Five Years Later

by Aquaria245

Never would Blaine have imagined after what was probably the happiest moment of his life, that his life would be in it's current state or he would've gone through the things that he has when he wasn't even out of college yet.

93. Chapter 93

Five Years Later

Part 93

By the time Blaine's performance had ended that night, Rachel could barely even look at her Dads considering the things said around them. Thad was pretty certain the comments bothered Rachel more than her Dads as they had quite a few good laughs during the night. Part of that was thanks to Sebastian's on-going commentary any time something questionable was said. If her Dads hadn't reassured her that they were okay, most of the guys were pretty sure she was going to hyperventilate at some point.

Considering what was happening that evening, most were surprised when they saw Rachel go home with Santana and not Thad that evening. The guys were quick to ask why, but Kimberly pointed out that it was probably because Rachel's Dads were in town before Thad had a chance to answer. She reminded them that since Rachel's Dads had just met Thad, it might be a bit awkward should they come over in the morning. Once she spoke, Thad promptly told the guys she was right on the money in her assessment. But also told them that after the show and after-party, she'd be coming home with him as there was no way they weren't going to have a personal celebration.

With so much going on later that day, everyone headed home knowing they needed to get some rest. Unlike the previous day when Blaine awoke, Sebastian was still in bed beside him. Knowing they only had a few more mornings like this; Blaine moved up behind him and carefully wrapped his arm around him. Even though he was careful, it was only moments later when Sebastian began to stir. "We don't have to get up, do we?" Sebastian sleepily asked while pressing his body back against Blaine.

"No, we can spend as much time in bed as we want." Blaine then pressed a kiss to Sebastian's shoulder. "Doing as much or as little as we choose." The next sound Blaine heard could probably be best described as a satisfied purr. That was all Blaine needed to hear before beginning to place kisses along the back of Sebastian's shoulders. While he did so, Sebastian slowly rolled over so that he was lying more on his chest allowing Blaine more access. Just when Blaine pressed himself off the bed as he was about to lie down on top of him, his phone went off. "You've got to be kidding me." Blaine muttered before running his fingers through his curls.

"Just answer it B, otherwise they'll call back." Sebastian replied as he resituated his pillow beneath his head. Knowing Blaine the way he did, he nudged him with his leg to get it. Once he answered, Sebastian heard Blaine sigh softly. He was about to roll over, when Blaine began to rub his back. It wasn't long till he realized that Blaine was talking with Vincent's assistant. Since Blaine had gotten so much done the day before, he didn't have to head into the office that day.

"Yes, I'm going to be seeing Wicked this evening." Blaine stated as he continued to rub Sebastian's back. "Yes, Scott is well aware of these plans and will be accompanying me. No, I don't have anything else on the schedule today and would prefer it stays that way. Tomorrow's schedule is full, plus I'm playing at the Stadium on Saturday. I'd like to spend my last bit of free time with those close to me and I made those feelings clear to Vincent who said he understood." Blaine then sighed once again causing Sebastian to turn his head and look up at him. "Ah, so PR asked you to call me personally after Vincent had already told them no. He's going to love hearing that." After that response, Blaine was only on the phone for a couple more minutes before ending it. "Sorry about that." Blaine said as he set his phone back on the nightstand.

"No apology necessary." Sebastian replied. "That is, as long as you continue what you started."

"Were you enjoying that Bas?" Blaine asked while repositioning himself over him, before placing a kiss between his shoulder blades.

"I was. So what's it going to be Killer?"

"It's time for me, to make you…feel amazing."

Once Blaine got started, they essentially blocked out everything else as they focused on one another. Even with their phones going off, they didn't give them a second thought. "Are you sure Blaine said his schedule is empty today?" Wes asked as he looked across the table at Nick and Thad. "It's not like him to let his phone go unanswered." The two glanced at one another before looking back at Wes. "What?"

"Wes, think about it for a minute." Nick said to him. "If Chloe was leaving town in a few days, I doubt you would be answering your phone." When Wes smirked, Thad laughed.

