine. We actually kept that in mind so that we didn't get too carried away."

"It's easy to do when you know you're not going to see one another for a week."

"True, but it's a bit more typical for us. It must've been hard for you to watch Blaine leave."

"It was, but we'll survive. We know that when he's gone it's going to mean lots of calls, texts, and computer time. This will be good practice for the summer."

"Morgan and I said the same thing. Do you know how things are going to be handled when they are on the road this summer?" Jeff asked, curious if Blaine had filled him in on how things were going to be.

"According to B, they're going to be spending a lot of time on their tour bus as they've got numerous back to back performances so they'll be leaving shortly after one ends to get to the next. There are only a couple of stops where they are actually staying in hotels. During those, the girls are rooming together, as are Justin and Todd while Blaine gets his own room."

"Lucky you." Jeff said with a laugh. "But that makes sense considering he's technically the star and they are all more than aware of that fact."

"That's reassuring to know."

"Oh, they do." Jeff told him. "I've heard them all talk about it more than a few times since everything has gotten started. They're all firmly aware that all of this about Blaine." When Sebastian sighed, Jeff looked at him. "While I know it's pointless to tell you not to worry, know they're going to keep an eye on him."

"I know. He's nervous Jeff, he's worried the new crowds aren't going to embrace him." Sebastian said softly. "I know it's silly considering the way he owns the stage when he's on it, but part of me is worried as well for different reasons."

"You want to be there with him, its natural man. Just know, from what Morgan told me about their gig in Philly on Friday night, he's got nothing to worry about as they loved him. She said Scott and the boys had their work cut out for them as everyone wanted to get near him afterwards"

"B mentioned that to me, he said the whole thing was crazy."

"Face it Sebastian, it won't be long till everyone else knows what we know."

"Yep, and his first single shows it." At those words, Jeff's eyes flew open causing Sebastian to smile widely. "Oops!"

"Oops….oops! You've freaking heard it…bastard!" Sebastian started to laugh at Jeff's response causing their waitress to look at him funny when she brought them their food. "So, it's really good?"

"It is." Sebastian said proudly before taking a bite. "And when they said it was catchy, they weren't kidding as I've caught myself singing it numerous times since Blaine played it for me. I really think it's got what it takes to be one of those songs you hear all summer long." That caused Jeff to smile as he chewed. "We all have to remember to support the living daylights out of it."

"That's covered." Jeff told him. "While Blaine's got his own PR machine, Wes made a few calls so the Dalton faithful are going to do their part as well. And from what Santana said, those Blaine went to McKinley with are doing something similar."

"They are, plus Cooper is having all of his friends do the same and he's got some friends with serious name recognition."

"Cool. Are you going with him to any of the interviews?"

"I am." Sebastian replied. "He asked if I would because he could really use some moral support since the others aren't coming with. If I wasn't there, it only would've been Vincent and Scott with him. It's one of the benefits of me having that week off before I start my internship."

"That's good to know as we all know Blaine tends to get a bit nervous in new situations and an interview like this will be new."

"That's essentially what he said to me when he asked me to join him. It's going to be nice as I'm going to be able to document it for his parents." When Jeff gave him a look, Sebastian shook his head as he realized how sweet what he said sounded, but it was true. This was a big moment coming up for Blaine and there should be proof of it happening aside from the interview itself.

So while the two were enjoying their meal, Blaine and his band were going over their set list for that night. "Vincent is going to be joining us, correct?" Talia asked as she leaned over Blaine's seat.

"Yes." Blaine told her. "He was leaving about an hour after us as he had a meeting to attend about the upcoming video shoot that's happening shortly after we return.

"Please tell me you spoke to him about your friend Brittany?" Justin asked as he stretched out.

"Yes, I spoke with him about Brittany don't worry."

"And?"

"You'll be seeing her." The not so silent cheer he made caused Todd to look at him and then at Blaine. "I'll show you a picture of her when we stop in a bit. Scott looked at Blaine and smiled as they'd already agreed to stop midway so everyone could stretch their legs. Blaine was about to speak again when his phone went off, earning him a look from the others. "It's not Bas so you can refrain from commenting. It's my brother actually." Once Blaine answered, the others all put their headphones on to give him a bit of privacy considering the close quarters. "What can I do for you Coop?"

