Five Years Later

Part 72

Considering the way his call had ended, it wasn't too surprising that Sebastian was on edge once he woke. When he kept glancing at his phone while in the library, Hunter pulled the book that was in front of him away, forcing Sebastian to look at him. The glare he received in return spoke volumes as Sebastian had been abnormally quiet. With as well as the two knew one another, Hunter knew there really could only be one reason why Sebastian was in his particular mood. "Want to talk about it?" Hunter asked quietly as the library was particularly full. Sebastian only looked at him before taking the book back from him and beginning to read once more. "You're not going to retain a damn thing your reading when your mind is clearly elsewhere."

Sebastian looked at him before sighing and leaning back in his chair. While he didn't want to admit it, Hunter was right. Throwing himself into studying while Blaine is gone was different than trying to keep himself distracted. "Do you want to go grab something to eat?" Hunter nodded as he realized that was Sebastian's way of saying he wanted to talk without outright saying so. During the time it took the two of them to put their stuff away, it became more obvious how distracted Sebastian truly was. With the way he'd been acting, Hunter was all prepared to have to ease what was going on from him, yet the moment they were outside Sebastian began to talk. "B had to tell Cooper what happened last night." He stated as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "His Dad ended up having a few choice words with Hummel's Dad and Cooper heard."

"And how do you know all this?" Hunter asked as they walked down the sidewalk, allowing Sebastian to go where he pleased.

"Cooper called me after it happened and wanted me to tell him what happened, but I wouldn't do it." Sebastian replied. "While he was frustrated, he understood me not breaking B's trust on the matter. Yet, later that night when B called me once he was back in his hotel, Cooper called him and I insisted he talk to him."

"How'd Blaine take it?"

"He tried to put it off, so I had to tell him what happened in a roundabout way. Surprisingly, he wasn't too upset, but I know telling Cooper was something he wanted to do in person." Sebastian then glanced at his watched. "That was almost twelve hours ago and I haven't heard from him." Hunter glanced at him and could the concern all of Sebastian's face, something he understood.

"Considering what time it is Blaine might still be sleeping depending on how long he talked with Cooper." Hunter told him. "Not to mention, once he got up he might've had rehearsal for his show tonight. Just because you haven't heard from him doesn't mean something bad necessarily, but I get how you feel. You just want to hear something one way or another."

"Exactly! More than once I've been tempted to call Cooper to see how things went, but I don't want to overstep my boundaries." Sebastian told him before turning the corner towards a café. "Yet, the wait is bothering me more than I thought it would, but that stems from talking with my parents this morning."

"Why did you talk with them?" Hunter asked, wanting to gather as much information as he could so he could try and help Sebastian.

"They were there when it happened as my parents, along with the Andersons were at a benefit last night when it occurred." Sebastian replied before heading for a table, thankful it was rather quiet and they were able to be seated immediately. "According to my Dad it looked as though it was taking everything Patrick had not to snap at Mr. Hummel who essentially talked about Kurt as being the innocent victim of Blaine's actions. Hell, even my own Dad had words with him considering what happened that one night. Per my Mom, Burt seemed shocked to hear how supposedly confrontational Kurt is as well as him waiting for Blaine after shows."

"But it's true." Hunter replied before they ordered their drinks. "Everyone has seen it with their own eyes."

"My Mom said the fact that she and my Dad witnessed it firsthand seemed to be the only reason Mr. Hummel seemed to believe any of it. But that wasn't till after he got upset with my Dad for supposedly threatening legal action against Kurt. This really isn't wait Blaine needs right now Hunter."

"I know, but the fact that he has other things to concentrate on is a good thing." Hunter told him, yet saw Sebastian tilt his head. "You know it's true, but I get that you'd rather be with your boy right now to make sure he's okay. Have you considered calling him, leaving a message?"

"Yes, but I don't want to seem overbearing."

"Sebastian, call him, it'll make you feel better. Hell, you've got to know the last thing Blaine would want is you to be worrying like this to the point you can't really concentrate." When Sebastian didn't move, Hunter pulled his own phone from his pocket. "Fine, if you're going to be a stubborn ass, I'm going to call him."

"Hunter, don't."

"Give me one good reason."

"I don't need him worrying about me."

"You're only like this because you're worried about him." Hunter stated. "So until you talk with him, nothing is going to change." While Hunter spoke, Sebastian's phone vibrated on the table and it wasn't long till Hunter saw Sebastian smile. "Blaine?"

