Five Years Later

Part 89

Since Sebastian had sent the text out asking for them to be left alone till Sunday, it didn't come as a surprise when they awoke that morning they each had plenty of messages. After looking at his phone, Sebastian set it back on the nightstand before curling back up behind Blaine. Once he wrapped his arm around him, he felt Blaine scoot back a bit more. Knowing this was their last week together, they'd agreed to not doing anything they didn't both want to do. While they knew they needed to see their friends now that they were back, they weren't in a rush to do so with as comfortable as they were.

Luckily their friends more than understood so they didn't receive any flack when they finally reached out to everyone. Considering they both had things to do, they extended an open invitation to everyone to come over as it would still allow them to get some things done. Not to mention, their friends were finally going to get to see the apartment since Mrs. Smythe had redecorated it for them. Throughout the day, their friends made appearances which made it easier for them as they all didn't show at once. At one point, Sebastian asked Hunter if they'd all called one another as to not overwhelm them with their presence. When Hunter laughed, Sebastian wasn't surprised as it was very much something their group of friends would do.

If there was only one thing Blaine and Sebastian probably would've changed, is that they had to repeat themselves numerous times. Thankfully though, when it came to the restraining order, the questions were kept at the minimum which they both appreciated. Though, Blaine mentioned to Sebastian at one point that they probably didn't push as they didn't want to upset them which Sebastian couldn't argue with. The one thing everyone that showed up asked, aside from Jeff, was if they could hear the full single after hearing the snippet the night before. While they tried to convince him to change his mind, Blaine held firm to them having to wait until the next evening to hear it.

The one thing he was surprised to hear, as well as Sebastian, was how much talk Jordan's show had generated not only during the original broadcast, but when it was repeated later that night. Even though it was Jordan's job to read what was posted, it seemed in this case she had plenty of assistance. When she told Blaine the amount of hits the site received after the segment played, Blaine and Sebastian kept looking at one another, shocked by what they were hearing. She then confirmed their feelings that the numbers were certainly high.

From that point, Sebastian could tell Blaine nerves were starting to kick in which made him thankful that once Jordan and Santana left, the two had some time to talk. While Blaine was clearly a bit nervous, he was more shocked by what he was hearing than anyone else. It was one thing for him to hear those close to him loving the song, but knowing others were feeling that after only a sample was huge. Everything they'd heard that day since they'd been up, essentially let them know that things were going to be crazy from the release party forward.

By the time they'd finally called it a night on Sunday, Blaine openly admitted to Sebastian that he was actually excited about what was ahead of them. For one of the first times since this had all started, Blaine was truly embracing what was happening to him. And while they neither were looking forward to being apart, they knew it was going to be happening for a good reason. It also helped that Sebastian was excited for Blaine and not making him feel guilty for going away. He kept teasing him about all the fun they'd have Skyping, and then making those thoughts a reality when they do see one another.

With as packed as Blaine's schedule had become on Monday, the two made a point of showering separately that morning so as not to get distracted. By the time Blaine came out of the shower, Sebastian was in their room with cups of coffee for each of them. "How are you feeling B?" Sebastian asked before opening the closet to pick a shirt out as he already had his jeans on.

"Pretty good, considering you're coming with me to see my therapist." Blaine replied while opening a drawer to get a pair boxers. "I'm not as apprehensive as I was about it when I first asked you to come. Now that I'm not on emotional overload, I understand more why he wants you there. Not to mention it'll be good to talk about some of my insecurities with you there."

"With what you shared with me after your last session, is there anything else I don't know about?" Sebastian said while buttoning up his shirt.

"No, as I'd told you everything else I'd been working through over the years." Blaine said. "The only reason I hadn't mentioned that other as it wasn't something I get hit with often." He was about to grab his shirt, when he felt Sebastian wrap his arms around him from behind. "I need to get dressed Bas."

"I know, I just felt compelled to hug you." Sebastian then leaned over his shoulder and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "This is some of the last bits of privacy we're going to have for the next few days."