"Think about it man, even Sebastian isn't answering which either means they're asleep still or…preoccupied." Thad stated before taking a sip of his coffee. "Personally considering the hour, I'd say they're preoccupied."

"He's probably right." Nick added. "I mean, Jeff had no interest in coming out today sooner than he needed to. If I had to describe how he's feeling, he's going to spend as much time as he can with Morgan before Sunday morning."

"With it being around the corner, it's getting harder for him, isn't it?" Wes asked as he looked at Nick who nodded. "Considering Blaine and Sebastian really aren't talking about it, I'd presume they're feeling the same way."

"I'd say that's pretty accurate." Thad told him. "I know if I was in their shoes I'd be doing the same thing, we all would be. We'd be enjoying every last moment we have with the one we love." When Nick looked at him, Thad smiled. "I'm not as blind to how others feel as some might think."

"We'd never accuse you of being blind Thad; you just tended to be wrapped up in your own world." Wes told him. "With as crazy as some of our lives were at times, it was probably a good thing. Heck, all of us being more aware caused Blaine to open up to us in ways he never intended to. There was something to be said for the focus we all used to have when we were younger." He then looked for their waitress for a refill on his coffee. "Speaking of craziness, how did things go yesterday with you and Rachel's Dads?"

"It wasn't as crazy as Rachel thought it might be, but they're very opinionated when it comes to Rachel." Thad replied. "Yet having a sister myself, I wasn't as stunned as my parents are quite protective of Em and the guys she brings into her life. Though, it was clear Kurt's Dad had some choice words about me."

"Did her Dads give it much credence?" Wes asked as he looked at him.

"Not really, considering they knew enough about Kurt's time at Dalton to know how he felt about most of us that went there." Thad told them. "Plus, they said they felt they knew Rachel well enough that she wouldn't be with the type of person Burt described."

"One can only imagine what Kurt told his Dad about all of us." Nick said. "And considering how we all treated him once we saw him again, I wouldn't be surprised if he painted us in even a darker light the next time he spoke with his Dad."

"Rachel mentioned something similar last night." Thad replied. "She said she wouldn't be surprised if he painted us in the worst light possible. It was clear her Dads were on a bit of a defensive when they first met everyone. Thankfully, that didn't seem to last long."

"So it was more than only the setting." Wes stated to which Thad nodded. "Still I can see why they'd feel that way. Kurt was Rachel's best friend at one point."

"True, but Rachel made it clear to her Dads that they weren't even friends anymore now. The way she told them made it clear things were bad, but Rachel didn't say much else."

"Not to be one to bring up a bad thought, but…do you think there is a chance he shows up at Rachel's show tonight?" Nick asked. "I mean, not only are you and Rachel's Dads going to be there, we're all going to be there, including Blaine and Sebastian."

"Rachel and I talked about that, as did Santana and I." Thad replied. "We all hope that he's wise enough to know that Blaine will be there tonight, so this isn't a place he should be. Yet if he does show up, Scott will do his thing as there is no doubt in my mind that he's accompanying them."

"When are you going to be seeing Rachel next?" Wes asked him. "Or, are you not seeing her till after the show."

"I'm actually heading over to see her after I leave the two of you. She wants some time for just the two of us before she has to head to the theater." When they both laughed, Thad looked at them. "You're terrible."

"You're worse than either of us." Nick told him. "Don't even try denying it, as you know deep down it's true. The only one that can probably compete with you is Sebastian, though our dear Jeffrey is moving up on the list as is Blaine." The addition of Blaine's name certainly caught both of their attention more so than the other two. "Come now, we've all seen the two together and while Blaine's more subtle, he's not as shy as he used to be."

"Nick's got a point." Wes added. "And since you've spent more time with the two of them, you know it as well. Probably more so since you've spent more time with them not surrounded by everyone else."

"Honestly, while they're affectionate with one another, more so than one more expect, especially if they know Sebastian. They're not nauseatingly so." Thad told them. "Hell, I'm pretty sure in our moments, Rachel and I are more lovey-dovey in public than the two of them are."

"That's true. I feel for both of them as until Blaine is ready, they're going to have to be careful how they are around one another. Things we all take for granted, they can't."