"Yes." Sebastian replied as he picked up his phone to read the message. "He's sorry for not calling yet, but things have been crazy since he woke up. He'll call me once I'm done with classes for the day."

"Anything else?" Hunter asked with a cock of his head. "Sebastian?"

"Yes, that he loves me." Having that text come through, almost instantly changed Sebastian's demeanor which pleased Hunter as he hated seeing how stressed he seemed. And he had a feeling Blaine said more than Sebastian mentioned considering how relaxed he'd become.

While they were having this conversation, Cooper was sitting out back at the family home thinking about everything he'd spoken to his parents and Blaine about. Hearing bits of what happened to Blaine from his parents was hard, but hearing it from Blaine was almost too much to take. If it wasn't for him promising his Mom he wouldn't go and hunt Kurt down for what he'd done, Cooper would've already been in New York at that moment. It also gave him a whole new level of respect for Sebastian in that he hadn't done anything to Kurt after finding out. But considering Sebastian wouldn't tell him what was going on with Blaine while he knew, Cooper realized how much Sebastian loved his brother.

Before his parents left that morning for work, he had to promise one last thing in that he wouldn't go to Lima and have words with Burt. After hearing the things Burt had said to his parents about how Blaine supposedly treated Kurt had Cooper furious that all the blame had been put on Blaine for things falling apart. Blaine had admitted to him that he made his fair share of mistakes but never did the things Kurt accused him of. And that if Cooper had doubts, he was more than willing to let him read the divorce decree which didn't have any of the supposed misdeeds Kurt told others Blaine committed during the marriage.

The way Blaine was able to speak with him surprised Cooper considering how hard it had been for Blaine to talk with their parents. But Blaine told him, part of that came from having talked about it more since that moment. He'd also apologized to Cooper for not telling him sooner, but once he'd made the decision it was something he wanted to do in person which Cooper understood. So while he wasn't thrilled his friends knew first, the reasoning behind it made sense to him. Especially since he wished nothing more than to be able to look him in the eyes and hold him when they were done talking.

While he'd been rather vague with his friends about things, Blaine opened up more to Cooper though didn't tell him everything. The one thing Blaine had asked from him that was hard for him to accept was that Blaine didn't want him to do anything. That he'd dealt with his feelings about what had happened during therapy which he'd gotten into shortly after he left Kurt. Given how emotional the conversation had been, it ended on a positive note as Blaine was more than happy to share everything that was coming up for him. Considering where his life had been to where it currently was, Cooper could see why Blaine wanted to focus on the positive. Putting things into that perspective made it easier, but it was still going to take Cooper some time.

Later that evening after Sebastian had gotten home and spoke with Blaine, he was able to sit back and concentrate on his studies for what seemed like the first time that day. With one day down, he only had four more days left of class before he could technically begin his break. Sebastian hoped the week was going to be light studies wise as he had some things to pack up so his Mom could get right to work when she arrived. He was about to get up to grab a beer out of the refrigerator when his phone rang. When he went to answer, he was surprised to see it was Rachel. After picking up the phone, he could tell something was wrong after only a few words were spoken. "What's wrong Rachel?"

"Kurt called me earlier and asked me how much I know about what happened when he and Blaine were married. I so wanted to scream and yell at him for everything he put Blaine through, but I didn't. It's so hard Sebastian as I'm so angry."

"That's understandable Rachel, and I appreciate that you didn't say anything to him." Sebastian said to her. "But, why are you calling me and not Thad if you don't mind me asking?"

"I don't mind at all." Rachel told him. "I called you as Thad is in class still, plus I knew you of all people would truly understand how hard it is not to say anything to him. Also, I thought maybe you'd know why he asked."

"He asked as Blaine's parents had a few words with his Dad last night, and well, Patrick told Burt in limited words exactly what had happened for Blaine to end the marriage. I'm assuming Kurt's question to you is because his Dad has spoken to him. Not to mention, your name was brought up during the conversation as well since my parents were there also."

"Burt's not going to believe Kurt did those things to Blaine."

"I know that, as does Blaine. But that doesn't matter to him as he knows the truth." Sebastian replied. "And while two of those things are hard to prove, the third isn't. Though all it takes is one look in Blaine's eyes to know it's true."

"You don't have to convince me Sebastian, as I believe Blaine. And you're right, you can tell he's telling the truth when you look into his eyes." Rachel said. "I feel so bad that I didn't see how lifeless those vibrant eyes of his had become."

"Well, from what B said, he'd started to spend a lot of time alone because of how hard it had gotten. Plus when he was around others, he did his best to hide it. So, don't beat yourself up over it, okay? Now, how are you things with you and Thad?"

