Five Years Later
Part 75
The fact that Blaine was coming home, Thad had to remind Rachel throughout the day Saturday that she needed to wait to get in touch with him. She wanted to call and find out what happened during the trip outside the little tidbits she read, but Thad told her that Blaine was going to spend his first full day back with Sebastian. While it was a bit frustrating, Rachel understood that Blaine's main focus would be Sebastian before catching up with everyone else. Just to be on the safe side since he knew Quinn was going to be at Blaine's show Saturday night as well, Thad stayed at the loft that night to stop Rachel from attempting to reach Blaine the next morning.
And since there was construction going on near Jordan's, the loft was going to be full that night with all four of them staying there. Even Santana agreed that it was a good idea for Thad to stay as they were close enough to Blaine's that she wouldn't put it passed Rachel to sneak out to see him. With them all having been out that night since Santana was working, it wasn't too surprising that none of them were happy hearing knocking on the door Sunday morning. The moment Rachel attempted to sit up, Thad tightened his hold around her. "Ignore it babe." He whispered into her hair having no desire to move in that moment. "Anyone that knows you or Santana would never come over this early."
"What if it's Blaine?" She asked eliciting a soft laugh from Thad, causing her to glance back over her shoulder. "What?"
"Rach think about it, Blaine's either sleeping or preoccupied with Sebastian at this moment." Thad's response caused her to giggle as she knew he was right. There was no way it was going to be Blaine. When the knocking didn't stop, they soon heard an exasperated sigh from across the loft. "She's not happy."
"You think?" Rachel replied before attempting to sit up again. "Let me get it before she snaps which is not something any of us need to deal with this early." He loosened his hold as he knew Rachel was right, dealing with a pissed off Santana wasn't something any of them needed. Once Rachel was up, Thad sat up in bed and watched as she wrapped her robe around her. "I won't be long."
"You better not be." Thad told her before she went to get the door. While he didn't like the idea of letting her get it, he knew he couldn't stop her this time. It wasn't long after Rachel left did he hear Santana's voice as well as clearly she couldn't take the knocking anymore either. Considering the time they all got back that night or technically morning, he knew she wasn't going to be pleasant even though Jordan was there.
The moment he heard them raise their voices and begin to get defensive; Thad got out of bed as there was only one person that could set them both off. While he looked around the room for his pants their voices got louder and accusations began to fly. Bearing in mind each of them aside from Santana had a good buzz going when they returned it wasn't too surprising that Thad couldn't find them.
"What the hell gives you the right to show up at our door and demand answers from us, especially after what you've done!" Santana snarled at him as he tried to push passed them and into the loft. "Leave!"
"So Blaine did talk to you." Kurt snapped at them. "It's all lies! He's trying to push you away from me."
"They weren't lies Kurt, we could see it in his eyes." Rachel firmly stated. "And he didn't have to push us away, you did that with your holier than thou actions! Over and over again you told us how Blaine was the one cheating, that Blaine was the one neglecting you, yet it was you all along! How could you?" With each statement Rachel made her voice grew louder and her resolve broke.
"How could I…he cheated first!" Kurt exclaimed.
"Yet you still married him!" Santana said. "You said you forgave him, but it was all lies! Blaine made a mistake, yet what you did was intentional! You're a fucking hypocrite!"
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me Porcelain, you're a hypocrite! You made Blaine's life hell!" Santana toldhim.
"What's going on?" Jordan asked as she made her way towards the door.
"Go back to bed." Santana replied with a look over her shoulder.
"Not going to happen." Jordan said before walking up beside them. "What the hell do you want?"
"Nice to know you're as pleasant as your girlfriend." Kurt stated.
"We'd be more pleasant if some asshole didn't wake us early on Sunday morning." Jordan stated before looking around, curious where Thad was.
"How do you deal with them Rachel?"
"Jordan is welcome here, unlike you so go!"
"Rachel, you have to hear my side of the story."
"No, I don't! You lied to me for years Kurt, so why would I believe anything you tell me now." Rachel told him. "Now go as I have things to do now that I'm up."
"Like what?"
"Study my lines."