"I've got a feeling that it's going to get out sooner than we all think." Nick said to them both. "Neither of them have the sort of personality that they're going to deny who they are to each other because of what others might think. It'll be more or less them getting caught being them, instead of some crazy statement. It's as Blaine stated, why should he have to disclose his sexuality when a "straight" artist doesn't have to, it's a complete double standard."

"Unfortunately, society hasn't quite reached that point yet." Wes replied. "Hopefully it won't be much longer till we reach that point. And the only thing anyone has to deal with is who they are dating and the fact that it is a guy or girl won't matter, only if they are happy."

That was a point they could all agree upon as Blaine shouldn't have to live his life under that sort of scrutiny, no one should. Just as they all knew that once everything came to light, it was something Sebastian would be living with as well, even if he wasn't the one directly in the spotlight. Yet, that wasn't something they weren't aware of as they'd already reassured those close to them they were aware of what could happen. And while they worried, especially Blaine about Sebastian, he took solace in knowing Hunter was at least in school with him.

Once Thad left to go meet up with Rachel, Nick looked at Wes who was waiting for their waitress to return. "Why do I have a feeling you're not as comfortable with everything as you're leading us to believe?" Nick asked him.

"I'm comfortable, in regards to Blaine and Sebastian. I'm not comfortable knowing Blaine's annoying ex could stir up trouble for them." Wes told him just as he took his cup from the waitress. "Let's go as I really don't want to talk about this here." Nick nodded and soon the two were on their way as they had time before either of their girlfriends were going to be free for the day. "Now, Blaine and Sebastian have both told me I have nothing to worry about, but…"

"It's hard not to as it's part of your nature." Nick stated earning a look from Wes. "Plus with all Blaine has been through, you don't want him going through anything else." When Wes looked at him again, Nick laughed. "Jeff and I talked about it. It's hard not to worry because we only want what is best for him. Yet, as Jeff pointed out…if even Sebastian is telling us not to worry, we should try and listen as we know he knows things we don't."

"I know that, but it's still hard." Wes told him. "Especially since Blaine has a restraining order against Hummel."

"I get that, I truly do Wes. But right now, we can't worry about the what ifs, we need to concentrate on all the good things ahead."

"True and it's not as though Blaine doesn't have an army of lawyers at his disposal to look out for him."

"Exactly, and with one of them being Sebastian's Dad." Nick added. "This really is a time when we need to let the professionals do their jobs, even while we want to be the ones to protect Blaine."

"You really have been talking a lot with Jeff, as it's obvious you've really thought things through."

"I have. Jeff is keenly aware of what's going on not only because he cares for Blaine, but because of the impact it can have on Morgan. While we all know quite a bit, we're not in the loop in the same way." Nick told him. "The main reason Jeff knows things, is Morgan is often in such a good mood after a meeting, she shares what's going on with him."

"Understandable. It's not as though we push Blaine for details, as when we're all together we simply enjoy one another's company."

"Exactly, as we all know there is way more to Blaine than what others will ever know. Thad's even pointed that out to us."

"Even if he hadn't, I knew based on things Santana said to me when she was first coming to grasp with what Kurt did to Blaine. It was clear Santana had no idea that Blaine had been a victim of a hate crime. I'd thought of broaching the subject with Blaine considering everything, but changed my mind as I know how much he hates talking about it."

"That might be an understatement." Nick said to him. "Now in happier news, is Chloe excited about going tonight?"

"She is, as it's one of her favorite shows." Wes replied. "He can't wait to see Rachel take on the role. Her biggest concern was if Rachel had the voice for it, but Blaine assured her that while Rachel might be small, her voice is anything but. How about Sophie?"

"She is as well. With everything that's been going on for her at work, she can't wait for us to have a normal night out." Nick told him. "Yet I reminded her normal is relative when it comes to us, which caused her to laugh."

"Especially anytime all of us are together which will be the case this evening."

