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.

71. Chapter 71

Five Years Later

Part 71

Spotting them had certainly changed the tone of the atmosphere surrounding them considering how light it was prior to Patrick seeing them. After a few looks between Patrick and Xavier, the five of them made their way inside and headed towards their table. It was clear from their expressions from Cooper's point of view that there was more going on than what he was aware of. Yet after being quickly dismissed by his Dad when asked, that only confirmed Cooper's suspicions. Once they found their table, they were going to go socialize when Kate spotted Cooper taking his phone out of his pocket as he was heading in the opposite direction.

"Don't do it Cooper." Her voice was soft enough when she placed a hand on his shoulder, that Cooper looked back and saw the concern in his Mom's eyes. "Please."

"What do you think I was about to do Mom?" Cooper asked as he slid his phone back into his suit pocket.

"Call your brother to find out what's going on." Kate replied. "He's got a show tonight Cooper, he doesn't need to be concerned about what's going on here."

"While I'd contemplated calling him, I stopped for that very reason Mom." Cooper told her. "I might be a bit aloof at times, but I'd never do that to Blaine prior to a show. I know the topic of his ex is a very touchy subject for him."

"So, who were you about to call then?"

"Sebastian, as if anyone would know what was going on, it would be him as I'm clearly in the dark about some things that happened." When he spoke, Cooper saw a change in his Mom's expression, though it was more of concern than frustration like his Dad's had been previously. "Mom, what don't I know?" The look in Cooper's eyes as he replied let Kate know Cooper could tell things were pretty serious as he knows his parents don't normally act in this manner. "What did that…that…" Cooper took a deep breath as he wasn't going to say what he wanted considering the setting, not wanting to embarrass his parents or himself. "What did Kurt do to my little brother?"

"Cooper, this isn't the place for this conversation." Kate said as calmly as possible considering how worried she was. That last thing she needed to have to be worrying about that night is keeping both her husband and eldest calm. "Not to mention, this isn't something your Dad or I should be telling you, it should be Blaine."

"Not your place." Cooper stated before exhaling in frustration. "Yet from what I saw Xavier and Victoria have an idea of what's going on. So excuse me if I have a problem not knowing what happened to Blaine when even his current boyfriend's parents seem to know."

"Xavier knows more than Victoria does." Kate told him as she took his hand. "But it's not because Blaine really wanted to tell him. Sebastian ended up talking to his Dad because the boys needed legal advice on how to handle a situation."

"What has Kurt done to them?"

"Sebastian asked his Dad what could be done to keep Kurt away from Blaine since he's seemed to taken an interest in Blaine's life again."

"I'm sure he must love the fact that Blaine's with Sebastian." The tone of Cooper's voice clearly got his sarcasm across to Kate.

"How'd you guess?" Kate told him with a smile. "I know you have plenty of questions Cooper and your Dad and I will address them when we get home as now is not the time or place to get into it."

"Is that your way of asking me not to call Sebastian as well?" Cooper asked of her and she nodded. "Why do I feel as though I'm going to want to wring his scrawny neck when I'm done?"

"Instinct." Kate said, before tugging on his hand and bringing him back with her towards the others.

With the possibilities for a run-in high, they were all thrilled to see that Burt and Carole were seated on the opposite side of the ballroom. Once dinner was over, they opened up the dance floor for dancing before the auction began. Considering how high tensions had been, Cooper took it upon himself to dance with both his Mom and Victoria when their husbands were occupied. Though, he lucked out a couple of times as both couples were on the dance floor which made him happy as that was the night they'd all imagined going in. Cooper had just taken a sip of his drink when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

Upon turning, he did his best not to react when he saw Burt and Carole behind him. "Good evening." Cooper said before taking another sip of his drink and hoping his Mom was going to be able to keep his Dad on the dance floor for another go.

"Evening." Burt replied. "I'm surprised to see you here, at first I thought I was imagining things but Carole insisted it was you we saw."

"Well, it's me." Cooper said to him. "How are you?" He asked, remembering his manners even though he'd prefer to be anywhere but there in that moment. Burt replied that he and Carole were doing well, before asking Cooper how he was and what he was doing in town. "I came to town to see my parents, hence one of the reasons I'm here as I surprised them and this is where they were going to be this evening. Then, in a few days I'm going to catch up with Blaine." At the mention of Blaine's name, Cooper noticed Burt and Carole both look at one another before looking at him once again. "Is there a problem?"

"Just a bit surprised since you didn't seem to spend a lot of time with Blaine when he and Kurt were married."

"Things change, people change." Cooper replied.

"So we've noticed."