"I thought you would like to know that when I got home last night, surprising the parents, Sebastian's parents were there." Blaine couldn't stop himself from laughing since he knew his parents were having Sebastian's over for dinner. "Blaine."

"And, what about Bas's parents being there would you like to share?"

"You knew?"

"Of course I knew. After they came out here, Mom told me she wanted to have them over for dinner to get to know them. And shortly after the Smythes arrived home from their trip, Mom called and set something up with Victoria. I take it you coming home was a bit of a shock?"

"You could say that." Cooper replied. "I came walking in and essentially announced I was there and nothing happened." Blaine caught himself laughing once again as that was a typical Cooper thing to do. "Since no one came running, I made my way towards the kitchen as I smelt food and there they all were."

"Anything else?"

"Uh, Victoria said I was everything Sebastian had said to her about me which goes to show your boyfriend has excellent taste."

"Of course he does, he's dating me."

"Getting cocky little brother, that's not like you."

"Well, it is nowadays." Blaine replied. "So, what did you think of Bas's parents?"

"They're hysterical. By the way, since when are you moving in with him as I heard Victoria talking with Mom about changes you two were making to Sebastian's place prior to you moving in."

"We decided it awhile ago, but knew it was best that we wait till we were done with the school year because of all the commuting. Though, a bunch of the stuff is getting moved as we're finishing up. By the time I graduate, I'll be living at Sebastian's."

"And where precisely are you moving little brother?"

"To the Upper West Side. When the two of us spoke, it made sense for me to move into Bas's place since it's huge. There is more than enough room for the both of us. Not to mention, his parents own it."

"Well, I guess you'll have to invite me over next time I'm in the city." Cooper told him as he stretched out on the couch.

"We can do that, just remember that key word Coop, invite. No showing up unannounced."

"Fine, I can do that…at least in the beginning as it's my right as your big brother to be able to pop up unannounced. But I can see why you don't want me to seeing you'll be living with your lover."

"Cooper!"

"Come on Blaine, it's what Sebastian is on at least one level." When he spoke, Blaine didn't doubt that Cooper was smirking on the other end of the phone.

"I'm not having this conversation with you right now Cooper."

"Give me one good reason why?"

"I'm on my way to Boston with my band."

"Okay, that's actually a good reason to not discuss this since you're not alone. Just know I'm not going to drop it as one has to know your sex life is way more active now versus how it was."

"Thank you." Blaine told him as he wasn't going to get into it with him at that moment considering the setting.

"That doesn't mean we're not going to talk again Squirt. I mean, from what I heard last night you and Sebastian are going to Puerto Rico after you graduate for some alone time before you go on tour."

"We are. But it's about more than that Coop, we're also celebrating my graduation."

"I know, and considering the way the two of you look at each other there will be plenty of celebrating going on."

"Cooper!"

"Relax Blaine, I'm not going to take it any further since you're not any place we can actually talk. Not to mention, Mom and Dad are home and can walk in any moment. In other news, are you nervous about tonight?"

"Extremely."

"You'll do fine Blaine and you know better than most some performance nerves beforehand are a good thing."

"I know." Blaine told him. "Thankfully I'll have a few familiar faces in the audience some of the nights. And while I'd love to talk to you longer Coop, I can't as it's not really fair to the others. But, I will try and give you a call once we get settled."

"After you call Sebastian of course."

"Of course, and say hi to Mom and Dad for me."

"Absolutely!" Cooper replied. "Hopefully we'll get to see each other soon Blaine."

"I'd like that, but it all depends on our schedules." Blaine said. "I don't remember if I sent my lasted summer schedule to you, but ask Mom for it as I know I sent it to her and Dad."

"Will do. Good luck tonight Blaine."

"Thanks Coop! Bye!"

"Bye Blaine." Once the call ended, Cooper tossed his phone on the cushion beside him before running his fingers through his hair, completely unaware that he was no longer alone. "This is all happening so fast."

"What's happening so fast?" Patrick asked from his spot leaning against the doorframe, looking into the family room at his eldest. "Or are you talking to yourself about everything going on with Blaine?"

"Blaine." Cooper replied before motioning for his Dad to join him. "From where his life was barely a year ago to now, it seems like a dream Dad."