While they continued to talk, Thad finally made his way to Rachel's and wasn't surprised when she immediately wrapped her arms tightly around him once he was inside. "Everything okay Rach?" Thad asked softly as she rested her head against his chest, as he held her close. "Rach?" He said again when he didn't get a response the first time. "Talk to me, please Rachel."

Slowly Rachel tilted her head till she was looking up at him, causing him to let go with one arm so he could caress her cheek which he leaned against. "I needed this…you." Rachel told him softly.

"Have your Dads been a bit much today?" Thad asked as he slowly walked them towards the couch. When Rachel shrugged her shoulders, Thad took a deep breath. Before asking anything else, he got them onto the couch and she promptly curled up next to him. "What happened?"

"They were out in front of the theater when they were changing the posters." Rachel told him. "So of course, they had to take pictures and call me."

"It sounds as though they're excited."

"They really are." Rachel replied. "After everything that happened, I'm pretty certain they thought this would never happen again."

"Is it a bit much?"

"I don't know if I would say it's too much, but…in a way it's a reminder of how badly I screwed up in the past. How could I have been so naïve?"

"I don't know Rachel, since I wasn't around you at that time." Thad told her. "Yet, from what Blaine has told us, you're not the same person you were back then."

"You mean the obnoxious diva." Rachel said to him with a slight laugh. "Thinking back, I don't know how they put up with me."

"They cared about you, they still do. All they wanted was to try and make things easier for you."

"Yet, I treated them horribly."

"Don't think about that now Rach, as that was then and this is now. And if you were being a diva, I would've called you out on it." Thad then pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "You learned from your mistakes Rach, no need to rehash them."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I trust Blaine, plus with what I've seen, you're not that person anymore." Thad said reassuringly. "Not to mention, if you were being a diva, Jean-Baptiste would've called you out as well as that man clearly doesn't take shit from anyone." That last bit caused Rachel to giggle. "I guess I'm right in my impression of him."

"It's very accurate actually. He's very much a no-nonsense type of guy."

"Nice to know my gut is right."

"It is." Rachel told him as she looked up at him. "I don't know what's gotten into me."

"You're a bit nervous, that's all." Thad told her. "It's to be expected. Just keep in mind, if you weren't ready for this you wouldn't be debuting. Derek told you if you weren't ready, the understudy would've gone on till you were good to go. He's got faith in you and from what Jean-Baptiste told Blaine, he's not an easy man to please."

"Yea, he's quite the perfectionist. But, he's got every reason to be so. Ever since Blaine's senior showcase, I can't get Carmen's words out of my head. While the two of us butted heads when I thought I knew better. She doesn't mince her words. So to have her say she's looking forward to seeing my interpretation is huge. While some might've taken it in a sarcastic way, that's not her. As she wouldn't waste her time coming to see me if she thought I was going to fail."

"I got that from her as well." Thad then brushed her hair off her face. "Are you feeling better now?"

"I am, as it feels good to talk about this stuff." Rachel told him.

"Would Santana have listened?"

"Yes, but she was out of here before I got up this morning as she's got a full day ahead of her." Rachel then made her way onto Thad's lap, earning a cock of the eyebrow from Thad. "Though, I prefer talking to you as you have more of a calming influence over me."

"Is that so?" Thad remarked as he moved his arms around her.

"Yes." Rachel then leaned in closer and kissed him softly on his neck. "What would you say to helping me relax even more before I need to head to the theater?"

"Are you propositioning me Miss Berry?"

"I am. Not only would it help me work out some of my nervous energy, it'll be enjoyable for the both of us."

"So, this is about helping work out your nervous energy and not that you're intensely attracted to me?"

"It's both, but if you're not interested…I'll go to the gym to work it out. I only…" Rachel's words were cut off as Thad flipped them over on the couch, pinning her beneath him. "Should I take this as something you want?"

"Rach, I have no problems helping you work off your nervous energy." Thad told her lovingly. "Like you said, it's enjoyable for the both of us."

"You do know I'd want this even if I didn't have nervous energy to work off, right?"

"I do. Now, do we have to worry about Santana coming home?"

"No, as she was heading over to Jordan's once she was done today. So, the loft is all ours to do as we please, where we please."

