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.

73. Chapter 73

Five Years Later

Part 73

Even though they were all present, the focus was clearly on Blaine which none of them had a problem with. With the questions being asked, it was clear that the hosts had taken in the two shows they'd already played as they had questions pertaining to each performance as the sets weren't the same. Yet they'd noticed that certain songs were played each night. Blaine was quick to explain that they like to change things up so they don't get bored, but certain numbers the crowds in New York had come to expect to hear so they're played each show. When they were asked about the acoustic part of the set, they were told it stemmed from Blaine's love of striping songs down to their core which developed during high school.

The more they spoke, Blaine's attention was turned from the microphone when he saw their acoustics being brought into the studio, something he didn't remember bringing. So when they were asked if they'd play, Blaine agreed since it had been thought of prior. Once they rearranged themselves so they could do so, Blaine asked if they had a particular request which they did, Words. From the moment it was mentioned, Talia and Morgan smiled at each other as it was one of their favorites, plus they remember the moment it seemed to signify in Blaine's life.

It didn't come as a surprise that the moment between the two girls didn't go unnoticed, prompting them to be asked about their reactions. Blaine looked at them both and smiled, knowing full and well what they were going to say. Hearing the girls speak of their love for the song as they both understood the feelings so well, that feeling of being completely tongue-tied around one you care for. When they were asked if they knew if Blaine wrote it about anyone in particular, they both replied that they needed to ask Blaine though they both had their thoughts on it. That response had Blaine shaking his head as it was immediately turned on him. The moment Blaine said it was written with a specific person on his mind, the hosts pushed for more but Blaine refused to say anymore on the topic which his band backed him on.

Once they were done, Blaine was surprised by what was happening as the phone lines were going crazy and the stations social media was as well. One of the hosts was quick to ask Blaine if the show he was playing that night was all ages or if it was age restricted. Blaine promptly looked at Vincent who said it was an all-ages show, but he didn't know how many tickets were left as last he knew it was close to being sold-out. The hosts were quick to repeat that information to their listeners, for those interested in catching Blaine that evening in Cambridge. They then proceeded to let them know they'd be playing a show in Providence the next night if anyone wanted to make the drive as that was an all-ages show as well.

By the time they left the studio, Blaine was shocked to see the number of messages he had on his phone since David had let everyone know the station broadcasted live on the internet so most caught it. When he began to scroll through, Talia looked over at him and caught his eye. "Something I can do for you?" Blaine asked as he looked away from his phone.

"Morgan and I were hoping you weren't upset with us since we sort of put you on the spot about the song." She told him as Morgan looked over her shoulder at him. "We couldn't help it as the moment we first rehearsed it for a show you and Sebastian had that cute moment."

"Cute moment?" Blaine replied with a quirk of his eyebrow. "What cute moment?" That caused the girls to look at one another as Todd and Justin began to laugh. "What am I missing out on here guys, care to help?"

"You mean the fact the two of them overheard you and Sebastian telling each other you love one another." Todd stated. "And from what they could figure, it had recently happened from the way the two of you were acting." The way Blaine looked at them; it didn't surprise Todd or Justin that they pouted slightly. "They didn't mean to eavesdrop Blaine; the acoustics were just great on the stage."

"I'm not mad, as I remember the moment well." Blaine said. "Why didn't you say anything to me?"

"It's as Todd said." Morgan replied. "You and Sebastian were all cute in that moment and well, we felt bad for being a part of it as you two clearly thought you were alone. Were we right though, that it had only recently happened?"

"Yes, we'd told each other the night before that we love each other." Blaine told them. "So, now you know why I was more than ready to finally play that song in a show."

"So it is about Sebastian?" Justin asked, and Blaine nodded in response. "I wish I had the same way with words that you do."

"Trust me; I have my moments when I can't find the right words. Hence, how the song came about. And even now that Bas knows, some things are still hard to put into words." While Blaine spoke, his phone went off in his hand bringing his attention back to it. After reading his text, he leaned forward towards where Vincent was seated. "Would I be able to get another ticket for tonight's show put aside?"

"Are you really asking me that?" Vincent asked as he looked back with a smile. "Of course you can. Someone you know want to come tonight?"

"Someone who previously wanted to come, but wasn't sure if they could but now they can't get a ticket."

"Of course, just get me the name and I'll have one set aside at the box office." Blaine smiled before sending off a response that things had been taken care of for that evening.

When the message was received, David smiled as he looked across his apartment at Zach who was quietly sitting in the chair. If one looked at him, he was so very much Thad's brother but if they saw the way he behaved they wouldn't believe it. "You should be happy to know, Blaine was able to get an extra ticket for the show." David told him. "You do know you could've asked him yourself, right?"