"Well, we'll have to make the most of the moments we do get." Blaine told him before turning his head to give him a kiss. "Now, let me go as I don't want us to be late." Sebastian proceeded to let him go, allowing Blaine to pull his shirt over his head. "And remember Bas, you don't have to answer anything you don't want to. Just be aware that he'll ask why you don't want to."

"Fair enough." Sebastian said before going to grab his shoes. "How much have you told him about me?"

"Not too much. He mainly knows how I feel about you, as well as your protective nature." Sebastian nodded in acknowledgment before putting his shoes on.

Once the two were on their way, Blaine sent a text to Scott reminding him of when they'd be done as he was the one coming to get them afterward. When Scott received the text, he was actually in Vincent's office going over Blaine's schedule for the day. While it originally wasn't heavy, the PR department had filled it up after his interview with Jordan which put him in high demand. "Considering you know your way around the city more, how badly are we pushing for time?" Vincent asked as he looked at Scott across his desk.

"It's going to be close, but it shouldn't be too bad." Scott replied. "But should any of the interviews start late or run long, there could be issues. The best thing you have going for you is that Blaine takes direction really well. He's not one of those people that believes he knows it all."

"And that has made working with him a dream." Vincent told him. "The only time that could become an issue is when it's music related and even Malcolm doesn't question what he wants often. When it comes to what he's written or what he wants it to sound like Blaine has a clear vision."

"From what I've heard, there is a good reason Malcolm doesn't question him. Blaine's got quite an ear."

"He most certainly does. He's a very talented young man which is going to make this quite the ride for him. Everyone at his label is in love with everything they've heard from him." Vincent said to him. "If things go as expected, his second single will be released the beginning of June with the album coming shortly thereafter."

"Does Blaine know all this?"

"Yes, he knows all this as it had been discussed. Now, you and your team are going to be on the look-out for his ex-husband, correct?"

"We always are, yet with all that has happened I will make sure he is never out of anyone's sight." Scott told him. "The last thing Blaine needs to be dealing with in this moment is him."

"Tell me about it. This is a time where he should be on cloud nine because everything he's worked so hard for is coming to fruition."

With this being a Monday, it seemed everyone was up and out early that morning, even Rachel who had a photo call to attend. Considering how important time was for her, she stayed at Thad's the previous evening to shorten her commuting time. It had worked out for the best as that evening Thad and Rachel were able to enjoy a quiet night after coming back from Blaine and Sebastian's. While Rachel had more questions she'd wanted to ask them, Thad had told her she'd have plenty of time to do so a bit later. The last thing Blaine needed right after coming home was being bombarded with questions as to how everything came about. From the conversations Thad himself had had with Hunter, he was pretty certain Blaine wasn't going to answer any of them considering he hated talking about anything regarding Kurt.

During Rachel's walk to the theater, she was a bit surprised to receive a call from Sam. It wasn't that the two didn't talk, but the timing of this call was a bit suspect in her mind. After exchanging the basics in the start, Rachel realized she needed to cut to the chase considering she didn't have much time left. "Now, not that I mind talking to you Sam, why precisely are you calling?"

"With everything that's going on today, I wanted to know how Blaine is as he's not answering his phone." Sam told her. "I'm a bit worried."

"Well, you have nothing to worry about as when I saw him yesterday he was positively glowing and I'm not talking merely about his tan." Rachel replied. "He and Sebastian had a wonderful time on vacation, and he's excited about today."

"That's good to hear, but, why isn't he answering his phone."

"If I remember correctly, he and Sebastian had an appointment this morning from what I heard Thad and Sebastian talking yesterday. Blaine probably has his phone off, that's all."

"Do you know what sort of appointment?"

"Not a clue, though Blaine does have a lot of interviews today so it really could be anything."

"Even with Sebastian with him?"

"Yes. He's actually attending all of Blaine's interviews with him this week." Rachel said as she turned the corner to walk the last block. "They're making the most of this week together."

"Shit that's right! This is it, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's one of the reasons why the rest of us wish you were able to make it tonight. So we could celebrate the moment all together."

