Five Years Later

Part 81

After everything that had happened at Blaine's show the week before, it was a relief to all involved when Kurt was nowhere to be seen that evening. It was clear that prior to him even going on stage that Scott was on high alert as Vincent had made it clear that Kurt was to get nowhere near him. With the way Blaine had reacted the previous week, one of the members of the security detail sat near Sebastian while the others were by the stage. The last thing, Vincent wanted with everything about to happen, was for Blaine to get distracted. And he wasn't the only one as the label shared those sentiments, because those they shared the single with within the industry had no doubt it was a hit.

Once the show ended that evening, the only thing Scott and his team had to deal with were fans waiting for Blaine afterwards. And while most of it concerned Blaine, it had clearly had an impact on his band as well who'd become more aware of their surroundings with everything that had happened. Not that Scott was happy they were, but he was glad that they were becoming more aware of everything that was happening around them. While the group was clearly lucky that they were given the opportunity to do what they love for a living, they realized it wasn't always going to be fun and games.

With them having performances between that Friday concert and Blaine's senior showcase, the week seemed to fly by. Sebastian was sitting in the library with Hunter, when he got a look from him as his phone vibrated on the table. Hunter probably wouldn't have looked at him, if Sebastian didn't smile after reading the message. "Care to tell me what that was about?" Hunter asked as he stretched in his chair as they'd been there for a couple of hours.

"B's parents have arrived safely." Sebastian told him before taking a sip of his coffee. "With the crazy weather, we were hoping their flight didn't get delayed."

"How is Blaine feeling about tonight?"

"Anxious, yet excited." Sebastian told him. "You're coming tonight, right?"

"That would be correct. I wouldn't miss it considering the things Talia and Morgan have been saying from what they've been hearing." Hunter replied. "Blaine's been pretty tight lipped about what he's going to be playing."

"I know he has, but that's because he doesn't want to accidentally slip up on what he's working on." Sebastian said in response. "Not only has he been working on things for tonight, but he's also been working on things for tour. He has to memorize the songs on his album, plus they've added a few more covers to their repertoire."

"It sounds as though school couldn't be ending soon enough for him."

"It isn't." Sebastian replied. "While B's playing it off as though he's not stressed, he is. I'm pretty certain that tomorrow he's not going to wake any earlier than he needs to."

"Do the two of you have plans with his parents this weekend?"

"Not really, as they know we both have quite a bit on our plates. The only thing we have planned is brunch on Sunday so that they can see the work my Mom did for us. We both feel bad about it, but they understand. Plus, we'll be seeing them again soon for B's graduation."

"I'm sure having them be so understanding is quite the relief." Hunter said to him and Sebastian nodded. "Make the most of the time you do have with them since you mentioned you and Blaine are leaving the next morning for vacation."

"We will, trust me. Just as I'm well aware of when we're leaving for our trip." The smile on Sebastian's face, forced Hunter to cover his mouth to stop a laugh from escaping. "Funny."

"Weren't you the one telling me you weren't counting down the days?"

"I'm not."

"How long?"

"Fifteen, counting today." Once he spoke, Sebastian shook his head at Hunter's expression. "I'm not counting, but Blaine graduates two weeks from today, then we leave the next. It's simple math smartass."

"Yet I have a feeling if I asked a few weeks ago, you would've known. Hell, I know how long it is till I leave for vacation."

"Where are you heading anyhow?"

"Cabo. Kimberly is able to get away for a few days while the team is on their West Coast road trip. She's been working hard, so her boss told her she earned a few days of relaxation. Then once we're done, I'm going to join her on the rest of the trip before coming back to New York. Are you and Blaine ready for how crazy things are going to get once you return?"

"As ready as we possibly can be. From what he's been told, most of it depends on how the single is embraced. So while Tuesday will be relatively calm, it could get crazy by Wednesday."

"Isn't he playing Wednesday night?"

"Wednesday and Friday." Sebastian told him. "And on Thursday, he'll be with the rest of us seeing Rachel's debut."

"And on Saturday, singing at the game."

"Yep. All the more reason why we need the time away since he then leaves on Sunday. He hits the ground running once we come back from Puerto Rico as he's got his interview with Jordan that same night."

"When is his first performance?"

"That same Sunday he leaves, it's why they are leaving so early Sunday morning." Sebastian then glanced down at the table before looking back at Hunter. "Do you mind if we don't talk about it anymore?" Hunter shook his head. "Thanks, as it's a bit much to think about at times that in about a month Blaine leaves for most of the summer."