"And what is that supposed…" Cooper stopped mid-sentence when a hand was placed on his arm causing him to turn and see his parents along with the Smythes on either side of him.

"Burt, Carole." Kate said to them. "I didn't expect to see you here this evening as these events usually aren't your cup of tea."

"One of the representatives I worked alongside is on the board and invited us." Burt replied. "Considering the cause, it was a no-brainer. And who is this with you?" He asked as he looked at Xavier and Victoria.

"Oh, excuse my manners." Kate said, not surprised that outside of hello, Patrick hadn't said a word. "This is Xavier and Victoria Smythe."

"Why does that name sound familiar?" Burt replied, as he looked at them but then it dawned on him. "Wait, are you Sebastian's parents?"

"That would be correct." Victoria told him causing Burt to take a deep breath. "Is there a problem?" Before Burt could respond, Carole looked up at him and shook her head but could tell he wasn't paying attention.

"There is actually." Burt said. "What gave you the right to threaten legal action on my son?" He asked, looking directly at Xavier.

"I did no such thing." Xavier told him. "All I said to your son is that he should stay away from Blaine, otherwise some course of action might be taken."

"Considering the way Blaine and Sebastian flaunt their relationship in front of him, you're saying he should back off."

"That's rich considering what's actually happening." Patrick stated, unable to stay quiet any longer. "Your son is the one that keeps showing up at Blaine's performances when he's clearly not wanted but Blaine really has no control over who's allowed in the venues."

"Patrick please, don't do this." Kate said as she looked at him. "Think of Blaine."

"That's the thing; I can't stop thinking of him ever since we spoke. I have everything he told us playing in my head on constant repeat." Patrick replied. "Our boy was going through hell and we had no clue it was happening."

"Dad, what are you talking about?" Cooper asked as the frustration was evident in Patrick's voice when he spoke.

"Patrick, Kate is right; you don't want to do this." Xavier said as calmly as he could but could empathize with how Patrick was feeling in that moment.

"I don't know what Blaine told you, but Kurt…" Before Burt could finish, everyone saw Patrick's eyes fly open when it was clear Burt was making it sound as though Kurt was the victim in the divorce.

"You should stop there before you talk about things you know nothing about." Patrick bluntly stated as he looked at Burt.

"And just what do you think I don't know Patrick. Your son is the one that left ours, but only after he put Kurt through hell never knowing what he was up to or who he was with." Burt wasn't even done speaking when Patrick scoffed loudly. "It's what happened Patrick whether you want to believe it or not. Blaine's not the man we thought he was."

"While that's a quaint little story Kurt told you, but it's far from the truth."

"Really, and how different is it from the one Blaine told you?"

"Where would you like me to start…hmmmm? Should it be when he started to verbally abuse our son, or when he hit him the first time, or the affair he had?"

"Excuse me?" Cooper said before looking at his parents.

"I could be asking the same thing." Burt said to them. "Kurt never would do any of those things."

"Really, try asking your son to read their divorce decree as it's all in there aside from the affair which Blaine recently found out about. Though, he's got proof of it."

"Dad?"

"Cooper, we'll talk about this at home." Kate told him as Patrick and Burt stared at one another.

"Your son is not the person you think he is, he's far from it." Patrick said. "Yet, now that Blaine has reclaimed his life and is happy, Kurt's doing what he can to try and upset the balance in his life again."

"Going to see Blaine perform is not upsetting the balance; he's only gone to listen to him sing."

"Then what would you call it when he's waited for Blaine after performances?" Xavier asked. "Or when he's picked fights with Blaine's friends who have been there to support him, some of same friends Kurt pushed from his life?"

"He's done no such thing." Burt told him.

"But he has, on more than one occasion." Xavier told him. "He was actually having words with Santana and Rachel when he and I met. And when I approached the girls as they'd been gone for quite some time, they were clearly agitated that he was there. That's even before he went into spewing insults at my son when he appeared shortly thereafter."

"Kurt doesn't like Sebastian."

"That feeling is mutual, but Sebastian wasn't the one throwing insults."

"I find that hard to believe considering what I know of your son."

"What you know of our son, is from when he was a teenager, not the young man he currently is."

"Gentleman, nothing is going to get accomplished since Burt clearly doesn't know the full story of what went wrong in Blaine and Kurt's marriage." Kate said to them. "So until he does, I think it's best if we don't speak to one another."