"It wouldn't have felt right, he's Thad's friend, not mine." Zach replied. "It would've felt wrong to ask."

"Yet, you called Thad to see if it was possible?" David said to him.

"Yes, as him asking wouldn't be wrong, they're friends."

"It's not as though you don't know Blaine. You just haven't seen him since in some time." David continued. "He wouldn't have a problem with it. Or is it that you didn't want to ask since it's not for you, but for her since you already have a ticket?"

"Are we really going to do this, I mean, you promised you wouldn't say anything?"

"It's us, we can talk about her. I promised I wouldn't say anything to Thad, and I haven't. Just as I haven't told him about you playing Quidditch"

"He'd never let me hear the end of it." Zach replied. "Hell, he'd call Em and then she'd have something to say, you know her. Honestly, she's worse than him no matter how hard that might be for you to believe."

"Zach, while Thad might tease you, he'd be thrilled that you're actually out and about, socializing instead of on your computer." David said. "The only thing Thad has ever wanted is for you to be more social. Honestly, while the family resemblance is there, you act nothing like your brother or sister."

"Are you saying that's a bad thing?" Zach asked him as David sat down.

"No, you're definitely your own person which is a good thing. If I had to guess, that quiet side of you comes from your Mom as Thad is so much like your Dad, but you have your moments as well. Hell, I'm like that too, it's not a bad thing. Being more laid back can be a good thing as it helps you deal with the crazy shit that gets thrown at you better than those that can be a bit more emotional." David told him. "Trust me, as of late, that really is a good thing because I've dealt with things I never expected." When Zach looked at him, David shook his head. "It doesn't concern you, but take this bit of advice…there are very few things you can take at face value. Often those you care about will do everything they can to protect you from that which hurts them."

"Are you implying that Thad might have more going on with him or around him than I'm aware of?" Zach asked as he looked at David who he'd gotten to know much better since he moved to Massachusetts since Thad had him looking out for him. "Come on David, you know Thad's never really been one to talk about his feelings."

"Fine, Thad got dealt the same blow I did and well, considering his temperament, he's got a lot on his mind."

"Come now David, you know as well as I do that when Thad's pissed, he lets whoever he's pissed at know it." Zach said to him. "He's one of the last people to ever hold things in."

"Given the right circumstances, it happens, trust me. So, don't judge Thad in a singular light, there is more to him than you realize. While he's to blame for that, so are you. But you should know he cares in that he asked me to look out for you." Zach looked at David, a small smile creping to his face as he knew David was right. While he and Thad weren't best friends, they cared about each other. "Now, you take my ticket as Blaine is leaving the extra at the box office under my name."

"Do you think it would be possible to see Blaine after the show?"

"You mean like Beat and I did the other night?" Zach nodded. "I will send Blaine another text and ask as I'm unsure of their schedule. But one thing you need to remember is not to mention Blaine's sexual preference."

"Don't worry, I know as it's no one's business who Blaine's interested in."

"That includes your girlfriend."

"I know, I haven't told her. Blaine does know it's going to come out at some point, right, especially since he's with Sebastian?"

"He's well aware of it, but he doesn't want to have to address it until he has to." David said. "Blaine's not ashamed of who he is in the slightest, yet that doesn't mean he has to shout it from the rooftops. I mean, you're not screaming from the rooftops about your relationship."

"Good point. I guess I never really thought of it that way. He's entitled to his privacy, like anyone else."

"Yet because of what he's doing for a living, he has to hold certain things close as his privacy could become limited."

While this was all going on in Massachusetts, Hunter was on his way to go meet Kimberly for a late breakfast as she had a break in her schedule that coincided with his. When she came walking up to him, he was quick to wrap his arms around her before kissing her. "Did you miss me?" She asked afterwards, then giving him a quick peck on the lips.

"Yes." Hunter told her before letting her go, yet taking ahold of her hand. "I'd be lying if I said otherwise. I can't wait till you're back up here more permanently." He said before they walked into the restaurant, earning him a look. "Yes, I know you're still going to travel but you'll be here more often. Speaking of, did you get ahold of Blaine's manager for what you wanted?"

"I did, and he's going to get back to me with dates that will work." Kimberly replied. "Once I have the date, I'll let you know as I'm sure you guys are going to want to be in attendance."

"You know us so well." Hunter said before kissing her on the cheek prior to the hostess speaking. After they were led to their table, the two picked up their conversation once again. "Sebastian will be able to be on the field, right?"

"Yes. Do you know how things are going for Blaine on this trip?"

