Five Years Later
Part 62
It didn't come as a surprise to either of them that Thad reacted the way he did once they sent him the video. While Thad always knew Rachel could sing, even he was blown away much as Blaine and Sebastian were. And as hard as it was going to be, they all agreed they couldn't tell Rachel they'd seen her audition till they knew how it went. From that point they'd share that video with her, but considering Jean-Baptiste had sent it, they all felt good about her prospects. According to Jean-Baptiste, from that point three actresses were going to be chosen and then were going to have to sing with members of the cast.
With everything that was happening for Blaine, it was good to see that he wasn't the only one finding his groove once again as it was clear Rachel was as well. Once he and Sebastian had gone their separate ways, he was tempted to call Jean-Baptiste and get his opinion of the performance. But considering he'd sent it to Blaine, he knew Jean-Baptiste was as impressed as he and Sebastian were. Seeing Rachel going after her dream again, made Blaine happy since things were going so well for him. And he wanted the same for all of those he cares about.
When Blaine arrived at the studio, he was slightly surprised to see Scott waiting for him in the lobby. "Is something going on that I don't know about?" Blaine asked after they were buzzed through the security door.
"No." Scott replied. "But, Vincent told me you'd be in studio today and well, the two of us need to talk about things for this summer. And, you don't have much free time to do so."
"Is this going to take long as I've only got so much time to be here before going back to school and hoping to get a nap in before the show tonight?"
"It shouldn't take long, but the sooner the matters are dealt with the more time I'll have to work on logistics." Blaine nodded as everything Scott was saying made sense to him. One look at the schedule leading up to the single release, there wasn't much free time. And some of the only free time they had coming up; he was going away with Sebastian. "How much has Vincent told you about how things are going to work this summer?"
"Quite a bit actually, plus a lot of it is spelled out in my contract. Why?" Blaine asked as they walked into his room so he could start getting ready.
"So, you know that most of your time this summer is going to be on a tour bus?" Blaine nodded. "What I need to know, is have you spoken with the others in regards to who is allowed on the bus?"
"I have, and we all agreed we don't want too many people to have access. Since it's essentially going to be our home, we want it to be a bit of a sanctuary of sorts when needed."
"Understandable, have you decided who you want to have access?"
"We have, aside from the five of us, and obviously you and Vincent, only Bas and Jeff. I mean, that could change if Talia, Justin, or Todd get into serious relationships. But not until then."
"So, you don't want the rest of your friends to have access?"
"Our friends can come on-board, but only if one of us is on board as well." Blaine told him as he pulled the binder out of his bag.
"Fair enough. Is it safe to presume from that comment Sebastian and Jeff will be joining you on the road at some point?"
"Yes, but it would most likely be over a weekend. And I've already checked with Vincent that it's alright if they travel on the bus with us. He also asked me to make sure you knew in advance of them coming to join us. I also informed them both that should they decide to surprise us, they needed to get in touch with you as well." When Scott began to laugh, Blaine tilted his head as he looked at him as he was surprised by that response. "What's so funny?"
"I was all prepared to talk about the importance of not giving people access to the bus, yet you guys already decided that. With as crazy as things are going to get, you're going to need a sanctuary as you put it. Plus, limiting who has access will make it easier for us to keep others away."
"Does it get really crazy at these festivals as I've only ever been on the other side of things?"
"It does, which is why before we leave I'll be sitting down with all of you. It's going to be important that we're all on the same page. And that you're all aware that at some point, me and the team, are probably going to tell you things you aren't going to like. Just keep in mind, that we're doing it as we have your best interests in mind. We won't be doing things just for the sake of doing them." When Blaine looked at him, Scott could tell something was on his mind. "Talk to me Blaine."
"Not that we don't like the other guys, but it would most likely be easier to hear things from you."
"Most of the time, it will be me. But there will be times when I'm talking with others that you're going to have to listen to someone else. Though, I will try to make sure it's always the same person. We can all talk about who you'd be most comfortable dealing with." Once a smile came to Blaine's face, Scott nodded. "Now, I'm going to get going as you have work to do. When you come back on Monday, the two of us need to find time to go over the schedule they've put together for your single release."
"Since Mondays are a bit busy for me, class wise would you be able to come to NYADA to talk?"
"Of course. I know this is going to take some getting used to Blaine, but you tell me what works for you and I make it happen. You're not available at my convenience, I'm at yours. And while you're entitled to your privacy, I really do need to know where you're going to be this weekend."
"If you need to know that, you're going to need to talk with Bas as I have no idea where we are going. All I know is it's a couple hours away and we'll be near the water."
