Five Years Later

Part 85

Once the Andersons arrived at the apartment later that afternoon, Blaine got a good laugh when his Mom had asked if his gown was ready to go for the ceremony. He was prompt to reply he'd hung it in the bathroom a few days prior so it was good to go. Yet with the look on her face, Blaine was quick to take her to the guest room where it was hanging while Sebastian got them all something to drink. "You do know we weren't kidding when we said you could stay with us." Sebastian said to Patrick as he poured glasses of iced tea. "We didn't do it only to be polite as we have the space."

"We do, as Blaine stressed that point with us as well." Patrick replied. "But we didn't want the two of you having to worry about us when you leave the next morning. From what Blaine told us, you two have an ungodly early flight." Sebastian was quick to nod as it was true. "Any particular reason why?"

"We already had our tickets bought when they planned B's interview with Jordan the Saturday before his single is released. Unfortunately, we weren't arriving back until Sunday afternoon. So, Vincent's secretary rebooked our flight to get us home Saturday afternoon and to make up for it, we're leaving a day earlier." Sebastian told him as they walked out into the living room to wait for Blaine and Kate to return. "Yet, the only tickets she could get together were that early unless we flew out super late, but then it negated getting there early. We could've used our previous flight as we really wouldn't have been getting our day back which was the initial plan since we were cutting the trip short."

"Don't forget they bumped us up to first-class for the inconvenience." Blaine added as he and Kate came walking back in. "So, we'll be in comfort for the flight down."

"That's quite the perk." Kate replied as Patrick handed her, her glass of tea. "I'm sure neither of you mind."

"We don't, but still, getting up that early isn't going to be easy." Blaine told them. "Depending how tomorrow night goes, we might not go to bed and wait to sleep on the flight down. The first day was supposed to be a decompress sort of day, so if we sleep, we sleep." Blaine's parents nodded as it seemed the pair was set to go with the flow the next couple of days.

Once the graduation conversation dwindled, Patrick asked Sebastian about his internship and when he was going to be starting. Hearing that Sebastian was starting the Monday after Blaine left, they all agreed the timing couldn't be better. It also opened up the conversation to what sort of law Sebastian was interesting in practicing. When he mentioned becoming a defense attorney, it didn't surprise them, nor did that he stated other areas peak his interest as well. With Xavier as a Dad, Sebastian had that extra bit of guidance along with the reassurances that he didn't have to make a decision immediately.

Before the conversation could take another turn, Sebastian bumped his arm against Blaine bringing his attention to him. "Are you going to do it?" Sebastian asked with a look that Blaine understood without him being any more specific.

"Do what?" Kate asked as when Sebastian spoke it was louder than a whisper.

"I was discussing with Bas the past couple of days sharing something with the both of you." Blaine replied as he set his hand on Sebastian's thigh. "And he reassured me that it was a good idea. Go ahead and cue it up Bas."

"What is it Blaine?" Patrick asked as he looked at the two of them.

"Since you won't be here for the release, it's only fitting you get to hear my single before just about anyone else. And do me a favor, don't tell Cooper as he's been on me to get a snippet longer than a few seconds." When his parents looked at one another, Blaine glanced at Sebastian who'd set his drink down and had the remote in hand. "So, will you as I really want him to be surprised?"

"I think we can manage to keep it from him as it won't be for too long."

"He's going to get to hear it that Monday night because B arranged to stream the reveal to him." Sebastian added. "What's going to happen is they are going to play B's single at the party just before it's available for sale online." When Blaine looked up at him with a smile, Sebastian got a rarely seen shy look on his face. "I did it again, didn't I?"

"I love your enthusiasm." Blaine told him before leaning over to give him a kiss as Sebastian excitement beamed as he spoke. "Who needs a publicist when I have you?" Before Blaine could say anything else, Sebastian pressed play and Blaine's single began. With as catchy as it was, Blaine and Sebastian had to make a point not to sing along as they usually did when it played. The longer it played; Blaine's glances back at Sebastian began to happen more often as he watched his parents' reactions. By the time it finished, Sebastian was quick to hit stop so the next track didn't begin to play. "What did you think?"

Blaine didn't think he was going to have to ask, but even once the room went silent, neither of his parents said a word, just looked at one another till Blaine asked. "It's incredible Blaine!" Patrick told him. "Truly incredible! You wrote it, correct?"

"Wrote the lyrics, as well as the music." Blaine replied with a smile as he felt Sebastian's arm wrap around his shoulders. "Mom?" When he spoke, Sebastian reached over for a tissue as Kate was crying. After Blaine took it from him to hand to her, he waited while she dried her eyes.