"Per Sebastian, really well as the crowds have loved him, but that really shouldn't be a surprise. But it's helped put Blaine's nerves at ease." Hunter replied before they ordered. "Did you hear the interview he gave this morning?"

"What interview?" Kimberly asked while fixing her coffee.

"Blaine and his band were on a local Boston station this morning, it streamed on the web. I thought I sent the link to you." Once Hunter spoke, she pulled her phone out of her purse to take a look as her morning had been rather hectic. "Did I?"

"You had, I was in a meeting when it was sent. Hell, I was in that meeting till before I left." Kimberly told him. "It's clear the season is about to start. Do you know if it's still there?"

"It should be." Hunter told her. "And in case you were wondering, they performed Words, live in studio. It was really good."

"Sweet, as I was telling the head of PR all about it and now she'll finally get to hear it." Kimberly told him. "The show she went to, Blaine didn't play it. Speaking of, how is Sebastian handling Blaine being away?"

"He's slowly adjusting." Hunter replied. "They've spoken each night and have texted throughout the day. I have a feeling he'll have just gotten a firm handle on things by the time he comes back. Having studying to do has been good for him. So, him interning this summer will be good as well. He won't be able to focus on the fact that Blaine's not here."

Kimberly then reached across the table and took ahold of Hunter's hand. "Well, you can reassure him that it does get easier. But that getting easier doesn't mean you miss them any less. At least they're getting eased into it. And should he go on tour to promote the new album, which he probably will, Sebastian will have school to focus on."

"They're going to be quite the combination, aren't they, lawyer and musician." Hunter said as their food was brought to them.

"While the combination might be unique, their careers don't define them, their love for one another does." Kimberly said. "Have they had any other run-ins with Blaine's ex?"

"No, but events have occurred that have put Sebastian on edge a bit." Kimberly tilted her head as she chewed the bite she'd recently taken. "Remember how I told you, things have happened?" She nodded. "Well, more information got out and Sebastian's is nervous."

"Isn't there anything you can do to help him?"

"Not really, it's more about worrying about doing damage control should things happen as it's not a pretty situation. There are way too many emotions at play."

"What makes you any different in that regard Hunt, you have feelings?"

"While I'm invested in what happened, it's not in the same manner." Hunter said before taking another bite. "You know that I can be not so nice, but it's usually when someone has crossed me." Kimberly nodded. "With not being as emotionally attached, I can think a bit more clearly, others, not so much."

"So, it's others around Blaine that you and Sebastian are worried about?" Kimberly asked, and Hunter nodded as he was eating. "Sadly, you really can't control what others do. It's as you said, one's emotions are in play, and people can get a bit…impulsive even if they know better. Everyone reaches their breaking point at some time. Hell, you're an expert at pushing people's buttons Hunter."

"Trust me, I know. But I tend to know who I'm dealing with and there are too many loose cannons at play." Hunter told her. "This situation could get ugly, and I'm more concerned about a different party than Sebastian is."

"Care to tell me who Sebastian is concerned about, or do I already know?"

"I have a feeling you already know." Once the words left his mouth, Hunter looked around Kimberly. It was clear from the look on his face, that he saw someone he recognized. Soon she saw him shake his head before going back to eating.

"Hunter, what's going on?"

"I'll tell you later as this isn't a conversation to have in this setting." She looked at him, but from his expression it was clear she shouldn't push him. For the rest of their meal, the conversation was about their plans for Hunter's upcoming break as he was going to head down to Florida with her. After they were outside once they were done, Hunter smiled as he looked at her. "Now, I will tell you who I saw." He said as they began to walk towards the subway station. "From what I could tell, it was the person Kurt cheated on Blaine with." Kimberly's eyes widened as she looked at him. "I know that sounds crazy, but their offices aren't that far from here."

"Considering his personality from when I've met him, I still don't get what Blaine saw in him."

"Well, from conversations Blaine's had with us on the topic, he's not sure anymore either. So, don't even try and figure it out." Hunter told her. "Now for something more pleasant, my place or yours tonight?"

"Come over to my place." Kimberly told him.

"Any particular reason?" Hunter asked as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear that had fallen forward.

"I might have something in mind." The expression on her face, one that Hunter had missed as she had a mischievous side that he adored. "Is that alright?"

"More than alright." He then leaned in to kiss her on the lips, wrapping his arms around her in the process. "I'll come over after last class. Anything you want me to bring?"

"Just you, I'll take care of everything else." She then moved up onto her toes more to give him one last kiss before they went their separate ways. While she'd been looking forward to getting back to the city, spending moments like this with Hunter was all the extra incentive she needed. The fact that she'd found someone that didn't freak out that she spent most of her time around guys was a blessing in her eyes.