"And your Dads?"

"No plans to see them till I'm at the theater."

"Any chance they'll come by though?"

"There is always a chance, but I have a feeling they'll leave me be." Rachel told him. "The last thing they'd want to do is disrupt my day. This is one time where I believe they'll follow my lead."

"Well then, let's start working off that nervous energy."

With everyone going about their business during the day, there were quite a few calls made the later it became to double-check information. The one thing Rachel had made a point of telling her Dads ahead of time was that Shelby was going to be attending as well. While things had started off a bit rocky when she'd made herself known, they'd all come to terms with it. Yet that didn't mean, Rachel was going to spring Shelby on them in such a setting. But hearing how she'd helped Rachel prepare for her audition and supported her throughout, LeRoy and Hiram couldn't deny how important she was in Rachel's life.

Considering the time Rachel needed to be at the theater, Thad had arranged to meet Shelby and Rachel's Dads outside of the theater so they could all go together to see her. During their walk towards Rachel's dressing room, Thad was thankful that everything seemed to be alright as the last thing Rachel needed was any stress before going on. When they reached her dressing room, they all seemed a bit surprised by all the flowers filling it. "The green is an interesting look on you babe." Thad said to Rachel as they made their way inside. "Yet, it surprisingly works." After that comment, Rachel primped a bit causing them all to laugh.

"You seem rather relaxed before your big night." Shelby said to her as her Dads got closer to her. "It's good to see."

"I spent my afternoon relaxing." Rachel replied before winking at Thad. "I'm so glad you all came back before show time."

"We wouldn't have missed it." LeRoy told her. "Should we ask who all the flowers are from?"

"They're from just about everyone." Rachel said to them. "And don't act as though you didn't send me any either." She then pointed out the ones on the table beside her dressing table, causing her Dads to smile. "I never expected something like this. Yet, they've been arriving since I got here. Heck, some were already here when I arrived.

"Who sent you that gorgeous bouquet with the water lilies and roses?" Shelby asked, before glancing at Thad.

"Sadly, those aren't mine." Thad told her. "Mine are beside those."

"They're from Blaine and Sebastian." Rachel replied.

"They have excellent taste." Shelby said to her.

"I agree, though all of the bouquets are beautiful." While Rachel was talking, there was a knock on her door. Rachel looked towards it and waved Derek in. "Do you need to speak with me?"

"No, I was actually stopping by to see how you were doing." Derek told her. "But clearly, you're doing well."

"I am." Rachel replied. "Oh, please forgive me." She then got up out of her chair. "Let me introduce you to everyone." After introducing her Dads, and Thad, Rachel introduced Shelby to Derek. "Do the two of you know one another?"

"We do actually." Shelby replied as the two continued to look at one another as they'd yet to release their hands. "It's just been a long time since we last saw one another."

"You could say that." Derek added. "Now, while I understand wanting to share this time with them Rachel, you need to finish getting ready." As he spoke, the two finally released their hands. "I'll be back again in a little bit Rachel." Derek then said good-bye to everyone else before leaving the room. Once outside, he stopped about halfway down the hall and leaned against the wall. For as long as he was trying to figure out why Rachel seemed so familiar to him, it was now blatantly obvious upon seeing Shelby again after all these years. He was about to start walking again, when he felt a hand on his arm. Derek looked to the side and saw Shelby standing beside him.

"I didn't realize my being here would throw you the way it did." Shelby told him.

"I wouldn't say you threw me, just shocked me. How…how do you know Rachel?"

"It's a long story so it's probably best if we not get into it now." Shelby replied. "You achieved your dream Derek, not that I ever doubted you would with the drive you had."

"Where'd you disappear to Shelby?" Derek asked as he turned so they were face to face.

"We can talk about everything once the show is over, I promise as there is plenty to talk about."

"Fair enough considering we only have so long till curtain."

"Derek, how is she?"

"She's going to blow you away Shelby, she truly is."

With everything going on inside, the others were all now starting to arrive at the theater as none of them wanted to risk being late to such a big moment. "Has anyone spoken to Rachel today?" Quinn asked as Stephen slid his arm around her.