"You don't have to explain yourself to me Sebastian, I get it." Seeing Sebastian get a bit vulnerable, was something Hunter knew he wouldn't show too many. Yet he knew that Hunter dealt with something similar with all the travel Kimberly had to do with her job. If there was anyone else that he'd probably let know how hard this was for him, it would be Jeff since he'll be going through the same thing. Hunter knew it wasn't going to be easy at first, but he believed that Blaine and Sebastian would find a way to make it work.

With all the studying Sebastian was doing, he wasn't the slightest bit surprised to see most everyone that was coming there when he arrived at the hall. Though he was slightly surprised to see Vincent speaking with the Andersons the closer he got as he didn't know he's be attending. Yet that conversation soon ended, when they were made aware of Sebastian's arrival. After receiving hugs from each of Blaine's parents, the conversation quickly picked back up. "We were beginning to wonder if you had too much studying to do." Kate said to Sebastian with a smile. "Yet, Rachel was rather adamant that you wouldn't miss tonight."

"She's right I wouldn't." Sebastian confirmed before glancing over to Rachel who was over talking with the others. "This is exactly the type of break I needed. Not to mention, I can't wait to hear the new stuff B's playing since he's been rather secretive about it."

"You haven't heard it?" Patrick asked as he looked at him, and Sebastian shook his head. "And here we thought you'd have an idea."

"Sorry I can't be of help." Sebastian replied. "All I can tell you, is B's really proud of what he has prepared for tonight so I have a feeling we're in for quite the treat."

"And there is no bias in that statement, right?" Kate said with a smile.

"Some might accuse me of being bias, but once they hear him they know I speak the truth." The next thing Sebastian felt was a kiss on his cheek from Kate. "You know it's true."

"Yes, but being his parents, we're always going to be called bias."

"And being his boyfriend, I get the same thing. Nice thing B doesn't make liars out of us."

"He certainly doesn't." Patrick replied as the lights flashed. "I guess that's our cue to take our seats. You lead the way Sebastian as I'm sure you know just the right place to sit." Sebastian smiled before they all headed on their way.

With this being the senior showcase, the crowd was a bit more intimate than some of the previous shows they'd attended. Rachel glanced at Thad beside her as they were sitting behind Jeff, Sebastian, and the Andersons. "What is it?" Thad asked softly.

"It's nice seeing how after everything that's happened, Blaine's getting the happiness he deserves." Thad smiled before leaning in to give her a kiss before Miss Tibideaux took to the stage to welcome everyone. Once she was done, she took her seat and the show began. Considering everyone in Blaine's band was a senior, they were all taking part and everyone got to see how talented they truly were. While they all knew they were talented, getting to see them expand their horizons a bit was certainly appreciated.

Morgan had just finished when Jeff nudged Sebastian, causing him to look at him. "Blaine's next."

"How do you know that?"

"I saw Scott standing in the wings." Sebastian leaned forward enough to change his angle and spotted him as well. With Vincent in attendance, it shouldn't have been too surprising that Scott was there as well.

When Blaine started, it wasn't too surprised that he took to the piano first. It was something that anytime Sebastian got to hear him play, could instantly release any tension he might be feeling. Blaine was halfway through his piece, when Sebastian looked over at Blaine's parents who couldn't look prouder in that moment. And from what he could see, Vincent was more than enjoying what he was hearing. Blaine played another piece on the piano before grabbing his acoustic guitar and taking a seat on a stool center stage. He barely played a few chords, and Sebastian recognized the song as one of the first ones Blaine had played for him that he pulled from his staff of songs.

The instant Sebastian began to hum, Kate looked over at him and smiled seeing the look on Sebastian's face as Blaine played and sang. Even with as into Blaine's playing as he was, Sebastian noticed Patrick as well as Vincent look down at him. By the time the song ended, Sebastian couldn't wipe the smile off his face if he tried that Blaine played a song he'd picked out. With what he'd already played, Sebastian was curious what was going to be next.

Love is a funny thing

Whenever I give it, it comes back to me

And it's wonderful to be

Giving with my whole heart

As my heart receives

Your love

While Blaine played, he noticed that the members of his band were slowly joining him on stage. Normally he'd put more thought into it, yet he was too caught up in what Blaine was singing.

Oh, ain't it nice tonight we've got each other

And I am right beside you

More than just a partner or a lover

I'm your friend

Then just before what he presumed was the chorus, his band began to play and soon began to add backing vocals.