"Kate is right; we should go and sit down." Victoria added. "Nothing can be accomplished when each party has only been told certain facts. But from what I've just heard, you should probably speak with your son Mr. Hummel as he hasn't been giving you the complete story. I was there the night when Xavier and Sebastian had words with your son, and I can tell you none of the girls that were with that night were pleased with what was said to them by your son. Rachel Berry was probably the most upset of the group as it took her boyfriend, as well as the rest of the girls some time to calm her down."

"Rachel has a boyfriend?" Carole asked as this was the first she'd heard of it as Kurt hadn't mentioned it to them.

"Yes." Kate replied. "They've been together for a couple of months at least, though I'm unsure of specific dates. He's a friend of Blaine and Sebastian's actually." Kate made it a point to stop there as she remembered clearly Blaine telling her that should Kurt find out Rachel was dating Thad, he'd go ballistic. "They're quite cute together. Now if you don't mind, we're going to take our seats as Victoria and I each have our eyes on a few items in the auction." Kate then looked at Patrick and Cooper while Victoria did the same to Xavier. "Enjoy the rest of your evening. Patrick, shall we?"

Patrick nodded as he'd calmed a bit when Kate and Victoria spoke and knew it was wrong of him to speak up considering the setting they were in. "Cooper, where are you going?" Patrick asked as he pulled out Kate's chair for her.

"I need to get some fresh air and clear my head." Cooper replied. "Don't worry, I'm not leaving as you drove and well, you have valet ticket."

"Do you want company as I'm sure you have questions?" Kate asked as she looked up at him.

"I'll be fine, but know I do want to talk about what I heard when we get home."

"We know." Once they were done, Cooper headed out of the ballroom as Patrick and Xavier took their seats beside their wives. "I'm so sorry about that."

"I should be the one apologizing." Patrick said. "I never should've brought up what happened."

"No apologies are necessary." Xavier replied. "I doubt I would've been able to keep that to myself either. You love Blaine so it's only right that you're protective of him. And it's pretty obvious that Kurt didn't paint Blaine in the brightest light to his Dad."

While the parents were wrapping things up the best they could so they could enjoy their night, Cooper was outside the hotel trying to come to terms with what he heard. The tone in which his Dad spoke to Burt about the things Blaine had gone through during his marriage made Cooper sick to his stomach. With everything Blaine had gone through in his life prior to getting married, to find out his brother was in an abusive marriage was hard to comprehend.

Even with his parents assurances that they'd talk about things once they got home, Cooper couldn't stop himself from taking his phone from his pocket once again. It only took a moment for him to scroll to the letter S, then to find Sebastian's name. Considering Blaine was gone, Cooper was hopeful that Sebastian was home and not out and about when he called. "Speak to me." Sebastian said the moment he answered.

"You clearly know who this is, are you home or are you out?" Cooper asked as he found a bench to sit on just outside the entrance. When he heard silence, he could tell Sebastian was probably contemplating which sarcastic answer was appropriate. "Not tonight Sebastian, please." There was something about the tone in Cooper's voice that caused Sebastian to sit upright on his couch and set his text book aside.

"What's going on Cooper as it's not like you to be all serious when you call me?"

"How about I'm at a benefit with my parents as well as yours and well, the Hummels are here." Cooper instantly heard Sebastian mutter a string of expletives in both English and French before sighing. "Wow, I get that sort of response without even telling you that my Dad went off on Burt in a sense."

"Fuck!"

"So it's true then?"

"What?"

"What Kurt did to Blaine?"

"I can't confirm or deny anything that I wasn't privileged to hear." Sebastian said while running his fingers through his hair with his other hand.

"Fine, when Burt accused Blaine of causing the trouble in the marriage my Dad scoffed, and then told Burt that Kurt abused and cheated on Blaine." Sebastian sighed once again as he knew this wasn't how Blaine wanted Cooper to find out about what happened. Yet, he knew if Patrick had said anything, he had to have been upset as he knows Blaine wanted to personally tell Cooper what happened. "Sebastian, is it true?" There was then a few moments of silence as Sebastian didn't answer. "Sebastian, please."

"It's not my place to say whether or not it is."

"Sebastian please, I know you love my brother, and so do I." Cooper said to him. "From what I got from my Mom, Blaine planned on talking to me about something but…hadn't yet, but now all this is out in the open. So please Sebastian, tell me, did Kurt abuse my brother and cheat on him during their marriage?"

"Why are you doing this to me Cooper?"

"Because I feel sick knowing that Blaine was hurting and I wasn't there to help him once again." Cooper replied, his voice cracking in the process. "I've screwed up so many times when it comes to my relationship with Blaine that the thought of letting him down once again hurts more than you could probably realize."

