Five Years Later

Part 84

With everything that was happening around them, Blaine and Sebastian were rather proud of themselves that they finished packing their bags a few days prior to them leaving. It seemed as though every time they thought they'd have some time to themselves, Blaine was being pulled away as so much needed to be done before their trip because of what he was coming back to. It was in these moments; Sebastian got comfortable on the couch and studied while waiting for Blaine to return. Blaine realized how crazy things had been and decided to surprise Sebastian after his last final since his only obligation was a meeting that morning. While he was going to do something completely new for them, he took solace in knowing Sebastian would be coming home alone that day as Hunter was immediately leaving on vacation once he was done.

Since he'd come up with this plan, Blaine had subtly dropped hints to their friends that the two of them wouldn't be able to go out that evening. It was clear the hints were vague, as Jeff couldn't help but ask Morgan if she knew what Blaine and Sebastian were doing that day when she came home. "Why would you think that I would know what Blaine's plans are?" Morgan asked after Jeff pulled her down onto the couch with him as he'd gotten into town the night before.

"I don't know, maybe because you see Blaine more than most people." Jeff told her as she got comfortable lying above him. "And I know the two of you talk."

"Anytime I've spent with Blaine during this last week has been all business. The only time Sebastian's name even came up was when we were in our PR class." Jeff raised an eyebrow at her response. "He was brought up since they know Blaine prefers to keep his private life private. So, they were putting us in different scenarios trying to get us to slip up. They essentially told us once word gets out that Blaine is dating, interviewers are going to push to find out who the person is."

"I don't get why people would want to know who he's dating. I mean, I don't care who actors or musicians I like date."

"I don't either yet that doesn't stop people from wanting to know." Morgan told him. "And with Blaine being quite the romantic in a lot of his songs, people are going to want to know. It's already been happening, you know that."

"So whether or not Blaine wants it out there, it's going to happen at some point."

"Probably, and he's aware of it. It's only a matter of how that information gets out. So the label wanted to make sure we're not the ones that tell. Yet, we all care about Blaine and respect his privacy so we'd never willingly do it." When Jeff looked at her, a shy smile crept to her face. "When we were in Boston it came clear how easy it is to get people to say things they know they shouldn't. It's a good thing the rest of us watch the others' backs. It also helps that Blaine isn't easily rattled."

"I'm sure Blaine was a bit shocked, but one never would know. It's as you said, he's not easily rattled. Hell, it takes Hummel causing a major scene for him to do so. Speaking of, does Blaine think he's going to get a reaction from him because of his first single?"

"He's honestly not sure." Morgan replied as she brushed Jeff's hair out of his eyes. "While he might complain, Blaine's not sure if he'll cause a scene because of how vague a reference it is. I mean, jealous looks, lies about the other, theirs isn't the only relationship that's gone through it."

"True." Once he spoke, Morgan could tell Jeff agreed with her yet it didn't seem to make him feel any better.

"Jeff, it's okay as you're concerned about him, we all are." She then leaned down to kiss him. "Talia and I have talked about how we don't envy the pressure Blaine's under. Even though he never makes it about him, we all know he's the main focus. He's still every bit the person you told me he was."

"I have a good feeling; it's never going to change, even if he becomes a huge star. It's who Blaine is." While he spoke, Jeff began to rub Morgan's back as it felt good to be together again. "What would you like to do the rest of today?"

"Besides spending it with you, nothing in particular. With as chaotic as things have been and are going to get, spending some quiet time together sounds pretty good to me." When Jeff raised his eyebrow once more, Morgan couldn't help but giggle. "Alright, quiet might could be a contradiction in terms depending on what we do."

"Good, as I didn't want my mind going somewhere that wasn't plausible."

"Oh, it's not only plausible, it'll happen at some point today."

While those in New York were unwinding after a busy week and finals, some of those in Ohio were preparing to head to New York. Even with Blaine and Sebastian leaving the next morning after Blaine's ceremony, the anticipation was still there. The fact that Blaine was graduating after everything he'd been through was quite the relief for the Andersons. More than a few times since Blaine had left Kurt, they had wondered if Blaine was going to finish school. Those thoughts were now a distant memory, and they didn't even have to wonder what Blaine was going to be doing with his life.

Kate was putting the last of her things into her suitcase when she heard the doorbell ring. Considering only a few people knew she was home, as she was working from there that day so she could pack. She couldn't help but wonder who it could possibly be. While it was tempting to ignore, she knew she couldn't as she'd left her car in the driveway when she'd come home from the store. Reluctantly, Kate headed towards the door and while she was on her way down the stairs the bell rang once again.