"I spoke with her this morning, and again this afternoon, why?"

"Curious as when I tried reaching her, she didn't answer." Quinn told her. "I wanted to make sure she was okay."

"Well, she spent the afternoon with Thad." Nick told her. "And we all know he's quite the calming influence over her."

"That's good to hear, as I was hoping she wasn't alone."

"Fear not, she wasn't." Nick replied. "Must say, I didn't expect you to be there tonight Stephen."

"I do get out once in a while." Stephen told him with a smile. "Yet, I understand your point since my schedule doesn't often lead me to doing things like this later in the week. But with everything Quinn and Blaine have said about Rachel, I knew this wasn't something to miss. Plus, I couldn't let my lovely lady come unaccompanied."

"And I appreciate that." Quinn told him. "You won't be disappointed. Not only is Rachel extremely talented, Blaine said that Jean-Baptiste is incredible."

"He is." Hunter chimed in with. "We saw the show earlier this year, and he's amazing. Are any of you coming to the game on Saturday?"

"From what I know, we're all going to be there." Wes replied as he looked around and was met with nods of agreement. "Guess I was correct."

"You are." Jeff told him. "You think any of us would miss such a moment for Blaine?"

"No. Has anyone outside of Sebastian heard him yet?"

"We have." Talia replied. "He's run through it a few times each day at rehearsal since the date was confirmed. He sounds really good. It's only going to be him with his guitar."

"She's right, he sounds great." Morgan added.

"That's good to hear." Kimberly stated. "Speaking of, when are he and Sebastian arriving?"

"They should be here soon hun." Hunter told her, before kissing her cheek. "No way they'd be late or miss this."

"Speaking of, does anyone know if you know who knows about tonight?" Justin asked as he looked around.

"As far as we know, he doesn't." Santana replied. "But, if he read the theater section of the paper today he would've seen it. Yet, that doesn't mean he could get a ticket. Even with the run this show has had, it's still hard to get a ticket."

"Santana's got a point." Quinn said. "Plus, he'd have to be stupid to not realize Blaine would be here tonight and he's not supposed to be around him."

"Sadly, we all know he doesn't seem to think clearly when it comes to Blaine. Nick replied.

"True, but that's not our problem, it's his." Santana said in response. "Should he show up, he has to deal with the consequences, not us. And knowing how protective Vincent is of Blaine, I bet anything that Scott is accompanying him this evening."

"Good point." Jeff stated. "While the theater is probably one of the safest places for Blaine to go, this situation has too many variables in play with it being Rachel's debut."

"Let's not forget the girls that walked up to the two of them when they were out having coffee yesterday." Morgan told them. "Even with it being early in Blaine's career, he isn't going unnoticed."

"Should we even ask what happened?" Wes asked.

"Nothing crazy, Blaine is still adjusting to people recognizing him when he's out and about." Morgan told him. "Essentially, it's an adjustment period for him. I didn't mean to worry you."

"It's alright." Wes said to her. "After everything that's happened, sometimes it's hard not to react."

"I mentioned the same thing to her." Jeff replied. "It's hard not to react, but it's slowly happening, at least for me. I'm sure we're going to hear plenty of crazy stories once they go on tour if their trip to the Northeast was any indication."

"What indication?" They all turned their heads at the sound of Sebastian's voice and instantly spotted the duo and Scott wasn't far away.

"That things are going to be crazy when they go on tour." Jeff told him. "After what happened during the mini tour, this will be something else."

"I'd say that's a safe assumption." Blaine replied before glancing up at Sebastian. "Has anyone seen Thad?"

"He's backstage, as are her Dads and Shelby." Nick told him. "He's seated with them so he'll see us all after the show." Just as Nick was finishing, Scott walked up and placed his hand on Blaine's shoulder before whispering in his ear, and then stepping away. "Time to head inside?"

"It is, at least for Bas and I." Blaine said. "Though, it would probably be best to find our seats so we're not those people trying to find their seats once the overture has already begun." That was all Blaine needed to say for them all to make their way towards the lobby.