"I get that, I really do Cooper, but I can't break the promise I made to Blaine." Sebastian told him. "But I do get what it feels like to hurt someone, even when it wasn't your intention. Also, keep in mind that you couldn't have let Blaine down if he didn't tell you anything was wrong. You know as well as I do that Blaine tends to keep certain things close as he doesn't want to burden others with his problems. He'd rather work them out on his own."

"Yet he opens up to you."

"I can't control who Blaine does or doesn't open up to." When Sebastian spoke, Cooper took a deep breath as his tone was clearly defensive. "That's up to Blaine and you should know, he doesn't easily open up to me either. He chooses his moments."

"Relax Sebastian; I'm not upset with you. Trust me; I'm thrilled that Blaine's comfortable enough to open up to you as I know he doesn't allow many people in. While I wish it was me, I'm glad he has you." Cooper then glanced at his watch and realized that if he didn't return soon; one of his parents would probably come looking for him. "Well, I should probably go as I should head back inside. I'm sorry for asking you what I did; I hope you understand why I did so?"

"I do, just as I hope you can understand and respect that I couldn't answer."

"I do, as it's what Blaine wants and it isn't your place to tell me something he hasn't. Have a good night Sebastian. Hopefully you won't be missing Blaine too much while he's gone."

"It's a good thing you worded it that way as I already miss him, as it would be impossible not to." Sebastian was about to say good-bye, when he paused again. "Cooper, don't be too hard on your parents as Blaine only spoke to them when they were out here with us."

"Don't worry, I won't as I could tell from the way they reacted how hard all this is on them. Hopefully I'll see you guys soon. Good-bye Sebastian."

"Good-bye Cooper." After ending the call, Sebastian tossed his phone onto the cushion beside him before stretching out. To hear that Patrick said what he did to Burt of all people was all the proof Sebastian needed to know how hard this was on the Andersons. While he was there when Blaine spoke to them, it was clear this wasn't something they were going to come to terms with quickly. So to see the Hummels of all people shortly after finding out, it was to be expected in all honesty since Blaine was painted as the villain in the marriage, and then in the divorce.

Knowing his parents were also in attendance and that his Dad had met Kurt, he could only imagine what else was said. Sebastian contemplated calling his Dad in that moment, but considering they were all out, he decided to wait a bit longer. And considering the time, this would clearly be a conversation the two of them would be having on another day. But now that this was done, Sebastian wondered what Burt would do with what he was told. Would he ignore what Patrick told him, taking Kurt's word as truth? Or would he start to question Kurt about what really happened when the two were married and why Blaine left. Either scenario wasn't something he really wanted to think about because should Burt talk to Kurt, Blaine would end up having to deal with an angry Kurt all over again.

It takes Sebastian a bit of time to get his thoughts in order, before he sends a text to his Mom knowing her phone would be in her purse and she wouldn't see it till later. Once that was taken care of, Sebastian contemplated what he should do. Should he call Blaine and let him know about what happened, or wait to see how things play out? It really didn't take too much thought as Sebastian knew that Blaine needed a heads up about what happened. Though, he wasn't going to bring it up when they spoke that evening, hoping that his parents would call and tell him first.

After taking a look at the clock, Sebastian decided to go and take a shower so he didn't have to worry about taking one in the morning should his and Blaine's conversation take on a life of its own. Since that was the case, Sebastian cleaned up what he'd been working on as he'd gotten quite a bit of studying done that day after Blaine left. While Hunter had teased him when he called earlier about throwing himself into his studies, Sebastian had done just that once he'd come home from being out with Jeff.

It was a couple of hours later when Sebastian heard his computer go off beside him, causing him to rollover and accept the incoming call. "Hey." Sebastian replies sleepily as he'd dozed off waiting for Blaine's call.

"Hey yourself." Blaine said as he adjusted his laptop in front of him. "How long had you been sleeping Bas?" He didn't get a response, just saw Sebastian shrug his shoulders. "Do you want me to let you go back to sleep?"

"No." Sebastian stated as he pushed himself up a bit more, propping his head up with his hand. "I've been waiting for this regardless of the fact I fell asleep. So, how'd it go Killer?"

"It was crazy in the best way possible! Blaine's enthusiasm was hard to hide as not only was he smiling but Sebastian could hear it clearly in his voice.

"So, all your worries about them loving you were for naught?" Sebastian inquired as he looked at the screen. Seeing Blaine so happy is all he ever wanted, so for his first night out to go so well was a relief. "Killer, I asked you a question?"

"They were rational worries, even you said so." Blaine then leaned back against the pillows on his bed. "Have I ever told you how sexy I find you when you've woken?"

"Maybe, but I'd never stop you from telling me once more."