During his ride back to campus, Hunter sent a text to Sebastian about seeing the person Kurt had cheated on Blaine with during the marriage. It didn't come as a surprise when he received an obnoxious reply in response considering how Sebastian felt about the situation. For the most part, Sebastian kept his feelings to himself, but Hunter had told him that he needed to vent once in awhile to stop him from blowing his top in inopportune moments. Sebastian staying composed whenever they saw Kurt was key to helping to set the tone he wanted around Blaine, especially now that everyone knew.

From the moment Sebastian told him how things went when Blaine told Rachel and Santana, it hadn't surprised him. From knowing how Wes felt getting the news, it wasn't too shocking to hear the girls were overwhelmed by what they were told. Each of them felt they should've been more aware or pushed more with as quiet as Blaine had gotten. Yet anytime they asked, Blaine shrugged it off. When Sebastian had mentioned that Santana wanted to see everything Hunter had given him, Hunter laughed as that didn't surprise him in the slightest. If someone was going to see it, Santana was a good choice. Heck, even Blaine laughed about it as he had no doubt she'd have quite the commentary about it.

By the time Hunter was about to enter the building for his next class, he was surprised to see a text from Thad asking him to call him immediately. Considering the timing, Hunter knew that wasn't possible in the moment so he sent him a quick response letting him know when to expect the call. Hunter was just getting settled in his seat when he received another text saying he'd expect the call. For the next hour plus, Hunter paid attention to class, but also wondered what Thad could want as texts like that were rare from him.

So once he was out of class, Hunter looked around for Sebastian and once he saw the coast was clear, gave Thad a call. "Sorry this had to wait but I couldn't miss this class." Hunter told him as he walked, hoping to find someplace to sit while they spoke. "So, what can I do for you?"

"First off, no apologies are necessary as I understand. It seems some professors like to make life miserable the last week before break." Thad replied as he leaned back in his chair. "I called because I'm at a loss for what to do in trying to help Rachel cope."

"What's the problem as last we spoke she seemed fine?" Hunter asked.

"She is for the most part, at least when she's focused on the show. But, then when it's quiet she'll start to cry out of the blue." Thad told him. "She really feels as though she let Blaine down by not seeing what was going on."

"I hope you told her that it's not her fault." Hunter said. "From everything Blaine has said, he hid it from everyone as he didn't want them dragged into their problems."

"I have, but she still feels as though she should've known."

"The best things you can do are listening, and reassure her. I'm sure you can be resourceful when it comes to reassuring her." There was a slight change of tone as the last part came from Hunter.

"Cute, real cute." Thad said. "Trust me; other methods have also crossed my mind. But how do I stop her from snapping as Kurt's called her a few times since this weekend."

"Ah, Sebastian mentioned that to me this morning. Rachel knows she can't say anything, right?"

"She does, but she wants nothing more than to scream and yell at him for what he did to Blaine." Thad told him. "Not to mention, she said that if Burt called Kurt, he knows there is truth behind what he was told." That bit of information caused Hunter to stop mid-step. "That's why Kurt called Rachel, and she said he sounded thankful when she said she didn't know what had happened."

"Did she say what might happen should Burt find out that what he was told is true?"

"Just that she knows Burt will be furious. While he's rather tranquil most of the time, he does have a bit of a temper. She said Finn told her about a time he snapped at him about something he said to Kurt."

"Does Rachel know what Kurt told his Dad when Blaine left him?"

"She does, why, though it shouldn't come as a surprise to you that he painted Blaine as the villain. And that once Blaine started to date Sebastian, he threw him into it as well."

"Wonder what his Dad would think should he find out his son was the one having the affair and abusing his husband?" Hunter said.

"I asked the same question and Rachel said Burt would freak out. The big question in her mind is why Kurt ever agreed to marry Blaine if he didn't love him."

"I'm pretty certain that's everyone's question, but it's one we're never going to get an answer from. All we can do is presume, though Sebastian has his own idea."

"That Kurt was planning on destroying Blaine from the get go." Thad said.

"Precisely, and that would prove he didn't love Blaine as I could never imagine hurting the one I love like that."

"But Kurt was scorned."

"Blaine made a mistake. The one mistake Blaine made is nothing compared to what Kurt did to him." Hunter stated. "He hurt Blaine ten-fold. Does Hummel know about you and Rachel yet?"

"No, and I'm fine with that." Thad told him. "Hell, Rachel hasn't told him she got the role yet. It's pretty clear that she wants nothing to do with him anymore. She just needs to figure out a way to cut the cord, yet she's not quite ready to face him yet."