"Wait, you got the part you were auditioning for?"
"She did, and she's going to be incredible." Santana replied. "Now, leave as we have nothing left to say to you!" Santana went to pull the door closed but as she did, Kurt grabbed ahold of Rachel causing her to gasp.
"Get your fucking hand off of her!" The tone of Thad's voice as he spoke had all the girls look back over their shoulders as Kurt's eyes flew open, shocked by who he was seeing. "Are you fucking deaf Hummel? I said get your fucking hand off of her!"
"What the hell are you doing here?" Kurt exclaimed, still yet to let go of Rachel while staring at Thad. "Where the hell are your clothes?" Thad chuckled in a way that brought a smirk to Santana's face as he strolled closer to them wearing only his pants.
"Do you really need an explanation?" Thad replied while he pulled Kurt's hand off of Rachel, only to have her immediately curl up against him. He then pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
"This…this can't be happening…this is a bad joke." Kurt rambled, clearly in shock from what he was seeing.
"The only joke around here is you!" Santana bluntly told him.
"Rachel, you can't seriously be dating this asshole?"
"He's not an asshole Kurt." Rachel told him. "And yes, I am dating Thad; I have been since the beginning of the year."
"No wonder you didn't tell me as you know I wouldn't approve." The look on Kurt's face as he spoke was completely judgmental.
"Who the hell cares what you think?" Thad replied. "This is her life; you have no say in it! The only reason she didn't tell you is that she didn't want to deal with your crap! You've justified her reasoning with how you've behaved."
"Face it Hummel, you have no influence on Rachel's life anymore." Santana told him. "She's been happier ever since she started spending less time with you."
"Blaine did this!"
"Blaine had nothing to do with this, it's all you!" Rachel snapped at him. "We never would've even known anything that happened during your marriage if you'd left him alone, yet you couldn't! Ever since you found out Blaine was dating, you tried to latch onto him. Then once you found out it was Sebastian he was with, it got worse."
"If you can't figure it out by now Hummel, Rachel wants nothing to do with you anymore." Thad told him. "You hurt her and betrayed her in ways that could've broken her if she didn't have people that care for her around. You were her best friend, she trusted you. Yet you betrayed that trust in the worst way."
"Shut up Harwood!"
"No!" Thad stated. "There are so many things I want to say to you, but I'm not going to aside from letting you know that we know what you did to Blaine, all of it. So, it would be best if you stay the hell away from him."
"Thad's right, Blaine's moved on with his life, much as you had until he began to date again." Rachel added. "Forget about him as he wants nothing to do with you. Can't you just let him be happy after everything you put him through?"
"With Smythe?" Kurt replied with a laugh that was sarcastic in nature. "You're all crazy if you think that relationship is going to last."
"The only crazy thing going on is that we're still talking to your sorry ass." Santana stated. "I'm done, as is everyone else. Now excuse me as now that I'm up, I'm going to go have sex with my girlfriend."
"With them here, classy Lopez?"
"What's the big deal as they can be just as loud? I mean seriously, Thad rocks her world!" The moment Santana blurted out what she did; Thad had to stifle a laugh as Kurt's reaction to that bit of information was priceless, but couldn't hid his smile. He felt bad as it was clear it wasn't something Rachel wanted out there, but Rachel kept her eyes on Kurt. "Don't look so disgusted Hummel as you're not as innocent as you want people to believe. Bye! Santana then gave him a hard shove before slamming the loft door closed and locking it. "Ah, that was a good start! Anyone want coffee? Breakfast?"
Once the four of them began walking away from the door, they heard Kurt knocking once again, but neither gave it another look. They probably would've been more concerned if they had a neighbor that could hear his yelling, but since they didn't they were going to ignore it. Santana was in the process of making coffee when Thad pulled Rachel down onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. "Are you okay?" He asked as he looked at her, seeing the dazed expression on her face.
"I will be." Rachel replied while wrapping one of her arms around his shoulders. "While I wasn't happy to see him, attacking us the moment we opened the door isn't a way to get information."
"You think?" Santana said as she got four cups down for them. "The only thing I wanted to do is slap him when I saw his smug face. Honestly, I don't know how Sebastian hasn't gone off on him as just seeing his face pisses me off."