"Alright, I'll call him. How are the two of you getting there?"
"Bas is driving."
"Alright. I will give Sebastian a call and get what I need. I'll talk to you later." Blaine nodded before Scott turned to leave and as he did, his producer came walking in.
"Is everything alright Blaine as Scott isn't usually around for these sessions?" Malcolm asked him as he took his seat.
"It's fine; he just needed to talk with me and knew I was going to be here today." Blaine told him. "I guess I need to get used to him being around more often."
"I'd say you do as once that single drops, I have a feeling he's not going to be leaving your side much." After he spoke, he saw Blaine shake his head. "It's true Blaine. All of you have had people come up to you on the streets from your performances around the city. And once that single drops, things are going to take on a different tone."
"That's something I've been told my numerous people. Ready?"
"Always. Time for you to do your thing Blaine as each session means we're getting closer to a finished product."
With everything that was going on, Sebastian wasn't in the best of moods when he and Hunter were heading for their lecture that evening. Under normal circumstance, Hunter would try and lighten the mood but he knew there wasn't anything that was going to make Sebastian happy at evening. The fact that they were having this lecture in the evening didn't have many people happy, so Sebastian wasn't the only one in a bad mood. So once the two took their seats, Hunter was quick to remind Sebastian it would be over before they knew it and he'd still get a chance to talk with Blaine after his show. But Sebastian was quick to come back with only if the lecture didn't run long since they had to be up early the next day. And Blaine had told him if he didn't hear from him by a certain time, they'd talk the next day.
"Would you please explain why it's so important to talk to him after a show?"
"Habit, as lame as that sounds." Sebastian replied as he pulled his laptop out. "After a show he's got lots of thoughts that go through his head and it's good for him to talk them through. It also helps him calm down so he's able to sleep. Even though he can look exhausted afterwards, his adrenaline still runs high until he can get what he's feeling off his chest." With that sort of explanation, things made more sense to Hunter. "Like I said, it sounds lame."
"It really doesn't man. You two know each other better than anyone might realize and know what the other needs." Just as Hunter spoke, two girls sat down behind them as the lecture hall filled up. He was about to continue when the two girls began to talk about how they were jealous that their friends were going to go and see Blaine perform that evening. Those comments caused Hunter to look at Sebastian, because he wasn't sure how he was going to react. Though, he was pretty certain as long as they kept the conversation to Blaine's music, things wouldn't get out of hand. When the moment one of them asked the other if they knew if Blaine was releasing any music soon, Sebastian turned to face them.
Once he told them when it was happening, the girls' eyes bugged out in surprise. After they asked how he knew, Hunter was quick to reply that Blaine was one of their friends and they'd recently been told. While Hunter knew Sebastian wasn't embarrassed by who he was, he wasn't sure if he was going to tell them that Blaine was his boyfriend. With that bit of information the girls began to talk, wondering what it might be as Hunter and Sebastian looked forward. Sebastian glanced over at him and mouthed a thank you, to which Hunter smiled.
The moment the lecture came to a close, Sebastian was pulling out his phone to text Blaine when one of the girls tapped him on the shoulder. "You guys said you're friends with Blaine, right?" Sebastian nodded after pressing send on his text knowing Blaine was probably still on stage at that moment. "Do you happen to know if he's single or not, as he's really cute and…"
"He's in a relationship." Sebastian replied. "A serious relationship." The tone of his response quickly caught Hunter's attention though it didn't seem the girls noticed the change.
"Serious as in, they're close or…"
"They're in love." Hunter replied. "There isn't anything the two wouldn't do for one another. Not to mention, they're currently in the process of moving in together."
"Figures." One of the girls muttered causing Sebastian to refrain scoffing. "All the good ones always seem to be taken. Thanks for answering."
"That doesn't change how you feel about his music, does it?" Sebastian asked, curious if knowing Blaine was in a relationship would change things for people.
"Not in the slightest. Just because he's in a relationship doesn't change the fact that Blaine's seriously talented. Thanks for the heads up about the single and the upcoming album by the way."
"Our pleasure." Hunter said as Sebastian's phone had gone off as the ringer was now turned on. "Now, if you ladies will excuse us, we need to get going." The girls smiled before they all went their separate ways. "Care to tell me what that call was about?"
"It was Jordan." Sebastian replied as they continued to make their way out. "I take it you're curious as to what it was about."
"Yes, as she doesn't call you for any particular reason."
"She called to let me know she saw Hummel out on a date with some guy."
"It's about bloody time!"