"Your Dad is right Blaine, it's incredible. You really are talented!" She then leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Do you mind if I ask you something?" Blaine shook his head. "By chance is the song about Sebastian?" Kate didn't need a verbal response as they both got big smiles on their faces. "I figured as much."

"You weren't kidding that it's catchy." Patrick told them with a smile as that was one thing Blaine and Sebastian had both mentioned during previous conversations about it. "Cooper's going to freak-out when he hears it!"

"Has anyone else heard it outside of your band and obviously, Sebastian?" Kate asked.

"Jeff got to hear it since he came to the video shoot, as did those involved in the video." Blaine told them. "One of those people included Brittany Pierce." When his parents looked at him, Blaine smiled. "Yes, the same Brittany I went to McKinley with. Essentially she got a notice for a video shoot and when she saw my name, she called Santana asking if it was really me. After that, Santana told me and I asked her to have Brittany call me."

"She was great in the video." Sebastian told them. "Plus you could see how proud she was of not only being part of it, but of Blaine for what he's accomplishing."

"How hard has it been not sharing it with everyone?" Patrick asked them.

"Extremely hard considering how supportive they've been." Blaine replied. "Thankfully, it won't be much longer. Though, it's probably a good thing Bas and I will be gone as that last week will be the hardest."

"That's understandable." Kate said to them as she took ahold of Blaine's hand. "We're so proud of you Blaine."

"Thank you."

"Do you mind us asking what you thought the first time you heard it Sebastian as all you've ever said is that you love it?" After she asked, Blaine looked back at Sebastian who was looking at him. Once Blaine nodded, Sebastian kissed the top of Blaine head.

"I was blown away." Sebastian told them. "Then the more I listened and realized who the song was about, I don't really have the words to describe how I felt."

"You, are a loss for words?" Patrick stated with a smile as he looked at Sebastian. "I'm not sure if I believe that."

"It's true Dad, I was pretty shocked as well. Goes to show it's possible, but you really have to surprise him for it to happen." Blaine then looked back once more before kissing Sebastian on the jaw. "Wouldn't you agree Bas?"

"It's very true, but I managed to get my feelings across." After he spoke, Blaine and Sebastian looked at Blaine's parents who looked a bit surprised by what Sebastian had said. "It's not anything dirty, honest. I kissed him…that's all." Sebastian told them, slightly flustered as he realized how what he said could be taken.

"Relax Sebastian, it's alright." Kate told him. "You don't have to explain yourself to us." He was about to speak again, when Blaine gave his thigh a squeeze. "Now, is there anything we need to know for tomorrow?"

"Not really." Blaine replied. "Just don't forget your tickets as you won't be allowed in without them." From that point the conversation varied quite a bit till Blaine and Sebastian got up to start working on dinner a couple of hours later. Even though they hadn't been together even a year, Blaine and Sebastian already had a different aura about them than the Andersons ever felt when Blaine had been with Kurt.

After a relaxing night with Blaine's parents, the night seemed to fly by as they were soon getting up and getting ready for Graduation. Even though he didn't have to get there early, Sebastian was heading over with Blaine to keep Jeff company as he was attending as well. "How are you feeling?" Sebastian asked as he walked up behind Blaine who was standing in front of the mirror tying his tie. "Blaine?"

"A bit nervous, even though I know I have no reason to be." With that said, Sebastian carefully wrapped his arms around him as Blaine started his tie once again. For some reason, this time around it didn't seem to be giving him a problem as it was quickly done and all Blaine had to do was straighten it. "One thing done."

"You do that quite well." Sebastian told him softly as his lips brushed against Blaine's ear. "But I shouldn't be surprised considering how many you own." Blaine glanced back at Sebastian who was smirking. "You had to know I'd comment at some point since I refrained when you brought them over."

"There aren't that many." Blaine replied as he relaxed in Sebastian's arms.

"Matter of perception B." Sebastian then leaned further over to kiss him on his cheek. "I wouldn't mind seeing you in only one of your bowties sometime."

"Is that so?"

"Very much so, never realized how much I loved them on you till you stopped wearing them so often. Not that I object to your new style, I love it as well, it fits you well."

"With that being the case, I'll try and wear one more often than I have been." Blaine replied before taking a deep breath. "This is finally happening, isn't it?"

"It is. Didn't you say Madame Tibideaux couldn't be happier with the turn you made this last year?"

"She did. She got confused when I seemed to lose my way, but she was thrilled I was able to get back on track. Told me I finally became the performer she thought I would become. Hell, she even came to one of my shows once a buzz started around campus."