Upon opening the door, she was taken back seeing Burt standing before her. "May I help you?" Kate said as politely as possible while she wanted nothing more than to slam the door on him.

"I was hoping we'd be able to talk." Burt told her, clearly aware that she wasn't happy to see him judging from the look on her face. "I know I took a chance coming here today."

"You did as normally no one would be here, but I'm working from home today as I had some other things that needed to be taken care of. Now, what would you like to speak about Burt? That is unless; you want to speak with Patrick which isn't possible as he's at work."

"I wanted to speak with both of you actually, but as you pointed out I lucked out that someone was even here. I didn't even consider the time when I left Lima. Will Patrick be home anytime soon?"

"No, as he's working a bit later today so that he doesn't have to worry about going in tomorrow morning." Kate replied.

"Going on vacation?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but we're not going on vacation. We're going to New York for Blaine's graduation ceremony."

"He's graduating?"

"Yes, he is. It couldn't have come soon enough considering everything that's going on in his life." Kate told him. "Now, what is it that you wanted to speak about or do I already know?"

"I take it Blaine told you about my trip to New York." Burt said a bit hesitantly, not quite sure what they might've been told.

"He actually called and spoke with Patrick that night once he got home. Needless to say, Patrick was less than thrilled by what had occurred. It took quite a bit for him not to wake me that night, as he waited till morning to tell me." Kate told him. "And then we found about even more about what happened once Victoria came back to Ohio as she was able to give us a different perspective. Not to mention, she was able to tell us about what happened between you and Sebastian once Blaine left." She then crossed her arms over her chest. "It's one thing to doubt what Patrick told you, but to go and confront our son is an entirely different story."

"I only wanted to get to the bottom of things Katherine."

"And you felt the best way of doing so was blindsiding our son with your appearance after one of his shows?"

"I didn't know how else to reach him since he changed his phone number. And I doubted you or Patrick would give me a way of getting in touch with him." Burt replied. "I happened to hear on the news when I was at Kurt's where Blaine was playing that night during a music segment of the broadcast."

"How did you plan on finding him if you hadn't heard that segment?" Kate asked curiously while trying not to smile knowing Jordan was talking about Blaine once again.

"I was actually going to ask Rachel to put me in contact with him."

"That would've been better." Kate told him. "At least Blaine would've been able to prepare himself, not that it would've changed what he told you. Your son put him through hell." Burt slowly lowered his eyes towards the ground along with his head. "Wait; do you now believe what Blaine told you?" She continued with a slight tilt of her head

"I didn't only speak with Blaine and Sebastian that night, I also spoke with Rachel." Burt told her once he looked back up. "Rachel said a few things along with a couple of others that got me to reconsider what I thought. I also ended up having quite the conversation with Kurt the next day which I won't get into." While he spoke, Burt noticed that Kate's stance hadn't changed in the slightest. "I had no clue things had gotten so bad between the two."

"We hadn't either as Blaine wasn't comfortable telling us." Kate replied. "Though, Patrick couldn't rid himself of a feeling that something wasn't right between the two. There were too many changes in Blaine that he wasn't able to explain. Is that why you came here, to let us know you now know that Blaine wasn't lying?"

"Yes, as I now know some of my comments towards Patrick the night of the benefit were out of line."

"Some?"

"Yes." Kate shook her head subtly as she refrained from saying what was on her mind in that moment. "I take it you feel all of them were."

"Most of them. You see Burt; it takes a lot to upset Patrick." Kate said as she changed her stance and uncrossed her arms. "He honestly wouldn't have said a word to you if you didn't paint our son in the light you did. While we know Blaine isn't perfect, neither is Kurt yet you put all the blame for the dissolution of their marriage on Blaine."

"You have to understand Katherine; I was going off of what Kurt told me both before and after Blaine left him."

"And you of course didn't question what Kurt told you."

"I didn't think I needed to."

"It was that easy for you to believe that Blaine was the person Kurt was saying he was, that he was being depicted as."

"Well, he had che…"

Burt didn't even get a chance to finish as Kate snapped. "Don't you dare throw that one mistake back at him!" She exclaimed, shocking Burt. "How is it so many other people make mistakes yet that one mistake seems to define my son? Huh? Care to explain that to me?"

"I…I didn't mean it that way Katherine as I'm all for second chances. But, it certainly put some weight behind what Kurt had told me."