"That's changing the subject Sebastian."

"It's a more pleasant topic and I know for a fact Blaine doesn't want people wallowing on what happened to him. As he's told me, now that more people know, he feels freer as he's not worrying about those close to him finding out. Now, Thaddeus?"

"Things are going really well actually. He's coming over here tonight once he's done as he knows Santana is working tonight." When Sebastian laughed, Rachel couldn't stop herself from giggling. "Your reaction was very much like Santana's when I told her."

"That's because we think alike my dear."

"You most certainly do." Rachel told him. "How are you doing with Blaine away?"

"It's different, but we'll manage as it's only a week. Our creativity will have to kick in once he goes on tour this summer." Sebastian told her. "And while it won't be easy, we'll figure it."

"It'll make the time you do see each other over the summer even more intense."

"Why Rachel Berry, are you implying what I think you're implying?" Sebastian asked, slightly shocked by what she said but fit with Santana telling him she'd become more open.

"Possibly." Rachel replied, the playfulness evident in her voice as she spoke. "You can't deny that it's true."

"Oh, it's very true." Sebastian told her. "It would be pointless to try as you know I'd be lying."

"Exactly as I know how much you love him, and he you."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, it's hard to miss. And while I'm certain you're not the type to discuss his emotions with anyone besides Blaine, I'm going to let you go as I'm sure you have studying to do and I have lines to memorize."

"That's very true in both respects. Hopefully the line memorization is getting easier."

"It is, slowly. Thank you for talking with me Sebastian."

"You are very welcome. Enjoy your night Rachel, but not too much."

"What sort of fun would that be?" When Sebastian laughed once again, Rachel smiled. "Good-bye Sebastian."

"Bye Rachel." Once he was off the phone, Sebastian sat back on the couch and took a swig of his beer. Having Kurt call Rachel wasn't too much of a surprise, but he was thankful Rachel didn't tell him that Blaine told her what happened. Yet neither he nor Blaine were kidding themselves as they had a feeling if anyone was going to break, it was going to be Rachel should push come to shove. Now after this phone call, Sebastian felt a sense of reassurance that Rachel would come to one of them should it happen though most likely Thad would be first and then them. Having Thad in her life was probably one of the best things he could think of considering what she now knew.

With Blaine having another performance that night, Sebastian had decided he was going to take a nap once he was done so he'd be more alert when Blaine called him afterwards. Yet as he was about to lie down on the couch, his phone went off on the table. Once he reached over he saw that he had a message from Blaine which surprised him, yet the moment he opened it and saw it was a picture he couldn't stop himself from smiling. The smile on Blaine's face was precisely what he needed to see prior to taking his nap as it was quite the image to have in his head. But before doing so, he typed back a very typical Sebastian response that he knew would make Blaine blush.

It's no fair putting that image in my head prior to going on stage ~B

It is when you send me such a sexy picture ~S

Sexy are the pictures we took during our getaway ~B

Those are sexy. But you have quite the smirk on your face, it affects me ~S

You'll have to show me how much after the show. Gotta go ~B

Considering the time, Sebastian had a feeling Blaine wasn't teasing when he said he needed to go as it was time for him to go on stage. There were so many other things he could've said, but Blaine was right they couldn't have this sort of banter prior to him going on stage. Thankfully though, unlike the night before, they'd be able to have fun that evening when Blaine finally did call. But before taking his nap, he was going to have to take a look at the pictures the two of them had taken during their weekend away.

By the time the show ended and they were back in their dressing room, it didn't surprise anyone when the five of them collapsed onto the couches and chairs. "Was it my imagination or was tonight's audience more alive than last nights?" Morgan asked as she placed her head on Blaine's shoulder.

"I don't know if they were more alive, but they were certainly louder." Justin replied. "That's saying a lot as we can't hear much on stage besides ourselves. One thing is for certain though, they adore you Blaine."

"He's right." Talia said. "I recognized more than a few familiar faces from last night. I think those three girls that were right up front are going to be a bit disappointed when they find out you are taken." Justin laughed as he looked over at Blaine who was shaking his head.

"It's true, I'm pretty certain more than one of them said they love you and one proposed."

"I doubt that." Blaine told them.

"That's because you're in a zone when you perform." Morgan replied. "I heard it too."

"Face it Blaine, they love you here just as they do in New York." Todd stated. "And to quote my sister who saw the show in Philly, it's because you have a certain swagger on stage that's hard to resist."

"Bas says the same thing, I don't see it."