"Smart woman." Sebastian then released his hold around Blaine so he could turn him in his arms. "Ready?" Blaine nodded and his reaction was met by a kiss. "Then we better get going. And think B, this time tomorrow, we'll probably be lounging on the beach." That additional comment caused Blaine's smile to grow as this past week had been a bit crazy, so relaxation was something he was clearly looking forward to.

Shortly after they arrived on campus, Blaine and Morgan disappeared along with everyone else leaving Sebastian and Jeff waiting for the parents to arrive. "When did Blaine's parents arrive?" Jeff asked as they decided to take a walk since they had time to waste before the theater opened up.

"Yesterday afternoon. Morgan's?" Sebastian replied as they headed for the park across the street.

"Last night, we had dinner with them."

"Should I ask how it went?" Sebastian asked him.

"While she definitely takes after her Mom in the looks department, most of her personality is her Dad." Jeff told him. "They were quite happy to meet me as Morgan has told them a lot about me. Also, they can't wait to meet Blaine."

"I hope Morgan plans on telling him this."

"She does, just as they want to meet Justin and Todd."

"Ah, meeting the boys she's going to be on the road with."

"Basically." Jeff replied with a laugh. "They're going to be in close quarters."

"True, but they have more space than you might realize." Sebastian told him. "Though, it's still a good thing they get along so well and are comfortable changing around each other. He then looked towards the side before looking at Jeff once more. "You realize that in a little more than two weeks, they leave?"

"I'm trying not to think about it honestly." Jeff said to him. "Morgan is already trying to figure out what to pack considering they're only allowed so many pieces of luggage. She said there is one benefit of it being summer as its more skirts and shorts than pants and sweaters."

"Blaine started doing the same thing as well; his bags are in the guest room. Unlike the girls though, he has to pack pants for performances. I told him if he needs anything or wants to change things out to let me know and I'll bring it with me when I see him. You should see his packing list, it's crazy."

"From what Morgan told me, they all do as the label gave them a reference sheet to use so they don't forget the little things." Jeff then sighed softly causing Sebastian to cock his head. "It used to be so far away Sebastian, now it's around the corner."

"Trust me, I know. It's why Blaine and I plan on making the most of our trip as once we get home, things instantly pick up. Are you and Morgan doing anything?"

"We've got a few day trips planned. Much like you, I don't start my internship till the Monday after they leave. While at first I wished it started sooner, I don't anymore as I want to enjoy the time I have left with her before they leave."

The two were still talking when Sebastian's phone vibrated in his pocket. After looking at it and seeing a message from the Andersons, the two headed back towards the theater. Their timing couldn't have been much better as shortly after they reached the Andersons, Morgan's parents approached so Jeff made introductions. It wasn't long after that, did they all begin to head inside as each of the Moms wanted good seats in order to take pictures during the ceremony. When Sebastian smirked once they were seated, Jeff turned in his seat to look more directly at him. "Something on your mind Jeff?"

"Curious as to what's going through yours." Jeff told him as they were sitting between the two sets of parents.

"I just realized that while I get to see B rather quickly, you've got quite the wait…opposite end of the alphabet and all."

"I was trying not to think about that." Jeff replied. "At least the rest of the band will fill in the gaps. Not to mention, their class isn't as big as the ones you and I had, smaller school."

"True." Sebastian said to him. "By the way, everyone else is in town for B's party tonight. You guys are coming, right?"

"Yes. We're going out to eat with Morgan's parents afterward, but will be at Blaine's party. They understand why we're doing so since you and Blaine are leaving tomorrow morning."

"Cool, as I know Blaine would want to spend time with you before we leave."

Once the ceremony started, it wasn't much different from Sebastian's or Jeff's. The biggest difference in their opinion was the fact that there seemed to be less people talking before they started distributing diplomas. When Blaine's name was called, Jeff glanced at Sebastian who was literally staring at Blaine as he made his way across the stage. While it was tempting to tease him considering the big smile he was sporting, Jeff knew it wasn't a good idea as he was fairly certain he was going to sporting one similar when it was Morgan's time.

Slowly but surely the rest of the band made their way across with Morgan being the last of them. After she had her diploma in hand, it wasn't much longer till Madame Tibideaux took to the podium one more time to close things out. Once the ceremony concluded, things got a bit chaotic as everyone was searching for their families, something Sebastian and Jeff remembered all too well. "Do you see him Sebastian?" Kate asked upon noticing that his eyes had stopped purveying the crowd.

"I do, he's actually with his band at the front of the stage watching the mass scatter take place." Sebastian replied. "It looks as though the five of them are enjoying chaos." Sebastian then nudged Jeff as he'd been looking for Morgan and pointed them out. "Would you like me to go and get him?"