"Blaine." Thad replies simply enough. "I've spoken to him, as well as Hunter and Wes who have a better grasp on things and that's something they never waiver on. Blaine's come to terms with what happened, so there is no need to make him relive it simply because we're grasping what he went through."
"That sounds too simple." Rachel told him and Santana agreed with her. "Much like Santana, I wanted to go off on him more than I did."
"And what would that accomplish besides making you feel better?" Jordan asked as she looked between the two. "While you could feel better, it could set Kurt off and have him go after Blaine. With what's happening in Blaine's life right now, career wise alone, it's the last thing he needs."
"You told her?" Thad asked as he looked at Santana.
"No, she didn't tell me." Jordan replied as Santana poured them coffee. "She only told me enough so she didn't feel as though she was keeping something from me. All she told me is things were much worse in Blaine's marriage than any of you knew. So while it seems simple, I can see how Sebastian is able to keep his composure." She then took the cup Santana handed her before giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Blaine's career is about to take-off, so the last thing he needs is having to deal with his past once again." Santana and Rachel looked at one another as they knew Jordan was right. It also reinforced everything the guys had said to them in that regard. And knowing how petty Kurt could be, if pushed in a certain way they knew he'd try to destroy Blaine's big moment.
"Do you think we should call and tell them what happened?" Rachel asked as she glanced at Thad who was drinking his coffee. "I mean, shouldn't they be kept in the loop?"
"I'll send Sebastian a text as calling either of them today unless it was utterly important wouldn't get a great reaction." Thad replied earning him looks from the girls. "Come now, if you were in their situation, would you want to be bothered?"
"Not really." Santana told them. "While Sebastian went out this week, you could tell he missed Blaine. Hell, that was the reason he didn't want to go out last night as he wanted to make sure he was home when he arrived, just as Jeff did."
"Exactly, plus Sebastian and Jeff saw Hummel yesterday so knowing he came over here really isn't Sebastian needs to hear."
"But you're going to tell him." Rachel said earning a nod from Thad. "Just checking."
"Don't worry, I'll tell them as they should know."
It was a couple of hours after this all happened that Sebastian rolled over in bed and was shocked to find it empty. He glanced at the clock a couple of times before looking around for Blaine again. Upon sitting up, he was greeted to the sight of Blaine walking in with two cups of coffee. "Morning." Blaine said his voice still groggy with sleep and his curls askew before making his way back into bed and handing Sebastian his cup.
"Did you really get out of bed to get coffee?" Sebastian said before kissing him on the cheek then wishing him good morning. "I was beginning to believe last night was an intense dream waking up alone." He continued before taking a sip.
"Last night was very much real Bas, trust me." Blaine replied after taking a sip, a smile creeping to his face as he spoke. "I was going to wait, but I didn't want to disturb you once I woke."
"How is it you're up as you love to sleep, especially considering the time we finally went to sleep?" While he spoke, Sebastian extended his arm as an invitation to Blaine to come closer which he did. "Hmmm?"
"It's because of the crazy hours we keep this past week." Blaine told him. "But that also means my body is wired to take a nap this afternoon."
"Not a problem." Sebastian replied before turning his head to kiss Blaine's curls. "Does it feel good to be home?"
"Better than you can probably imagine." Blaine said as he settled in the crook of Sebastian's arm. "I've now got a better appreciation of all those songs written about being on the road and away from those you love."
"It was only a week B."
"I know which proves how hard a tour truly can be." Blaine said as he glanced up at him. "That even while being surrounded by people you like and doing what you love, you can still feel lonely at times." Those words caused Sebastian to tighten his hold slightly before setting his coffee aside. "Relax Bas, it doesn't have me questioning us, it actually made me appreciate what we share even more."
"How so, if you don't mind me asking?" Sebastian asked, intrigued by where their morning conversation was going, while also feeling less apprehensive.
"If I didn't feel lonely at times being away from you, what would that have said about us?"