"Yet what my son did to yours, back when he was a teenager, pales in comparison to what Kurt did to Blaine while they were married." When Burt looked at her, Kate took a step closer. "Should we rundown Kurt's list of misdeeds towards my son?"

"That won't be necessary Katherine. Personally, I'm still shocked by what I was told and I'm trying to wrap my head around it." Burt told her. "But after how I behaved, I felt you and Patrick deserved an apology."

"I appreciate that and will let Patrick know you stopped by." Kate replied. "Though, the person you should be apologizing to is Blaine, and then Sebastian because all he did was stand up for my son."

"Sebastian shouldn't have gotten involved."

"Would you have been able to stand there and let someone call the person you love a liar and not react?" Burt shook his head a bit as he knew he wouldn't have been able to be quiet. "I didn't think so. From what Victoria told us, Sebastian actually held back a bit with what he said to you."

"Excuse me?"

"It's true, and coming from his own Mom, that's saying a lot. Sebastian has a way with words and he's not afraid to use them. According to Victoria, the only reason she could deduce that Sebastian held back is that he didn't want to accidentally slip up and say something that could come back on Blaine should his emotions get the better of him." Once she was done, she couldn't help but notice the way Burt was looking at her. "Did I say something that surprised you?"

"Considering how Sebastian spoke to me, I find that surprising as he truly didn't seem to be at a loss for words."

"It goes to show that you don't know him. From the time Patrick and I have spent with him, we'd say he certainly found his calling in wanting to be a lawyer." Kate told him while watching Burt's expression change once again. "While I know Sebastian's bluntness isn't for everyone, he never leaves one guessing where they stand in regards to him. So considering he was the first person Blaine confided in, you can only imagine how protective he is of him in regards to that matter."

"Wait, Sebastian was the first person Blaine told?"

"Outside of his lawyer, yes, and that wasn't even a year ago." Even though Kate knew Blaine had spoken to his therapist about everything that he'd been through, she wasn't going to share that bit of information as it's a private matter. "And then it was a few months after he told Sebastian did Blaine tell us. So, that should enlighten you to the damage your son did to Blaine."

"I…I had no idea Katherine, honest. I didn't raise Kurt to be such a spiteful person." Burt told her. "If I had known he hadn't fully forgiven Blaine for what had happened, I wouldn't have supported them getting married."

"Excuse me? Are you saying that all of this stemmed from that singular moment?"

"No, but I know it had something to do with how Kurt reacted from what he told me." Burt replied. "He didn't say it directly as he was rather vague, but it was clear he hadn't forgotten. I don't know what set these events in motion, but I'm sorry."

"I appreciate that, but as I said before, Blaine's the one that deserves the apology. Though, I don't know if he'd want to speak to you again."

"Understandable. Please let him know I'm sorry for what I said to him. The same to Sebastian as he was only standing up for Blaine as you said."

"I'll pass on your words to them tomorrow when we see them."

"Thank you." The two looked at one another for a moment before either spoke. "I'll be going as you said you had things to do today which was why you were home. Again, I'm sorry Katherine." Burt then turned and walked away, not even bothering to wait for a response. Even though the two had exchanged some heated words, he didn't blame her.

Truly, he had no idea how he would've reacted had it been Kurt that had been put through everything Blaine endured. Although Burt didn't want to believe all that Blaine had told him, the way Kurt evaded his questions and gave ambiguous answers, he come to the conclusion that Blaine's side was probably closer to actual events. That was something he wasn't even ready to tell Carole, though he'd acknowledged that things weren't as one-sided as Kurt originally led them to believe. Burt wasn't sure how to tell her that there was more truth to Patrick's words than either of them wanted to believe.

Once Patrick arrived home that evening, he was a bit surprised to find Kate sitting out on their back deck with a glass of wine and an empty one sitting on the table. After leaning over to kiss her, he sat down beside her while she went to pour his glass. "Judging from a look at that bottle, you had a long day." Patrick said to her as she settled back against him once he had his glass in hand. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really, but I know that I need to tell you." The moment those words were out of her mouth, she felt Patrick tense beside her. "That sort of reaction is why I don't want to do it." Kate then saw him take a sip of his wine before setting it on the table beside him. "Do you want something a bit stronger?"

"Do I need something stronger?" Patrick replied, already not liking where this seemed to be heading.

"That depends on the type of mood you're in after your day."

"I'm actually in a pretty good mood as things went smoothly today. Now, what happened with you today?"

"Burt Hummel came by the house to talk." From the corner of her eye, Kate saw her husband's face go blank. "My reaction as well when I saw him upon opening the door."