"Good, as I find you extremely sexy like this."

"And here I'm usually the one pushing that topic of conversation, not that I mind."

"I figured since you were still waking, I'd take the lead." Blaine then ran his fingers through his curls which were still damp as he'd showered before calling Sebastian. "I wish you were here with me Bas. I've got this great big bed all to myself."

"Really now?" Sebastian replied as he sat up a bit, now that he was more awake. "I wish I was there as well. I'm sure we could find some ways to make good use of it."

"I'm certain we could, especially with as good as I feel right now."

"It's not fair teasing me like that B when there is nothing I can do about it."

"Well, you might not be able to be hands on, but there are things you can do or we can do for that matter." Once he spoke, there was no hiding the mischievous look on Blaine's face. While the two of them had talked about it more than a few times, Sebastian didn't expect it to happen so soon. "What do you say Bas, feeling a bit naughty?"

"When it comes to you B, I'm always feeling naughty, you know that." While he spoke, Sebastian wanted nothing more than to be with Blaine in that moment, not only because he loves him, but to be there when his parents and/or Cooper call to talk with him. "What do you have in mind Killer?" Just as the words were leaving his mouth he heard Blaine's phone go off in the background. When Blaine didn't flinch after glancing to the side, Sebastian cocked his head. "Aren't you going to get that?"

"No, as I'd rather spend the time with you. Plus, it's only Cooper." The moment his name was mentioned, Sebastian couldn't help but react. "What is it Bas?"

"You need to take the call B."

"Why?"

"Take the call."

"Again, why?"

"Would he really be calling you this late if it wasn't important?"

"It's Cooper, he's probably suffering from jet-lag and doesn't realize the time."

"B, please, answer the call." Sebastian was speaking when the ringing stopped.

"Too late." Blaine said with a smile. "Now, where were we?"

"You were about to call your brother back."

"Bas, what aren't you telling me?" Blaine asked, his carefree attitude now a distant memory. "Bas…Sebastian, what's going on?" Blaine watched Sebastian take a deep breath before releasing it. "Why do I have a feeling you know why Cooper is calling me?"

"Because you know me B, and I do know why he's calling. That's why you need to talk with him."

"What's going on Bas that you know what's going on?"

"Cooper called me earlier tonight to ask some questions after something that happened."

"Like what?"

"B, you really need to talk with Cooper."

"Bas, please tell me so I have an idea of what I'm getting myself into, especially considering what time it is."

"It's not really my place B. I even told Cooper I couldn't answer his questions because they were about something the two of you need to talk about." Once he was done speaking, Sebastian watched Blaine's expression change even further. "I'm so sorry Blaine. I know talking about this is the last thing you wanted tonight."

"How'd Cooper find out?" Blaine asked, knowing there was only one thing that he needed to personally speak with Cooper about.

"Cooper went to a benefit with your parents and mine this evening and…the Hummels were also present." Sebastian watched as Blaine leaned his head back, before running his fingers through his curls once again. "And your Dad got into it with Mr. Hummel and things were said."

"So, Cooper knows."

"He only knows as much as your Dad said, which isn't much as he didn't go into detail considering they were in public. Though, I didn't really confirm anything since it's not my place as I'd made a promise to you. Plus, he mentioned that he and your parents were going to talk once they got home." While he spoke, Sebastian heard Blaine sigh rather loudly. "You know your Dad didn't do it on purpose B."

"I know." Blaine replied rather calmly which surprised Sebastian. "After I left Kurt, my parents saw Burt a couple of weeks later and he had a few choice words for them about how I supposedly treated Kurt. So, the fact that my Dad snapped now that he knows what happened isn't too surprising. How did Cooper sound?"

"Heartbroken." Sebastian told him. "He also told me he feels as though he let you down once again. So, now you know why I said you should take the call. Once you're done talking with him, you're more than welcome to call me back so we can talk."

"While I appreciate the offer, you need to get some sleep because you have classes to attend today. And, I have a feeling my conversation with Cooper is going to take a while, but I appreciate it."

"You know I'm here for you B, regardless of the time. You also know my class schedule so feel free to give me a call once you finally wake up."

"You can be assured of getting a call from me later on." Blaine told him. "I love you Bas."

"I love you too B. I can't wait to talk to you later."

"I'll be looking forward to it." After saying good night, Blaine ended the connection and moved his laptop off to the side. Once it was, he reached for his phone to give Cooper a call. While he easily could've put it off till the morning, saying he was sleeping when the call was made, he needed to talk to him. Talking to Cooper about what happened to him in that moment was so different from how he figured he was going to be spending his time before calling it a night.