"That's because only extremely vain people would see themselves that way and you are far from vain." Talia said. "Do we get to sleep in again or do we have to get up in the morning?"

"You have to get up." At the sound of Vincent's voice, they all looked towards the door. "You have an interview at a radio station. After the buzz from last night's show, they want to talk to you."

"All of us?" Justin asked.

"Yes, all of you so try and get some sleep tonight." Vincent told them. "We'll be leaving the hotel at nine. Once it's over though, you guys have the day free to do as you like. Just make sure I know your plans."

"We can do that." Blaine replied. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I need a shower and then one here sucks."

"Yea, I noticed that last night too." Todd said. "So, let's get packed up and back to the hotel. I've got a date with a shower and then a comfy bed."

While the five of them began to pack up, Blaine noticed that Scott seemed to be keeping a closer eye on them than usual. Yet considering the chaos leaving the venue the night before, he wasn't surprised. It also made him thankful that Scott and his team were around as this was something he was still adjusting to. Though if he was being honest, having people acting like this around him was something he probably was never going to get used to. Blaine had just closed his guitar case when he noticed quite the smile on Morgan's face. "Jeff?" He said as he walked up behind her, causing her to nod. "Have you spoken to him today?"

"I have." She replied as she grabbed her bag, before her bass. "Have you spoken to Sebastian?"

"Briefly, but I'm calling him once we get back." When she giggled, Blaine nudged her with his arm. "You're terrible."

"I didn't say anything." She told him as they followed the others out the door. "But you wouldn't be the only one having those sorts of conversations. Heck, Talia put on her noise-canceling headphones last night so Jeff and I could speak freely."

"Was it necessary?"

"No, but since she had them on I might've said some things to him I wouldn't have said if she wasn't."

"And that's why she did it." Blaine said. "Just remember to return the favor once she finds her special someone."

"Don't worry, I will." Morgan told him before they cleared the alley way. Throughout the rest of their walk, they all kept their conversation pretty basic so they weren't caught saying something they shouldn't be. From the moment they cleared the building, they all signed a few autographs, though Blaine was certainly signing the most. Since they had the interview in the morning, Vincent only gave them so much time before ushering them all into their awaiting ride. "Just a reminder Blaine, when we get back, don't stay on your call with Sebastian too long."

"I won't as he has class in the morning." By the time they returned to the hotel, the five of them headed straight for the elevators. While they easily could've gone to the bar, they all wanted to shower and get some sleep so they were coherent for the interview. After taking his shower, Blaine checked his phone and was pleasantly surprised to see a message from Sebastian letting him know he was up and waiting. After situating his laptop beside him, Blaine was quick to connect his call. "You are a sight for sore eyes Bas." Blaine told him as he leaned back.

"Rough night Killer?" Sebastian asked, certainly more awake than he'd been the night before.

"Not really, but it's one of those nights where I like curling up with you once I'm done. My mind is still racing and I actually need to sleep tonight as we have an interview in the morning."

"I'm sorry B, know that once you get home we can curl up and do as much or as little as you want." Sebastian told him earning him a smile from Blaine. "Now, what's with this interview as I don't remember you mentioning it previously?"

"Vincent only told us about it after our show tonight." Blaine replied. "It seems that after our show on Sunday night there was quite the buzz. So, one of the local stations wants to have us on. From what he said during our ride back here, it's going to be pretty basic and it's a good way to get the news out about my upcoming single release, and then the album."

"Do you have a release date for the album yet B?"

"They're still debating between two, a lot depends on how the single sells but they have pretty high hopes for it."

"For good reason, it's incredible B! Speaking of, I got an email from Vincent about a release party for it."

"Yes, they thought it was a good idea and what better place to have it. Plus, this allows a good portion of our friends to hear it before it debuts on the radio. And if they like, they can purchase it as of midnight that night. But as much as I like talking about this stuff, I'd much rather talk about us and pick up where our texts left off." Sebastian couldn't stop the smirk that crept to his face in that moment as when he'd napped he couldn't get Blaine off his mind. "That is, if that's alright with you?"

"It's more than okay B, trust me." Sebastian told him. "After the last text I pulled up the pictures we did take and well, it took quite a bit of control. You have an amazing ass."

"I got that from as much as you grab it, not that I mind of course."

"Good, as I don't see that ever stopping. Hell, one of the pictures from your show last night even mentioned how great your ass is so I'm not the only one that notices." The look on Blaine's face when Sebastian spoke was that of shock. "I take it you don't ever look at that stuff?" Blaine shook his head. "It's probably best as you'd undoubtedly blush with some of the things said."