"That's quite an observation B, even with as often as we managed to talk." He then placed another kiss to the top of Blaine's head. "For your information, I understand it too as there were certainly times I felt alone as well. It was in those moments you got more of those playful text messages." Sebastian then moved onto his side a bit so they could look at one another easier.
"So, there was a reason behind you trying to make me blush?" Blaine asked as he got resituated beside him. "I had a feeling there was something more to it as you don't tend to try and make me blush without a reason."
"There you have it." Sebastian replied. "It made me feel better knowing I could still have that effect on you even if I wasn't there physically."
"It made me feel better too." Blaine then placed a kiss along Sebastian's jaw. "While I know it's not going to be easy Bas, I know we'll get through it."
"That we will B." The next thing Blaine saw was Sebastian reaching for his coffee cup, taking it from his hands. "Now, what do you say we pick up where we left off last night Killer?" He asked after setting it beside his and moving so Blaine was now lying beneath him. "Blaine." Sebastian said softly as Blaine gazed up at him. "What is it?"
"You haven't checked your phone yet this morning have you?" Sebastian shook his head, even though he'd glanced towards it and saw the blue light blinking at him. "Kurt showed up at Rachel and Santana's this morning." Blaine's words caused Sebastian to sigh as he braced himself up on his arms on either side of Blaine. "And Thad was there." That additional information caused Sebastian to laugh.
"He's certainly a glutton for punishment considering he engaged Jeff and I in conversation yesterday." Sebastian told him as he caressed Blaine's cheek. "Who honestly approaches people that can't stand them?"
"Kurt who was clearly trying to find out what you know after what happened at the benefit." Blaine replied as he ran his hands over Sebastian's back. "What did Jeff say to him?"
"That he knows, but he didn't go into specifics."
"Thad said they all acknowledged the same thing which caused Kurt to say it was all lies."
"Sounds about right considering conversations we've had with him. Are you okay that he knows that the others know?"
"I am as it was only a matter of time. Honestly, he should be thankful it took this long for it to get out. He finally has to face some backlash for his actions, though I'd prefer if everyone would drop it."
"That won't happen as everyone is pissed about what you went through." Sebastian told him before pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "But it will probably only come up if he instigates a confrontation with someone."
"That's all I can hope for isn't it?" Sebastian nodded knowing they only had so much control of the situation. "Since that's the case, let's focus on us as this coming week is busy and I have a video to shoot next weekend." While he spoke, Blaine lifted his hips more than a couple of times to make certain Sebastian knew where his mind was at. "What do you say Bas?"
"Let's get started."
With everything that had happened that morning, the girls weren't too surprised when later that day Thad started to make a few phone calls while they relaxed. "Are you alright Rach?" Santana asked as she looked across at her, script in hand. "You've been rather quiet today."
"I'm fine." Rachel replied before glancing towards the far end of the loft where Thad was on his phone, clearly not in the frame of mind to study even though he had books with him.
"You're not and we all know it." Santana told her as Jordan relaxed against her. "It's okay to be frazzled after what happened this morning. I know you weren't looking forward to seeing him."
"You're right, I wasn't. I still can't get over the fact that he still blatantly lied to us." Rachel said in response. "And it was obvious with how defensive he was while at the same time trying to shift the blame to Blaine."
"Not to mention how he reacted to Thad."
"That reaction was everything I expected." Rachel told her. "Hence, why I hadn't said anything to him. Though, I could've done without you telling him that Thad rock's my world."
"It's true."
"Regardless of whether or not it is, Kurt didn't need to know that."
"I'm sorry, but I can't help it as I love provoking a reaction from him." Santana said. "And after what Sebastian and Blaine told us about the affair, he's not the person he wants us to believe he is."
"You still want to see the proof, don't you?"
"Damn right I do." Santana said, earning a giggle from Jordan. "Hey, watch it missy." That comment was greeted with a kiss on the cheek from Jordan. "You'd want to see it too if you saw Blaine and Sebastian's faces, especially Sebastian's. It's pretty clear the pictures weren't innocent in nature."
"From what you've both told me, I can't picture it." Jordan told them. "But, it's clear he's not the person you all thought, at least he hasn't been for some time."