"That's something you don't have to tell me as your Mom and I have talked about it plenty of times. Your brother who'd come to question his talent, is preparing to drop his first single, nationally. Then, hitting the summer music festival circuit and during that time, his first album will drop as well." Patrick said as he sat down opposite of him. "Blaine's life has truly turned around in more ways than one."

"You mean besides his music that he's happier than I can remember and is about to move in with his boyfriend?" Patrick nodded as he could see it was still quite the shock to Cooper that Blaine and Sebastian were moving in together soon. "You're not afraid they're moving too fast?"

"Surprisingly, we're not." Patrick told him. "Blaine's seeing things so clearly right now, plus he and Sebastian each have a good head on their shoulders. They've thought about this, talked about it…I mean, there really isn't an aspect they haven't covered. Not to mention, the two fit together in a way that's hard to explain."

"I noticed that right after I met Sebastian as well. What do you and Mom think of him since we really didn't get to talk much last night since the Smythes were here?"

"We both really like him. While we liked him prior to meeting him in person, we actually like him more now that we have. He truly loves your brother and supports him unconditionally which is something he hadn't had before. And Blaine loves and supports Sebastian in the same manner." Patrick said noticing Cooper was truly listening to him. "That's something both sets of parents clearly saw from our time with both of them. After everything Blaine has been through, it's truly a relief to see how he's taken control of his life again."

"I wish I knew why Blaine let that…that miserable excuse for a husband have so much say in his life." Cooper said to his Dad. "I get that once you get married your spouse has quite a bit of influence, but…there was something wrong with that marriage."

"More wrong than you realize Cooper." Patrick told him, earning a look from Cooper in the process. "Just know Blaine won't ever be in a situation like that again."

"Dad, what aren't you telling me?"

"Just know Blaine told your Mom and I a bit more of what happened during his marriage when we went to visit him and Sebastian."

"Dad."

"Cooper, Blaine will tell you when he's ready, so don't push him. Your brother has gone through more in his life than anyone should in an entire lifetime." Patrick stated in a tone that even at his current age, Cooper wasn't going to question. "Now, how long are you going to be home?"

"Well, my original plan was to leave on Wednesday, and then go surprise Blaine but clearly he's not going to be in New York."

"No he won't." Patrick replied. "If I remember correctly, he's returning home after his show Saturday night. Then it's back to school while doing a bit more packing since Victoria will be in the city next week beginning the transformation of Sebastian's apartment into their home." When Cooper tilted his head, Patrick laughed. "She's an interior designer by trade Cooper, so she's helping the boys combine their styles. She's also making sure Blaine has a dedicated space to work on his music per Sebastian's request." Cooper spontaneously began to laugh, causing Patrick to look at him. "What's so funny Cooper?"

"Just how different Blaine's relationship with Sebastian is versus how messed up his marriage was. Sebastian is making sure Blaine has a dedicated space to work/rehearse while Kurt forced him from their home to do such." From the tone in which Cooper spoke, it was clearly how angry he still was about what Blaine had gone through.

"How about you try not to think about that anymore and focus on everything good that's going on in Blaine's life?" While Patrick spoke, Kate walked into the room and looked at her husband and son on the couch.

"Your Dad is right Cooper, that's the best thing to do." Kate said as she sat down beside her husband. "Blaine is truly happy right now and that's what we should be focusing on. Now, by chance when you packed to come home and surprise us, did you bring a suit?" Cooper shook his head. "Well then, I need to see what you packed for dress clothes then otherwise we're going shopping, unless you don't want to join us this evening."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your Dad and I, as well as Xavier and Victoria are going to a benefit this evening. And considering what it's for, I thought you'd like to join us." Cooper looked at his Mom, and then his Dad who only smiled. "So, what do you say Cooper?"

"I'll go as I'd like to spend time with you." Cooper replied. "Plus, it'll give me a chance to get to know Sebastian's parents. Where is this benefit being held?"

"In Columbus." Kate told him. "Now, do we have to go shopping?" Cooper nodded as he hadn't packed anything of that nature as he really hadn't planned on going anywhere formal. "Well, Cooper and I are going to head out, so you have some time to relax before you need to start getting ready my dear."

"That's Mom's way of telling you to take a nap." Cooper said as he got up as his Dad looked at him. "Come on Dad, you know it's true."