"Since they're not moving, why don't we all go to them?" Sebastian nodded, before telling Jeff what they were going to do and wasn't surprised when Jeff and Morgan's parents followed along. By the time they reached the stage, they weren't the only ones as the rest of the parents had made their way there as well. So after the parents had their moments with their children, the rest of the introductions were made. The best moment for all of them was seeing that Talia's Dad had managed to make it when he initially thought he'd be unable.

It didn't come as much of a surprise that each set of parents wanted to take a picture of the five of them together. Considering everything each set of parents had heard about all of them, it was nice to finally get to meet everyone. Before everyone went their separate ways, they all took advantage of having extra bodies around to get family pictures taken, something they might not have been able to do otherwise. Once that was done, they said their goodbyes as some weren't going to be seeing each other again till Blaine and Sebastian returned. "I expect you to come back with a tan I'm envious of." Talia told Blaine as she loosened her arms around him.

"I will certainly do my best." Blaine replied. "Hopefully the weather cooperates." He then kissed her on the cheek. "Enjoy the time you have with your parents, especially your Dad."

"Trust me, I plan on it. I still can't get over the fact that he's here." While she spoke, Blaine wiped a tear from her cheek. "It's exactly what I need before everything starts."

"I know the feeling. It's why I spent so much time with my parents when they were here for the showcase, just as Bas and I are going to make the most of our vacation. It's time to concentrate on the people that mean the most to us." Blaine then gave here another kiss on the cheek before walking over to Sebastian who was speaking with Jeff as all the parents were in their own little bubble. Upon feeling Blaine take his hand, Sebastian looked at him and gave his hand a squeeze. "Ready to go?"

"I am." After Sebastian spoke, Blaine and Jeff said their goodbyes before heading off in separate directions. "Why didn't you mention to me, Scott was here?"

"I didn't know he was." Blaine replied. "I guess Vincent didn't want to take any chance even though this was a ticketed event."

"With as protective of you as he's been lately, that honestly doesn't surprise me." Sebastian then lowered his head and kissed the top of Blaine's head. "Do you know what's next?"

"I'm pretty certain we are going out to eat."

"That would be correct." Patrick stated as the boys were now beside them. "Now here is the big question, do you want to drop your cap, gown, and diploma off at home or do you want to bring them with?"

"I'm good with bringing them with as I'm hungry." Blaine told his Dad. "I didn't eat much this morning."

"Alright, then let's get going." Patrick told them and soon the four of them were heading on their way. Since there was a bit of space between the Andersons, and Blaine and Sebastian it gave Patrick a chance to speak with Kate as something had dawned on him. "When you and Blaine went to check his gown yesterday, did you happen to mention your visitor to him?"

"Absolutely not." Kate replied. "While I told Burt that I would pass on his apology to Blaine, this is not the time to do so. He should be enjoying this moment like he is and not getting distracted."

"Yet they leave early tomorrow morning Kate."

"I know they do, but you know our son Patrick, Blaine's focus would no longer be on enjoying the moment but on what happened." Kate told him before looking back over her shoulder to see where Blaine and Sebastian were. "And with them leaving…I just…"

"We need to talk with him Kate as we both know he absolutely hates when people try to protect him."

"I'm well aware of that dear. Yet as a Mom it's natural for me to do so and want him to have some normalcy to his life." When Patrick looked at her, she squeezed his hand. "You feel the same way, I know that." She then looked back at them once again. "He's so happy right now Patrick. I don't want to take that away from him."

"I know, but the sooner we tell him the better." Patrick reassured her. "Plus, Blaine's going to be surrounded by his friends tonight which will help." Kate looked up at him. "I know, it will still take Blaine some time to deal with it, but he'll be alright. He's dealt with worse; this will be a blip on the radar for him."

Even with the four of them heading out to eat, the Andersons knew they couldn't tell Blaine while they were out as they were unsure of how he'd react. So they lucked out that Blaine and Sebastian invited them back to their place afterwards. During their trip back, Blaine received quite a few texts from everyone confirming the plans for later that evening after congratulating him. While he responded, Blaine glanced at his parents sporadically as he felt couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on.

When they returned to their building, it didn't take them long to reach their apartment since it was midday. Once inside though, Blaine refused to ignore the feelings he'd been getting since they ate. "So, how much longer are the two of you going to tiptoe around me?" Blaine stated as he placed his gown over the back of the couch. This earned him a look from not only his parents, but Sebastian as well. "Mom. Dad. What's going on?"

"Why don't you sit down Blaine?" Kate said to him as she took a seat. Those words caused Blaine to run his fingers through his hair before bracing himself against the couch. "Blaine."