"That…exactly." Rachel said as she pointed at her. "I only wish I knew when he stopped being the person I knew and could trust."
"Considering what Blaine told you, presume around the time he went back to working for Isabelle." Thad stated as he sat back down. "While it could've happened sooner, everything truly started to change at that point. At least from everything I gathered from talking to Blaine."
"Speaking of, was that him on the phone?" Santana asked as Thad brought Rachel's legs over his lap.
"No, that was Nick actually as aside from the text I sent Blaine and Sebastian, I'm not making contact with them today. If they want to talk, they'll call." Thad replied. "But knowing the grasp those two have on all this, I doubt I'll hear from them before tomorrow."
"So, why'd you call Nick?" Rachel asked. "I mean, I know the two of you talk but one would presume you'd have called Hunter."
"For starters, I didn't call Hunter because he's in Florida with Kimberly for break." Thad then pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I called Nick because he was at Blaine's show Saturday night so if anything was going on with him; he'd be most likely to know aside from Wes. But I don't really want to involve Wes unless I really need to. He took what happened to Blaine pretty hard since he was still in touch with him, like the two of you."
"Yea, I got that from when I've spoke with him." Santana told him. "So, what did Nick have to say?"
"That Blaine was in great spirits Saturday night, but was looking forward to coming home." When Santana giggled, Thad shook his head. "Yea, I know, big surprise. But, he also mentioned that he spoke with Jeff, and that he and Sebastian had words with Hummel earlier in the day yesterday. From what he was told, Sebastian vented a bit more than usual which isn't surprising given Blaine wasn't around. Yet, he didn't cross the line. Jeff said it was a firsthand reminder of how the situation could be handled while still not letting Hummel off scot-free."
"And that's probably what pushed him to come see us." Rachel added. "I wish I could see Sebastian go off on him, just once."
"I do too, but I doubt we'll ever see it." Thad stated. "That is unless Hummel truly provokes him."
The next morning when Blaine awoke for school, it felt a little surreal after everything that had happened in the last week. Yet, seeing Sebastian lying beside him reminded him that he didn't have much left. During that current week he had rehearsals for his senior showcase, while also preparing for the upcoming video shoot. So if there was a time he was thankful Sebastian was on break and was staying with him, this was one of them. While leaving wasn't something he wanted to do, he at least could look forward to having lunch with Sebastian later that day.
Blaine barely got seated for his first class when he found himself surrounded by others which put him a bit off-kilter. Yet, he soon found out that those around him had heard how he'd spent his break and had lots of questions for him. Blaine was about to answer when Justin and Todd shooed them away and took seats on either side of him. "You know I didn't have a problem answering their questions."
"Tell that to the overwhelmed look on your face." Todd stated as he looked at him. "If they had questions, they could've gone about it in a different manner. I mean seriously Blaine, they swarmed around you."
"You saw that?"
"We did." Justin replied. "Also, care to tell us why Scott is here as we saw him outside as we were coming in?" Blaine looked between the both before exhaling. "Blaine?"
"Some things happened before we came back to town as well as once we were back." Blaine told them. "So, Vincent wants to make sure my ex doesn't try to contact me considering everything I've got going on. Scott is here to help provide an environment free from distraction."
"By chance did part of it concern Jeff?" Todd asked while looking for their instructor who was running late as usual. The moment Blaine cocked an eyebrow, each of them laughed. "We saw Morgan already this morning and she was bitching to Talia about something that happened on Saturday."
"Yea, Kurt saw Bas and Jeff in Bryant Park and had to talk with them." When they laughed again, Blaine smiled. "My thoughts exactly since he knows neither of them like him. But something happened back in Ohio that set everything in motion."
"It's what prompted that surprise appearance by your brother, isn't it?" Justin said.
"Yes, it is." Blaine replied just as their instructor walked in. "I'll fill you in more later on."
While Blaine was getting back into the groove of being at school, Sebastian was enjoying a lazy morning after a long shower. Having Blaine recently return only to leave again, felt odd, but Sebastian knew it wouldn't be long till they saw each other again. So while speaking with his Mom on the phone over what was going on, he was surprised to hear a knock on Blaine's door. At first he ignored it, since anyone that knew Blaine knew he was at school, but soon he had to get up as he heard Santana calling his name. After telling his Mom he'd call her back, Sebastian went to get the door. "Morning Santana."