"You go looking for that stuff?" Blaine asked as he didn't take Sebastian as the type to go looking for things like that.

"No, people show it to me, and by people, it's usually Santana though Thad and Jeff have shown me a few as well since stuff shows up in their feeds." When Blaine sighed a bit, Sebastian tilted his head. "But for most of the guys, the stuff they send me is about how people view the performance and not objectifying you."

"Yet Santana does."

"No, she sends me pictures she knows I'll appreciate, there is a difference." Sebastian reassured him. "Little does she realize I've got the sexiest pictures of you and they are for my eyes only?"

"Let's keep it that way as I'd prefer they stay that way."

"Relax Blaine, I feel the same way. Even with as confident as I am, I'd never do that with anyone else. Now, what are you wearing beneath those blankets Killer?"'

"Nothing, as I thought it was rather pointless to put anything on after my shower as I had an inkling this was where things were going to go." Blaine replied. "What about you?"

"Boxers, though that can change if you like."

"I'd prefer if they were gone."

"Well then, your wish is my command."

From there, Sebastian decided to turn his laptop before getting out of bed so Blaine could watch him. And from hearing the soft growl that escaped him, Sebastian knew he made the right decision. While this was still taking some getting used to, each time they got more comfortable with it. Further proof that doing so when they were separated in the city was a good idea as the awkwardness was no longer there. With as well as they knew each other, they were able to make it more enjoyable for each other as they could ask the other to do something knowing the effect it would have. It made Blaine thankful that he had his own room so that the two of them could have these moment when they were apart.

The next morning, when Blaine made his way down to the lobby to meet the others he was surprised to only see Scott there. "Someone looks like he slept well." Scott said to him as Blaine walked closer.

"That's because I did, where is everyone else?"

"They should be down shortly, and Vincent should be back in a moment as he had to take a call." When Blaine looked at him, Scott smiled. "The rest of the team is already at the station waiting for us. Is everything alright Blaine?"

"Yea, this is all a bit strange, that's all."

"It's not going to be much longer." Vincent said as he walked up behind him. "You're going to be a busy guy pretty soon. After a bit of discussion, we, the label and I, decided to give an extra push to your release so your friend Jordan will be covering your release party."

"Jordan?"

"Yes, she's created quite the buzz for herself and we know you're comfortable having her around." Blaine continued to look at him as he was a bit surprised. "It's become a proven fact that artists she covers on her music segment see an increase in sales whether that be music or performance. So, you'll also be doing a live interview with her the Saturday evening prior to the single dropping." The more Vincent spoke; Blaine was processing how much had changed since he spoke with Sebastian early that morning. While what he'd shared was new, even more was happening as time was getting closer. "You don't have to remember all this Blaine as I sent you an email with all the information. And as things continue to change, it'll get updated. Trust me when I tell you, it's going to get updated a lot the closer we get."

"Good thing he's going on vacation prior to everything happening." Justin said as he and Morgan walked up behind them. "Morning! And for your information, Todd and Talia will be down momentarily."

"Cool." Blaine replied. "As for what you first said, I'm thinking the same thing. Good thing Bas and I plan on taking it easy for the most part. Lots of beach time for the most part, though we are going to do a bit of sight-seeing."

"Do you know where you're staying?" Morgan asked as she'd only heard bits and pieces of their vacation plans.

"We rented a place just outside the city as we wanted to be on the beach." Blaine told them as Talia and Todd appear. "Everything taken care of?"

"We're all good." Talia replied. "We're not running late because of us though, are we?"

"No, but since you're all here we should probably get a move on it in case there is traffic." Vincent told them. "A reminder to all of you, you don't have to answer any personal questions if you don't want to." In that moment, it wasn't too surprising to see most eyes fall to Blaine. "Hey, that goes for all of you, not just Blaine. You're all good looking so it won't be surprising in given interviews if the hosts ask if any of you are seeing someone, especially radio. They seem to have less of a filter compared to other types of interviews"

"That's good to know in advance." Morgan said as they headed for the doors. "Nothing like getting blindsided as that can cause some unique reactions."

"And that would bring on more questions." Blaine added. "Jordan warned me early on to expect the unexpected for that very reason. While she respects personal boundaries, others don't as Vincent mentioned. Some look for any opportunity to get you to slip up and say something you normally wouldn't say."

"You're more prepared for this than you might realize." Vincent said as they loaded up the SUV. "None of you are going into this blind. You should thank your instructors for that, though you're all going to go through some PR training for you leave for tour."