When you love someone

Your heartbeat beats so loud

When you love someone

Your feet can't feel the ground

Shining stars all seem

To congregate around your face

When you love someone

It comes back to you

And love is a funny thing

It's making my blood flow with energy

And it's like an awakened dream

Is what I've been wishing for is happening

And it's right on time

The moment Blaine finished, the crowd was on their feet causing Blaine to gaze down at the ground before looking back up, a slight blush creeping to his cheeks. After looking up at the ceiling briefly, those that knew him saw him looking for Sebastian in the audience as seeing him always helped in moments he felt overwhelmed. Once the crowded took their seats again, Blaine and his band made their way off the stage so that the final performance could take place. "I really don't envy her." Justin said as they headed deeper into the wings. "While we all got standing ovations at the end, we didn't get the response you got Blaine."

"It wasn't that different."

"Then why were you blushing." Talia said to him. "Even with the stage lights it was noticeable."

"She's right." Morgan told him. "You'd think after our mini-tour you'd be used to the attention as they were fawning over you."

"They were not fawning."

"Then what do you want to call it?" Todd asked. "Because from my perspective, as well as everyone else, they were fawning over you."

"You're all ridiculous."

"Scott, what would you call the way the crowd reacted to Blaine when we had our mini-tour?" Talia asked as Scott was standing nearby. "Blaine doesn't believe they were fawning over him."

"They were enthusiastic in their admiration of your talent Blaine." Scott's response got them all laughing as Blaine shook his head. "Talia asked."

"I appreciate your answer." Talia told him. "See Blaine, it's true so you need to stop denying it's happening."

"And if I don't?"

"We'll tell Sebastian how crazy it really has been." Morgan replied earning her a look. "Come on Blaine, I doubt you've told him how insane it was."

"For your information, if anyone knows, it's Bas." Blaine told them. "I'm doing my best to keep a level head."

"You can keep a level head Blaine, while still admitting things are getting pretty crazy." Justin told him. "Especially to us since we see it firsthand. Just as we're the last people that would judge you if you actually enjoyed the attention."

"He's right." Morgan said. "Jeff told me you've always tended to downplay the way people react to you, but enjoying it once in awhile doesn't make you a bad person."

"She's right." Todd added. "You deserve to enjoy it Blaine because you deserve it. So, you might as well get used to it now, because it's only going to get crazier."

"Alright, I will try not to get so overwhelmed by the response." Blaine said to them. "Just keep in mind, it might take some time."

"Deal." Justin said as the others chimed in, in agreement. "Are you curious what Madame Tibideaux thought?"

"What do you think?" Blaine replied. "Just as the rest of you are curious as well since she does have quite a bit of say in regards to whether we do graduate."

"So that's why you were so stressed out?" At the sound of Sebastian's voice, they all turned around and spotted him as well as Jeff. "You could've told me Killer."

"You have enough to worry about." Blaine told him before being wrapped up on Sebastian's arms. "What did you think?"

"You were incredible." Sebastian then leaned down and gave him a kiss. "Your parents are in awe and Vincent was mesmerized. Hell, he was mesmerized by all of you. Each and every one of you blew us away, definitely the best five of the night."

"Where is everyone else?" Morgan asked as she relaxed in Jeff's arms.

"Making their way back." Jeff replied. "Sebastian and I took off before anyone else stood so we beat the masses. But Blaine is right, why didn't you tell us how important tonight was."

"Would it of made much of a difference?" Morgan told him. "You both have enough on your minds that you didn't need to be worrying about us. Plus, there wasn't much you could do to help as this was all preparation on our part." After she spoke, Jeff and Sebastian exchanged looks before shaking their heads. "This is one time you both need to be okay with us looking out for you."

"I don't think so." Sebastian replied as he tightened his hold on Blaine. "Just because we're dealing with stuff, doesn't mean you guys can't confide in us. Ever think being able to help you guys, might help us not be so focused on what's stressing on."

"I think we can do that." Blaine said before turning his head and kissing Sebastian's jaw. "Right Morgan?" Morgan nodded before turning in Jeff's arms and giving him a kiss.

"Lots of changes on the horizon for Blaine." Justin added with a smile earning him a look from Sebastian. "Blaine said he'd try to enjoy the attention he's been receiving a bit more instead of downplaying it."

"Is this true Killer?"

"It is."

"What's going on?" Patrick asked as they approached the group.

"We're just talking." Blaine replied. "What did you all think?"

"You were all wonderful." Kate said before going to give Blaine a hug, which meant hugging Sebastian as well since Blaine hadn't moved. "Talk about so much talent in one place."