"Trust me Rach, I wish I could make it. Just as I wish I could be there for your big moment." Sam said to her. "Sadly, I'm going to have to wait a few more weeks till I can see you do your thing. At least with Blaine, I'll get to download his single as of midnight."

"Still, it would've been nice if you could've been here."

"Thanks! You'll have to carry the torch for me, like I'll have to carry it for you when Blaine is back in Ohio performing."

"That can certainly be arranged."

"I'm so happy for both of you Rachel. I just hate the crap you've each had to go through to get there."

"We wish we hadn't, but they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And while we each went to some dark places, we worked our way out of them." Rachel then stopped as she'd reached the stage door for the theater. "While I'd love to talk more Sam, I'm at the theater as I have a photo call."

"It's okay Rachel, no need to apologize." Sam told her. "Thank you for answering my questions about Blaine as I…"

"We're all concerned about him Sam, you don't have to explain."

"Thanks! Wish him good luck for me, even though I'll hopefully be able to reach him at some point today."

"I can do that."

"Thanks! And I will talk to you again on Thursday as it would feel wrong telling you to break a leg before your big day." Rachel couldn't help but giggle as the comment was so very Sam. "Have a good day Rachel!"

"I plan on it. You have a good day as well Sam. Bye."

"Bye Rachel."

Once Rachel made her way into the theater, it didn't take her long to make her way to her dressing room which she'd gradually been setting up. Shortly after she walked through the door and tossed her bag into a chair there was a knock causing her to look over her shoulder. "You're making quite the habit out of being early." Derek told her as he leaned against the doorframe.

"I stayed at my boyfriend's place last night as I didn't want to run the risk of being late today." Rachel replied as she began to pull her hair back. "With so much going on today, I'm trying to stay on top of everything."

"Well, that was nice of him to let you stay." Derek said to her. "What else is happening today that you need to stay on top of?"

"My friend Blaine has his release party for his first single today."

"Ah, I remember you mentioning it plus I also heard Jean-Baptiste talking about it yesterday. He was quite proud when talking to some of your cast mates who'd heard the snippet."

"I can understand the feeling as I'm quite proud of Blaine as well. I can't wait to hear the full song." When Derek looked at her, Rachel smiled. "He hasn't let anyone hear it outside of a select few. Originally we were going to be waiting till it was released, but then they, his label, decided to throw a party supporting it."

"Shows they have quite a bit of faith in him."

"We've all said the same thing. The more interviews he does, the more we all see it." Rachel told him before starting her make-up. "He's got quite a full schedule today, and tomorrow's schedule is even fuller."

"Is he going to be able to come and be part of your debut?"

"He is actually, it's his one free night this week." Rachel replied. "The instant we knew which day it was going to be, I let him know and he shared that with his manager to ensure he'd be able to attend."

"That's good to hear." Derek told her. "Now, you were able to get the four tickets you personally wanted for that night, correct?"

"Yes and the rest of my friends were able to get tickets for that night as well. That is my friends in the city; the rest will be coming to see me over the weekend at least those that live within a reasonable distance."

"It sounds as though you've got quite the group of friends Rachel."

"I do, and I feel very blessed to have them all in my life."

By the time Blaine and Sebastian were leaving Blaine's therapist's office, Blaine felt calmer than he had in quite some time, making this visit the polar opposite of the last. Once they were out in the hall, Blaine took ahold of Sebastian's hands before looking up at him. "Thank you for coming Bas."

"You're welcome B, but you really don't have to thank me." Sebastian told him. "It really wasn't what I was expecting in the slightest. Not to mention, I now know why it's so easy for you to open up to him."

"I really lucked out finding someone so easy to talk to." Blaine said to him. "This was the sort of session I needed so I wasn't an emotional mess for the rest of the day."

"Yet you were still able to talk through a lot of things that were bothering you." Sebastian then placed a kiss to Blaine's forehead. "Thank you for letting me be a part of it."

"Thank you for not leaving when things got serious."

"B, he hurt you in ways I never could've imagined. Yet being there with you, I was able to reaffirm all the things you thought when it comes to the two of us. I love you so much Blaine."