"Understandable, I'm sure she'll figure something out soon enough."

"I'm hoping so. Hey, do you and Kimberly have plans for tonight, though maybe we could all go out to dinner?"

"As tempting as that sounds, we'll have to do it another night as Kimberly and I have plans for the night."

"What sort of plans?"

"I'm not quite sure as Kimberly is planning our night." Hunter replied. "Though, it is a night in."

"Enough said my friend. I think that's what our night is going to be as well. It's just a matter of whose home we're going to be at."

"Doesn't that depend on Santana's plans?"

"Smartass."

"Hey, you can't say it doesn't come into play."

"Okay, maybe it does have a bit of influence as to where we spend our time. But Santana is a lot of fun to be around."

"That I don't question, it's about other things. I mean, each girl needs a bit of privacy."

"That's true." Thad replied. "They have a system worked out, and should anything happen, they both knew the risks."

"Risks?"

"That one might hear or witness something they'd presumably not know." Hunter couldn't stop himself from laughing the moment Thad spoke as he had a feeling there was more to it. "Hunter. Man, come on."

"Who heard who?"

"I'm not going to answer that."

"Yet, by not answering, you did. So, was it worth the wait?"

"Definitely, but that's all you're going to find out."

"Fair enough, at least Sebastian and I won't have to deal with you being so cranky anymore."

"I am not cranky."

"Yes, you were whether you realized it or not." Hunter told him. "While studying makes us all stressed, you got cranky. If you don't believe me, ask Sebastian. And you know for a fact he'd call you out on it. The only reason neither of us said anything is because you're dating Rachel."

"True, he would but didn't for the very reason you said as he knows Rachel has been through a lot. Not to mention, I doubt Blaine would approve of him teasing me on that aspect of my life since it concerns her."

"Alright, well I need to go as I've got some work to do before my next class. If you still want to do dinner later this week, talk it over with Rachel and text me a date and I'll confer with Kimberly. Talk to you later."

"Later."

With as busy as the day had been, Thad felt this innate need to go and meet Rachel after rehearsal that day. When she came walking out along with Jean-Baptiste, he laughed when she jumped at the sound of her name when he called out for her. "What are you doing here?" She asked as they all walked towards one another.

"Aren't I allowed to surprise you?" Thad replied before sliding an arm around her. "Jean-Baptiste."

"Thad, how are you?"

"Ready for a quiet night, as I've got some studying to do."

"So, it's a normal night for the two of you then." Jean-Baptiste replied, earning him a look from Thad. "Rachel said you study quite a bit."

"Of course he does, he's going to be a doctor." Rachel said before kissing him on the cheek.

"That's the goal." Thad stated before turning to kiss her as well. "And I've got plenty of years ahead of me of doing so."

"It'll be worth it in the end." Jean-Baptiste said to him. "Plus you having studying to do, makes Rachel feel less guilty about all the work she's putting in." When Rachel looked up at him, Jean-Baptiste smiled. "It's true, she said she feels so lucky that you understand how much work she needs to put in to get ready."

"That I do, and I'm not the type of person to get in someone's way when they're achieving something they want." Thad replied. "I know firsthand that the support of those around you goes a long way."

"Blaine said something along the same lines a few months ago." Jean-Baptiste told him. "And I agree with you both. If you're not surrounded by those that support you, you're not going to succeed as those influences will hold you back."

"Or try and sabotage you because they want the spotlight." Rachel chimed in with. "We've all dealt with people like that. The worst part can be is you often can't see it and then get blindsided by it."

"Speaking of someone in particular?" Jean-Baptiste asked as he noticed a smirk creep to Thad's face.

"Yes." Rachel replied. "Often it's not till someone spends less time around you do you realize how harmful an influence on your life they had been."

"That's often the worst as you wonder how you couldn't see it."

"But now, you don't have to worry about it." Thad stated as he tightened his hold around her. "You're now surrounded by people who want the best for you." While he spoke, Thad saw Jean-Baptiste raise his arm in the air. "Catching a cab?"

"Yea, I need to do something before coming back for tonight's show. Rachel, nice job today."

"Thanks."

"Thad, it was nice seeing you. I'm presuming I'll see you on her opening night?"

"No place I'd rather be." Jean-Baptiste gave them a smile as a cab pulled up, and he was soon on his way.

"Ready?" Thad asked as he guided Rachel towards the subway.

"Are you coming home with me?" Rachel asked.

"I was going to let you choose, am I coming home with you or are you coming home with me?"

"I want to go home with you." Rachel told him. "So what do you say?"

"Follow me, my lady."