"Thank you Mrs. Anderson." Morgan said with a smile. She was about to continue, when all of their eyes widened at the sight of Madame Tibideaux.

"I shouldn't be surprised to find you all together." Carmen said to them as she looked around, before stopping her eyes on Rachel. "Miss Berry."

"Madame Tibideaux." Rachel replied while squeezing Thad's hand tightly.

"What brings you here this evening?"

"I'm supporting my friends during their senior showcase." Rachel told her.

"And what did you think of their presentations?"

"I thought they were remarkable. Each of them showed the vast array of their talent by not sticking to a singular genre." Carmen smiled knowingly at Rachel's response before bringing her attention back to the performers of the evening.

"Would the rest of you agree with Miss Berry's assessment?"

"Yes Ma'am." Blaine replied, soon to be followed by the others who were in agreement.

"Then you all have a very good ear." Carmen told them. "From the time you all came to us, your talents have developed. And while some of you had some, problematic moments during your time here, you persevered through them to come out stronger." While she spoke, Sebastian gave Blaine a little squeeze as he had a feeling she was referring to him. "That was quite the final number you put on Mr. Anderson. Unexpected, but it highlighted who you are and your passion for your craft."

"Thank you ma'am." Blaine said trying to retain how happy he was with what she said.

"I'll be meeting with you each on Monday, but it will be slightly different than the usual conversation I have with outgoing graduates as you five aren't going to be looking to start your careers. I commend you all with finishing out the semester, even with what has happened for you all." The five of them all smiled in response. "Now if you don't mind, I have others to speak with as their conversations on Monday won't be as pleasant." She was about to walk away when she stopped in front of Rachel. "Miss Berry, good luck and I look forward to seeing your take on Elphaba."

"Wait…you know?"

"Yes my dear, I know." Carmen replied. "You've clearly grown as a performer as Mr. Wells wouldn't have hired you if you hadn't. Good evening."

One she walked away, all eyes fell to Rachel who seemed to be in shock. "Are you okay Rachel?" Blaine asked before anyone else had a chance. Rachel nodded before looking at him. "You did always say she's more aware of what's going on than any of us would ever realize. It also proves that she knew you had what it took to make it if she kept tabs on you."

"Blaine's got a point." Sebastian told her. "From everything he's ever told me about Madame Tibideaux, she wouldn't have if she didn't believe you had the talent to make it." When the rest of Blaine's band chimed in, Rachel had to admit that they were all correct. "Now, who is up for a bit of celebrating because from what I got from all that, you're all graduating?"

"I would love to, but you have an early class in the morning." Blaine said as he glanced back at Sebastian. Blaine's response got a laugh out of others in attendance.

"I'll survive B, honest. Plus, and Hunter can attest, we only have a lecture first thing." Blaine looked over at Hunter who nodded, reaffirming what Sebastian had said. "If I'm still dragging when I get up, that's what espresso is for."

"Sounds as though we're going out then." Blaine replied. "Vincent, thank you for coming tonight."

"It was my pleasure. You were all wonderful. And Blaine, I think we're going to have to talk about that last number you played."

"We told you Blaine." Talia said softly with a smile. "We all love it too Vincent."

"I'll see you all tomorrow night."

"We'll see you then." Blaine told him before looking over at Scott. "I take it you're coming." Scott nodded. "Alright then, let's get packed up and head on our way."

Much as Sebastian had predicted early on, Blaine embraced not having to get up the next morning. Though, he did wake long enough to spend some time with Sebastian before he left for class. When he did finally get out of bed, he checked his phone which had become the norm for him and saw he had messages from his Mom, Vincent, as well as Sebastian. Considering he was going to take a shower, Blaine checked his message from Vincent first as he had a good idea what the other messages were in reference too. It didn't come as much of a surprise that Vincent wanted him to bring his arrangement from the group number with him to rehearsal that day. Nor was he surprised that his parents were hoping to grab a bite to eat with him that day. Or that Sebastian's was about wishing he could've spent the morning in bed with him, but that they'd make up for it the next day.

After taking his shower, Blaine made a point to transfer the piece onto his laptop before calling his parents to see if they wanted to grab something to eat before he headed to rehearsal. When his Dad said yes, Blaine told them a place to meet him that was near their rehearsal space. If there was a benefit of now living together with Sebastian, Blaine had less of a commute to the rehearsal space his label had arranged for them. So after grabbing his guitar off the rack and packing it up, Blaine was on his way. During his ride down in the elevator, he thought about how Vincent had told him the night before, he could've sent it with the rest of their equipment, but Blaine didn't let his gift from Sebastian out of his sight.