"I know, so I didn't need to be reminded of that fact." Patrick replied before kissing Kate on the cheek. "Hopefully you two find something quickly as we don't want to be late." Cooper looked at his Dad, and then his Mom. "Yes Cooper."

"Were the two of you always like this?"

"You mean in that your Dad was implying that we shouldn't take too long since I tend to take my time getting ready?" Kate replied as she got up and Cooper nodded. "Yes, we've always been like this."

"Kate, remember what we talked about."

"Don't worry, I won't." She then walked up to Cooper and gave him a nudge. Once the two of them left, Patrick made the call to Xavier who said he'd take care of arranging the seat for Cooper at their table as they all felt it was only fitting he join them that evening.

Thankfully getting Cooper a suit, was a rather easy task as they spoke about it in the car on the way to the store. The longest part of the trip, was waiting for the alterations to be finished. If it wasn't for the fact that Patrick got most of his suits at this particular store, Kate wasn't sure they were going to able to get it in time. By the time the two returned, Patrick had already showered so they were both able to start getting ready the instant they returned home. "I thought you'd like to know, Blaine called and is settled in his hotel in Boston." Patrick told Kate once she walked back into their bedroom from her shower. "He called just prior to heading out to grab something to eat prior to sound check."

"He's there for three days, correct?" She asked, and he nodded. "Two shows in Boston, then one in Cambridge."

"Correct, then it's on to Providence." Patrick added. "He's playing every night during his break. I'm pretty certain that once he gets home, he's not going to want to do a darn thing on Sunday."

"Well, luckily for him Sebastian will be there and he won't have to do anything he doesn't want to." Kate said with a smile, earning her a look from her husband. "You know it's true dear, Sebastian's going to take good care of him once he returns since he'll have missed him."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes, and Victoria agrees with me." Patrick looked at her once again. "Don't look at me like that. The boys are in love, so it's logical that they'll take good care of the other when it's necessary. And after a week of performances, Blaine's going to need a bit of TLC." With the change of expression on Patrick's face, Kate started to giggle which wasn't something she did often.

"While I could say it wouldn't be the case, I can't." Patrick told her. "It's as Sebastian described how Blaine took care of him during finals when he was stressed. That it's a nice feeling knowing someone is there to take care of you without you having to say a word, they just know what you need." Once he finished, Patrick pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "It's nice knowing Blaine has someone looking out for him."

"Agreed."

When they arrived at the hotel the benefit was being held at a couple of hours later, Kate smiled as it had been quite some time since either of their boys had accompanied them to an event like this. They'd just entered the lobby, when they heard their names called and spotted Xavier and Victoria walking towards them. "It's a pleasure to see you again Cooper." Victoria told him after they greeted Patrick and Kate.

"Thank you." Cooper replied. "I hope my impromptu appearance last night didn't disrupt the plans you had with my parents."

"Not in the slightest Cooper." Xavier told him as they all headed towards the ballroom. "And now we have the opportunity to get to know you as well." When Cooper looked at him, Xavier laughed. "Relax, you have nothing to worry about. The fact that Sebastian spoke so highly of you speaks volumes."

"He spoke highly of me?" Cooper asked, slightly surprised considering the banter the two tend to share.

"Yes." Victoria said. "Sebastian told us it was clear from the start how much you care about Blaine by how you tease him. Also, that you gave him a hard time as well about his intentions towards him."

"Cooper?" Kate stated as she looked at him. "You didn't?"

"Hey, I could've done much worse considering the situation." Cooper replied. "But Sebastian understood the situation well, as he knows I wouldn't have acted the way I did if I didn't care about Blaine. Plus, he gives as good as he got."

"That sounds like Sebastian." Victoria said with a smile. "I hope you took no offense Cooper."

"I didn't. I showed to me early on how much he cares for my brother."

"That's something we all got to witness when we spent time with the boys." Patrick said and the others all chimed in, in agreement. "There is no doubt how much those two care for one another." He was about to say something else, when he paused and took a deep breath.

"What is it?" Kate asked as she looked at him, but soon followed Patrick's gaze and saw precisely what or more accurately who caused him to stop. "Patrick, don't."

"What's wrong Dad?" Cooper asked as they all stopped as it was obvious he was concerned.

"Burt and Carole are here."