"I love you too Sebastian. I hadn't realized the depth of some of my insecurities. You do know, they have nothing to do with you or us."

"I do. With everything that happened between you and…him, as I can't even bare to say his name in the moment. He caused you to question everything you thought you knew or felt when it came to love." Sebastian then raised one of their joint hands and placed it over his heart. "Blaine, I love you more than I thought I was capable of. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you."

"I feel the same way in regards to you Sebastian." Blaine told him. "I honestly believed I'd never experience love again, yet when it came to you, it was the most natural thing."

"That's a feeling I understand all too well. While I would love for us to continue this conversation, you need to go be the rock star you're about to become. We can finish this talk once we get home before your big party."

"I'd like that." Blaine then moved to kiss Sebastian and as he did, Scott came walking into the hallway. "And maybe we can do a little more of this."

"Amongst other things." Sebastian replied with a smirk before giving him a quick peck on the lips.

"Guys." Scott said causing them both to turn. "I hate to interrupt, but we need to get a move on."

"Alright." Blaine told him before they turned to walk towards him. "Where is Vincent?"

"He's meeting us at the first interview, the same with PR. He felt it was best you had some down time without no one else around after your appointment." While he spoke, they made their way out to the awaiting car. "But from what I can see, he doesn't have anything to worry about."

"You're right, he doesn't." Once they were on their way, Blaine glanced over the packet that had been left for him about the points that were going to be discussed. Since he had Sebastian with him, he handed it to him to have him go over it with him to make certain things were clear. Even though he was feeling good, he wanted to make sure there weren't any lingering effects. "You do realize people are going to notice you with me Bas."

"I know, as the other night someone assumed I was your assistant."

"How do you feel about it?"

"It doesn't bother me as I know what I am to you. People can presume all they want. Hell, I've already heard people in the crowds presume you're sleeping with either Morgan or Talia or both." Sebastian told him with a soft laugh. "I'm sure I'm going to hear plenty more."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be B, as it's outside of your control.

"I can be, as I know this is going to be hard on you. Probably harder than anyone outside of Jeff can understand."

"We can talk about this later B, like I said before; it's time to focus on you." Blaine leaned over to kiss him one more time as he knew they were close to their destination.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

From the moment Scott escorted them into the first interview, Sebastian's head began to spin as he could only wonder how Blaine was feeling. While everyone wanted more than just the snippet that Jordan got to play, it didn't happen since the national debut had already been scheduled. But Vincent did give them something to tie them over, the studio recording of Words which Blaine had already performed on the radio. The more interviews Blaine did, the more comfortable he seemed to become until he was asked about his personal life. Of all the songs Vincent could've chosen, he happened to choose when that led to those sort of questions which his first official single spoke of as well.

Now Blaine, from the sample of your first single as well as Words, you seem to write about what you feel. Is it safe to presume there is someone special in your life?

Yes, there is someone special in my life. Hearing that admission from Blaine caught not only Vincent off guard, but Sebastian as well.

Care to tell us anymore about them Blaine?

No.

Are you sure?

Positive, as I'd prefer to keep that part of my life private.

Whoever it is, they're quite lucky to have such a romantic in their life.

I'm the lucky one.

After he spoke, Blaine looked through the glass at Sebastian who had quite the smile on his face as the DJ told their listeners they had a couple of tickets for Blaine's release party that night. Moments later the phone lights lit up as people tried to get through. Seeing it with his own eyes, shocked Blaine even after the response he saw when in Boston. Having so many people wanting the available tickets was quite overwhelming. Sebastian could see it in Blaine's eyes as he sent him a quick text reminding him to breathe.

Once that interview ended, the DJ let Blaine know once again that they were looking forward to getting to play the full single on the air the next day. As they were making their way out of the building, Sebastian stayed quiet as Blaine's publicist filled Blaine in on their next stop. They'd already done four interviews so far and there were at least five more to do. Before Blaine had a chance to speak, Vincent looked at the publicist and asked when Blaine was getting to eat since he didn't hear anything when she rattled off the schedule. "You do realize he needs to eat some time soon, if he's going to make it through the rest of these."