When he arrived at the restaurant, the hostess smiled as he and his band hand become regulars over the past few months. He then asked for a table out of the way since his parents would be joining him. She happily obliged and seated Blaine at a table out of the flow of traffic. It was only about ten minutes later when his parents joined him. "We almost thought we wouldn't be seeing you." Kate told him as she scooted into the booth beside him. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did." Blaine replied. "With the crazy hours I'd been putting in, I hadn't been getting a lot of solid sleep."

"Sebastian mentioned that to us last night." Patrick said to him. "He said you'd been working even harder than usual."

"That's amusing considering the amount of coffee he's been ingesting the last couple of weeks." Blaine said with a smile. "We've both called each other out more than a few times to take a break before we burned out."

"Did you take that advice?" Kate asked before their waitress came over to take their drink order. "Blaine?" She said after the order was placed.

"Yes, we did. It was easier done when we were together than when we were apart. Now that I'm essentially done for the most part, I'll be able to be of more help to him."

"Living together helps, doesn't it?" Patrick said to him.

"It does actually." Blaine replied. "With some help from our friends, I was able to make the move official a week sooner than we planned."

"That must've made you both happy." Kate added with a smile.

"It did. So, feel free to call the cleaning company but they won't have much to do as Santana came over to help me clean once it was empty."

"Now that you've officially moved in together, don't forget to change all your important documents." Patrick reminded him.

"That's already been taken care of. Plus with everything else that had been going on, Bas reminded me to get in touch with my divorce lawyer as well. In case anything comes up with the single coming out. But for the most part, my entertainment lawyer will be able to enforce the decree."

"That was a wise idea." Patrick said. "Even if your new lawyer can handled it. It's a good idea to have the lawyer that drew it up involved."

"Bas said the same thing, as did Xavier. While we're all concerned with Kurt saying something, I don't think he will because the last thing he needs, is our dirty laundry coming out."

"Yet, you're thinking rationally while Kurt doesn't." Kate told him. "Considering how Burt reacted to everything I think you might be giving him too much credit."

"Burt apologized to Rachel for how he treated her. Plus he mentioned that he had no idea what was going on between me and Kurt." The nonchalant manner in which Blaine spoke, said volumes to his parents about how he really felt about the situation.

"That doesn't make up for how he treated you that night." Patrick told him. "From what Victoria told us, it was worse than you said."

"It's a matter of perspective Dad. Considering I'd seen Burt upset before, it could've been worse. I only wish I hadn't left without Bas because from what Hunter told me, he went off on him."

"He did according to Victoria." Kate confirmed. "She said that she'd never seen him as outraged as he was that night. Supposedly if he hadn't been told about Kurt being nearby, he would've probably continued to tear Burt apart for dismissing you the way he did."

"Did she happen to mention that she had a few words for him as well?"

"She did." Patrick replied. "While she understood where he was coming from, he didn't have to be so rude about it. That's why she acted in the manner she did."

"She mentioned that to me as well because she apologized the next day as she was afraid she overstepped her bounds in that regard. But I reassured her, that she hadn't. Considering I was so overwhelmed in the moment, it proved I'd made the right call having Bas and Victoria stay with me. While I have dealt with everything that happened for the most part, I still have my moments."

"Is there anything we can do?" Kate asked before they placed their order. "I mean, we know you don't like talking about it, but we're here for you Blaine, always."

"I know you are. But I actually made an appointment with my therapist." That admission caught his parents' attention. "Relax, I'd been going once a month but with everything happening, sometime has passed since our last session. With everything going on, I was reminded that these appointments aren't something I can skip, that I need to make time for them."

"Considering only Sebastian knows you see a therapist outside of us, he's right." Patrick said to him. "With everything happening, you need that outlet."

"I know. That's why I made the appointment the next morning after the two of us spoke. While I'd been meaning to call, Bas reminded me how important it is."

Getting to spend this time with his parents, was exactly what Blaine needed with everything that was going on around him. It was as Cooper told him, as crazy as things could get in their family; their parents always had their backs. That anytime they disagreed, it wasn't because their Mom and Dad didn't love them, it was because they did and they were concerned. It had taken Cooper a bit of time to realize that, so he didn't want Blaine to go through the same thing considering things had been a bit rougher for them. By the time Blaine needed to be on his way, he made a point of double checking with his parents that they would be coming that evening which earned him quite the looks. So after giving them each a hug and kiss, he was on his way.

*Song: Love Someone by Jason Mraz