"Nothing good can be expected by starting a conversation like that Mom, you know that." Blaine told her before glancing at Sebastian who was coming closer to him. "That's essentially telling me that I'm not going to like what I'm going to be told."

"Blaine, let your Mom talk...please." Patrick said and soon heard Blaine take a deep breath. It was after Blaine exhaled, he saw Sebastian wrap his arms around Blaine and leaning down to whisper in his ear. Blaine soon nodded, and before he thought of speaking again the boys were taking a seat on the couch.

"I'm presuming it's okay if Bas stays." Blaine stated as he leaned against Sebastian.

"Of course it is." Kate told him. "It really isn't that bad Blaine, I didn't want to give you that impression."

"Then don't ask someone to sit down beforehand." Blaine replied. "What's going on?"

Once Kate began to talk, Sebastian leaned his head back as he couldn't believe that Burt had shown up to the Andersons' home unannounced. Yet it certainly fit with how he came to speak with Blaine. When she told them that Burt offered an apology to them both it took quite a bit of refrain from Sebastian not to react, but that didn't stop Blaine from doing so. In that moment, Sebastian could see quite a bit of Patrick in Blaine as their expressions were quite similar. Clearly he already knew about Burt's visit, though that didn't mean he was happy about it. From what Sebastian could surmise from his expression, he would've paid to see Patrick and Burt come face to face once again after Burt's conversation with Blaine.

"Did he happen to tell you what Kurt said to him to get him to change his stance on the situation?" Blaine asked once Kate finished speaking. "Or did he have some epiphany?" The sarcasm that was coming from Blaine caught his parents' off-guard, yet they could understand where it was coming from.

"He didn't tell me exactly what was said." Kate told them. "Just that after speaking with Rachel that night it compelled him to push the subject with Kurt and he…admitted to some of what happened." Hearing the word some caused Blaine and Sebastian to look at one another. "Did you boys really think he'd tell his Dad the truth?"

"No. I'm honestly surprised he admitted to any of it." Blaine told her. "Though, I'm sure he still managed to turn things and make them my fault."

"If he did, why would Burt apologize?" Patrick asked as he was curious where Blaine was coming from.

"Because he accused me of lying, of saying those things to make myself look better." Blaine replied. "If you see him again, you can now tell him you told me. But his words really don't mean much to me if I'm being honest."

"Blaine." Kate said to him, surprised to hear this from him.

"I'm sorry Mom, but you didn't hear what he said to me or to Bas. Not to say he isn't sorry, but an apology loses something when it's delivered in this manner." Even Sebastian was a bit surprised as he wrapped his arm around Blaine and began playing with his curls. "If that disappoints you, I'm sorry, but it is how I feel. Having to deal with this once again has brought up feelings I thought I'd dealt with, only to learn I hadn't dealt with them as well as I thought. Personally, if I never hear or see a member of that family again it wouldn't bother me. I'd prefer it actually." While he spoke, Blaine felt Sebastian press his lips against his temple as Sebastian hated seeing Blaine like this.

"You don't have to apologize to us Blaine." Patrick told him. "It's your right to feel the way you do. I honestly don't blame you. With everything you've been through, there is nothing wrong with wanting a clean slate moving forward." Patrick then looked at Kate who looked up at him. "What do you think dear?"

"Your Dad is right Blaine. I'm sorry if my reaction made you feel I disagreed with you. Hell, I almost slammed the door in his face." When Sebastian basically snorted from her words, Blaine looked back at him.

"I'm sorry, but I can only imagine how he would've reacted." Sebastian said through his laughter. "The look of shock on his face would've been priceless." Out of the corner of his eyes, Sebastian saw Patrick looking down trying to refrain from laughing. "You thought about it too, didn't you Patrick?"

"I might've told her should have."

"Dad!"

"I know it's not the appropriate thing to say." Patrick said to them. "I know Kurt's the one that hurt you, but the conversation he had with the two of you didn't do him any favors in my book. Not to mention, I didn't like the idea of him coming over unannounced."

"Must be his way of making sure he gets to speak." Blaine stated.

"Well if I wasn't packing to come out here, no one would've been home." Kate added. "Certainly gives me a new appreciation of the security gate they're putting in. That's the last time Burt Hummel or anyone else can show up to our home unannounced."

"Peace of mind is a good thing." Blaine said with a smile. "Now, are you two sure you're ready for all the craziness that might occur tonight? I mean, everyone is going to be together, even Beat, David, and Trent are going to be there."

"If it becomes too much, we'll sneak out." Patrick told him. "Tonight's about you Blaine, enjoy it as you deserve it!"