"What did he want?" Patrick asked before reaching for his class and taking another sip.

"To apologize actually." It was clear those weren't the words Patrick was expecting to hear as he sat up a bit straighter. "It seems after his conversations with Blaine, and then Sebastian. He ended up speaking with Rachel which caused him to question some of what Kurt had told me."

"It took Rachel saying something for him to question the one-sided story Kurt told him." The instant he was done speaking, Patrick scoff at the outlandishness of it. "I still don't get how he never questioned any of what Kurt told him."

"I don't either dear, but clearly hearing about it from Rachel got him to think."

"And."

"He's sorry for reacting the way he did at the benefit." Kate told him. "He would also like us to apologize to Blaine when we see him, as well as Sebastian."

"Sebastian?"

"Yes, as I stood up for him when Burt questioned Sebastian's behavior that night. I must've made a strong case for him as Burt changed his mind once more."

"Do you mind if I ask what you said to change his mind?"

"I pointed out that Sebastian only behaved in that manner as he was standing up for Blaine as he loves him. And that anyone in that situation would stand up for the one they love. Also, I might've added that Victoria said that Sebastian refrained from saying everything on his mind that night." When Patrick laughed, Kate turned a bit more so she was looking directly at him. "You found it quite humorous that Sebastian went off on him the way he did according to Victoria."

"I did, still do." Patrick replied. "Considering the way Sebastian uses his vocabulary in a given situation, it had to be priceless. Even Blaine has pointed out that when Sebastian wants to prove a point, he doesn't mince his words. The only thing about it I didn't like is that it had to happen. It's as Victoria said, Burt pushed too far in what he said to Blaine so it didn't come as a surprise to her that Sebastian snapped."

"True. You should be aware though, that during a heated part of our conversation I asked if he wanted to run-down what Kurt did to Blaine, he denied."

"Does that surprise you considering what happened?" Kate shook her head. "Good, hopefully now that Burt knows this is the last we have to talk about it. Blaine has worked so hard to get passed all of this that it's not fair that he has to deal with it once more. In a way, it reaffirms his initial reasoning for keeping it to himself."

"Still, it wasn't healthy for him not to share it, at least with us. I mean, it was something he constantly had to worry about while around us. Now, he doesn't have to do that, he can live his life."

"To a point until the rest of us come to terms with what he went through." Patrick added. "It's as you said, it's not fair to Blaine that he now has to deal with it again because of others. Furthering the reasons for Sebastian to be so frustrated as well, he'd do anything to protect him Kate."

"I know that, and Sebastian made that clear to Victoria as well that night. I still can't believe he threatened to show Burt proof of the affair." Kate said as she felt Patrick's arm wrap snuggly around her.

"From as riled up as he was according to Victoria, I'm not. Sebastian has made it clear from the start he's never been a fan of Kurt's, so for him to be able to stick it to him shouldn't be too surprising. One has to know Burt was mortified to hear there is proof of the affair. Not quite the information he was expecting to hear." Patrick then kissed her on the top of her head. "In brighter news, did you get your errands done along with packing?"

"I did. We are all set to leave for New York tomorrow." Kate told him. "Also, the boys invited us over for dinner tomorrow night."

"I thought we were going to take them out to celebrate."

"That was our plan." She said with a giggle. "It seems they had something else in mind. I tried to convince them to let us take them out but couldn't win as they'd already bought everything. Not to mention, it was something they really wanted. I'm learning rather quickly when those two set their minds to something, there is no changing it."

"Given their personalities, is that really that big of a surprise?" Kate shook her head before resting it on Patrick's shoulder. "They complement each other well, don't they?"

"They do. Hopefully it won't be long till Blaine's past stops being something they have to deal with."

"I hope so as well, those two deserve every bit of happiness." Considering how tense Blaine's relationship with his Dad had been a one point, anyone looking at them now wouldn't believe it. The only thing Patrick wanted for Blaine, or Cooper for that matter, was for his boys to be happy. And from what he'd seen, for the first time, Blaine was truly happy with all aspects of his life.

With the Andersons coming into town that day, Sebastian thought he'd spoil Blaine a bit with breakfast in bed. Initially he planned to do it on graduation morning, but Blaine had to be at school a couple of hours before the ceremony started. After the way they'd spent the previous day, Sebastian was thrilled to wake and not find any messages with bad news. Ever since Burt had come to town, things had been relatively quiet, yet they refused to allow themselves to embrace a false-sense of security. So having the only message be that the Andersons' flight was still on schedule was a relief.