"We'll grab something along the way."

"No, he needs to eat a real meal as he's got a long day ahead of him." Vincent stated before they all got into the awaiting car. "Or have you forgotten he's got a release party to attend this evening in which he'll be playing." Once the two started to go at it, Blaine slipped his hand into Sebastian's as they took in the scene. "While I understand the publicity is important, he needs to be on his game tonight."

"I said we'll get him something." She told Vincent. "Blaine, are you okay if we wait to eat till after the next interview is done?"

"Yes." Vincent then looked across at the two of them. "I'm okay Vincent, honest."

"Alright. Care to tell me why you confirmed you have a special someone in your life?"

"They were the first to ask." Blaine replied. "And I don't have an issue with people knowing I'm in a relationship. I just won't say anything else in regards to it besides the fact that I'm in one."

"You do realize some won't drop it as easily as they did." Blaine's publicist told him.

"I know. It's as I told you from the very start, I don't want the fact that I'm gay to become an issue or a point. I know it's going to come out at some point, and I'm ready to deal with it when necessary. But I'm not the type of person that throws my sexuality in someone else's face. Vincent had been around my friends enough to see that the people I associate with don't treat Bas and I any different than any other couple."

"All people don't see things that way yet Blaine."

"I know that. But who I love, doesn't define me."

"We know that Blaine." Vincent reassured him. "She's just pointing out that not everyone sees things that way."

"We're well aware of it, probably more so than you since it's a part of our daily lives." Blaine stated. "No one judges you for who you love, but there is always a chance of someone giving us a disapproving look." While Blaine spoke, Sebastian began rubbing his thumb over the top of Blaine's hand as he took in their reactions.

"You're right, and I'm sorry if you felt I was making assumptions." His publicist told him. "Clearly you both see things and are aware of things that we aren't."

"We do." Blaine replied. "I don't mean to snap, but because some people feel they need to put their sexuality out there, that's not me even though I'm not ashamed of who I am. I just don't see why it's anyone else's business."

"Unfortunately, some people believe everything is their business even if it isn't." Vincent told him. "You already know where I stand with this Blaine so I'm not going to repeat myself."

"I appreciate that." Blaine then looked towards his publicist. "If I wasn't clear where I stand in regards to my personal life, I'm sorry."

"You were, I just wasn't sure if something had changed. Clearly it's a sensitive issue for you, more so than others as more is on the line. But I do understand the difference between admitting you're in a relationship and divulging details about it."

"Thank you." After Blaine spoke, there was a knock on the dividing window letting them know they'd arrived at their next location. Blaine then turned and gave Sebastian a kiss. "Thank you for dealing with all this."

"It's been enlightening." Sebastian told him before giving him a kiss just before the back door opened. Once they were on the go again, Vincent and Scott walked ahead with Blaine as his publicist walked with Sebastian. "He's not normally that snippy."

"I know, as I've spent enough time with him." She said to him. "But I certainly gave him reasons to be from things I said. I know I'm not always going to be his favorite person, but it's part of the job. The way he reacts when it comes to his private life gives me even more reason to protect it for him. I just wanted him to be aware that not everyone is going to accept him saying he's going to want to keep it private."

"Blaine's aware of that, trust me. And while he seems all sweet and innocent, should push come to shove, Blaine can handle himself quite eloquently." There was a look in Sebastian's eyes as he spoke that clearly caught his publicist's attention. "Don't underestimate him."

While waiting for Blaine to go on the air once again, Sebastian showed Blaine all the texts from their friends that had been keeping up with his appearances. When they both laughed, Vincent looked at them causing Blaine to tell him they were laughing at Talia's reaction to Blaine admitting he was in a relationship. Vincent said he could only imagine her reaction considering he was a bit surprised when Blaine admitted it as well. "So, how do you feel about me admitting it?" Blaine asked Sebastian quietly while Vincent was speaking with the station manager.

"Thrilled, as now people know you're taken. And I plan on showing you how happy I am once we get home."

"Promise?"

"I promise."