"Morning." Santana said as she walked into Blaine's apartment. "Is it just me, or does this place look different?" She continued as they walked further in so they could sit down.
"It looks difference since half of it is boxed up, ready to move." Sebastian told her as he sat down. "Now, what do I owe the honor of this visit this morning? Though, you do know you could've called."
"I know I could've, but one is more likely to get honest responses when looking another in the eye." Santana replied. "I wanted to make sure Blaine was okay considering all the crap Hummel spewed at us yesterday morning."
"Like what?" Sebastian asked as he rested his arm on the back of the couch.
"Did Mr. Anderson really tell Burt what happened?"
"Vaguely, yes." Sebastian replied. "Considering the setting, he didn't go into detail but he did make it clear what really went on. That's only after a few subtle jabs were taken at B. The worst part of it all is that it came out before Blaine had a chance to tell Cooper any of it." Santana's expression immediately changed at that omission. "Yea, that's how B felt as well. Yet Patrick didn't do it on purpose, he just couldn't take how B was made out to be the one that hurt Hummel so badly."
"That certainly answers a lot of questions, but not how Blaine is."
"Surprisingly well, the hardest part of all this was when he had to talk with Cooper." Sebastian told her. "They covered the basics on the phone, but Cooper actually flew in and met him in Providence so the two could talk face to face. There was plenty Blaine didn't tell him over the phone as it didn't feel right."
"How'd Cooper take it, if you don't mind me asking?" Santana inquired as she turned to face him more from the opposing side of the couch.
"Not well at all considering everything Blaine had already gone through in his life. He really feels that as his big brother he should've been able to protect him more."
"You do realize you're not the first person to imply more has happened to Blaine during his life."
"Who else have you heard that from?"
"Thad, yet he was as vague about it as you are."
"That's because if you don't know, clearly Blaine hasn't shared it with you." Sebastian told her. "So, don't expect me to either." When she looked at him, Sebastian looked back with an expression that stated he wasn't going to budge on the topic. "So, aside from the little dust-up at the benefit, B's okay with it. It doesn't surprise him that Hummel is now getting all defensive since people now know the truth of what happened."
"He's trying to deny it, saying everything Blaine's told people is a lie."
"Does that surprise you?" Sebastian asked. "Most people wouldn't openly admit to the things he did. I'm pretty certain I'm the only one he admitted it to, besides the cheating that is. Though, if one is going to admit to anything, that's the safest choice."
"Speaking of, how bad were those pictures?" Santana inquired with a cock of her eyebrow. "I mean, it's just you and me, you can tell me."
"They weren't innocent, that's for certain." Sebastian told her. "And you know I'm far from being a prude. Yet seeing Hummel in a given setting was awkward and that's coming from someone who has been to his fair share of gay clubs." When Santana smirked, Sebastian laughed. "Precisely, as once the alcohol gets flowing; some people have no inhibitions to speak of. But, that can be said if you go to a lot of clubs when people have had too much to drink."
"Let me see them."
"Afraid that's not possible."
"Why?"
"They are currently locked up at my place which is under renovation."
"So you'd show me?"
"Possibly, I'd have to talk it over with B." Sebastian replied. "I can tell you, that in some of the pictures, he and his partner feed into certain clichés if you will." The smile that crept to his face was all she needed to see to send her imagination into overdrive and Sebastian knew it. "Now if you don't mind, you need to go as I have a few things I need to take care of before going and meeting B for lunch."
"Alright, but don't forget to talk to him, okay?"
"I won't, as he's well aware of your inquisitive nature in regards to those pictures as we discussed it once we got home that night." While he spoke, Sebastian rose to his feet making it clear he wasn't kidding that she needed to go. "So, I will talk with him about it." Sebastian then kissed her on the cheek. "Knowing B, it's all going to depend on his mood whether you get to see them or not."
"Fair enough. Bye Sebastian."
"Bye Santana."