To make the morning special, Sebastian took out the waffle iron knowing Blaine had a fondness for Belgium waffles. And considering the amount of strawberries they had, he couldn't think of a better use for them. While making breakfast, he laughed softly to himself as he knew his parents would get a kick out of seeing him in this moment. It wasn't that Sebastian didn't enjoy cooking, but it was the extent he was taking things that morning.

Once he had everything set up perfectly on the tray, he carefully made his way into their bedroom. When he walked in, Blaine was still stretched out on his stomach sound asleep. "Blaine." Sebastian said softly as he stepped closer to the bed. "Breakfast gorgeous." Slowly Blaine rolled over and Sebastian couldn't help but smile as he thought Blaine was adorable when he woke. "I hope you're hungry."

"You…made breakfast?" Blaine replied sleepily as he slowly sat up, pulling the covers up with him.

"One of your favorites." Sebastian told him while setting the tray across his lap. The moment it was there, Blaine looked up at him and smiled after taking in everything before him.

"Are you going to join me as there is more than enough?"

"If you want?"

"I want." After he spoke, Sebastian carefully got onto the bed beside Blaine who was looking at the tray. "This looks amazing Bas." Blaine then leaned over to give him a kiss. "What's with the whipped cream though?"

"I like it on mine when I top it with fruit, so I wanted to make sure all my bases were covered. Now eat." Blaine looked at him before adding a bit of syrup before taking a bit. "Good?" Blaine nodded since he had a mouth full, but that didn't stop him for cutting off a bite to feed Sebastian. Since they were eating in bed, the two were careful not to spill as they enjoyed. When Sebastian sat back with his cup of coffee, Blaine looked up at him. "It's yours to finish as I snacked while I cooked."

"This is so good Bas, thank you."

"It was my pleasure Killer after you surprised me yesterday." Sebastian told him before sipping his coffee. "Plus, I was going to do this tomorrow morning but I'd have to get up crazy early. Not to mention, I wasn't sure if you wanted to eat something so sweet before graduation."

"That was probably a good idea." Blaine replied before putting his last forkful into his mouth. While he chewed, Sebastian watched as he loved seeing how relaxed Blaine had become once again the last couple of weeks. He was still chewing when he dipped one of the strawberries into the whipped cream before lifting it to Sebastian who promptly opened his mouth. With a little bit of whipped cream on his lips, Blaine stretched enough so he could lick it off. When Sebastian returned the gesture, Blaine wasn't surprised that his strawberry had even more whipped cream on it. "If we're going to do this, we should probably move the tray."

"What are you implying B?" Sebastian asked before popping a strawberry into his mouth. "We're going to behave for a bit considering how much we both ate. When Blaine raised an eyebrow, Sebastian smiled. "Trust me B; I ate quite a bit in the kitchen before all you fed me. But you're right, I should move the tray." After getting up and setting it on the dresser, Sebastian got back onto the bed, but this time he straddled Blaine's lap. "What would you say to a bath in a bit?"

"It sounds great, any particular reason for it?"

"Make the most of our quiet time before your parents get here and things start getting crazy." Sebastian told him. "Plus, with as well as you took care of me while I studied for finals, I want to spoil you a bit."

"You don't have to."

"I know, but I want to B. With everything that had been going on, we're entitled to indulge a bit, especially since this is the last bit of us time, till we leave." Blaine nodded as Sebastian had a point and who was he to tell him he couldn't spoil him a bit. "Does this mean I get to spoil you?"

"Yes, you get to spoil me. Just make sure we set an alarm so we're not so caught up in ourselves that my parents come over and we're…indisposed." Sebastian couldn't refrain from smiling as that was quite the image Blaine had put in his head. "Bas."

"Don't worry B, we won't get so caught up that we risk an embarrassing situation with your parents." Sebastian then leaned forward to kiss him. "I'll set an alarm to make sure we have time to make ourselves presentable."

"Thank you."

"No need to thank me B, as having your parents find us like that isn't something I necessarily wish upon us either." Sebastian then scooted back enough till he could lie down as Blaine had scooted down as well during that time. Then with his head on Blaine's chest, he soon felt Blaine's fingers running through his hair. "I love you Blaine."

"I love you too Sebastian." Once Blaine replied, he realized that quiet moments like this with Sebastian, were going the thing he probably missed the most while he was gone that summer. And if the way Sebastian had his arm securely wrapped around him was any clue, he felt that way also.