"That was her thought as well. Think, B's show in Gramercy was advertised and she saw him in Williamsburg. So he wasn't even in the same borough, miracles do happen as he's tended to show at the well-advertised shows." While Sebastian spoke, Hunter could see his demeanor change as he relaxed.
"You were worried about him tonight, weren't you?" Hunter asked as they headed towards the subway station. "That's why you were acting the way you were."
"Do you blame me?"
"No, but you could've told me as you know I understand. Who would've ever guessed we'd become the biggest proponents of him dating again. The sooner he moves on with his life again, the less likely you'll both have to deal with him."
"True, but something tells me we're going to have at least one more run-in with him before the dust settles."
"Why do you say that?"
"Gut feeling, plus the way he looked at B and I the last time he saw us together I don't think he's quite ready to give up."
"Well, if he's going to want to talk with Blaine it's going to be because he found him out and about as I doubt Scott's going to let him near him again."
"True." Sebastian said with a smile. "Did I tell you Scott called me to ask where I'm taking B this weekend?" Hunter shook his head. "Not that he's joining us, but he wanted to know just in case."
"What do you bet he's going to be nearby even if you two don't know it?"
"I had the same feeling as Vincent seems to be getting more protective over Blaine. Also, thanks for jumping in earlier."
"Don't mention it. I know neither of you are ashamed of being together, but that's probably not how Blaine wants it getting out."
"My thoughts as well. We figure if it comes out, it'll probably be because someone catches us holding hands or kissing. But he doesn't see the point of addressing it before he needs to. It's not as though straight artists make a statement on the matter."
"True, they don't usually acknowledge anything till someone catches them with someone. And then they have to say something depending on the situation."
"Precisely, and Vincent asked Blaine right away how he wanted to handle the situation. From there, he spoke with the publicists of the label so they are all on the same page."
"You do realize should Blaine make it big and you two are made as a couple, you're going to be in the spotlight a bit as well."
"I know. But at least living in New York it's easier to live our lives unlike other places. Not to mention, I'm a boring Law School student."
"Boring is not a word I would use in describing you Sebastian."
"You know precisely what I mean smart-ass." When Hunter smirked, Sebastian shook his head. "Trust me, B and I are well aware of what could happen. I've learned how much faith the label has in Blaine because they are covering every aspect with him before even releasing his first single."
"That's got to be reassuring."
"It is. Are you going to get to talk with Kimberly tonight?"
"I am. So, I'll see you tomorrow for another boring day?"
"Don't you know it?" Sebastian replied. "Tell Kimberly I said hello."
"I will. Tell Blaine I'll see him Thursday."
"Will do."
By the time Sebastian got home, he was quick to change into something more comfortable before getting settled in bed. He realized it was pointless to get comfortable in the living room when all he was going to do was read. And this way, he didn't have to worry about moving once Blaine called. Sebastian didn't even realize he'd begun to doze off till he was startled by the sound of his computer going off. Slowly a smile crept to his face as he wasn't sure how Blaine was going to call. Yet he hoped they were going to Skype as he'd grown rather fond of Blaine's face being last thing he saw before he went to sleep, though he wasn't quite ready to admit that to anyone else.
Once he clicked the call, he was greeted to the sight of a freshly showered Blaine who looked to be sitting in bed as well. "You know, you could've set the computer up in the bathroom as I wouldn't have been opposed to that view for a bit."
"And here I thought since you look like I woke you we could go a bit before the sexual innuendo began." The lightness of Blaine's voice along with smile let Sebastian know there was no ill meaning behind the words, Blaine was only being playful. "I missed you tonight."
"I missed you too as seeing you performing would've been a much better way to spend the night." Sebastian replied as he set his book aside. "I should let you know, two girls in the lecture were bitching that their friends were off seeing you while they were in the lecture." When Blaine smiled, Sebastian did as well. "And after they were done complaining, one asked the other if they knew if you were releasing music."
"What did you say?"
"I turned and told them yes and they asked how we knew."
"What did you say?"
"Hunter told them you were a friend of ours."
"A friend?"
"Hunter answered as he knew I wouldn't be able to give such an answer, knowing you're my boyfriend. Are you pissed?"
"No. Though, I wouldn't have been upset had you told them I'm your boyfriend."
"I didn't think so, but it's not really how I want that getting out B. Like we talked, it's probably going to happen soon enough as it is as we have a tendency not to keep our hands or lips away from one another."
"Did anything else go on?"
"After things ended they asked if we knew if you were seeing anyone."
"And?"
"I said you were in a relationship, a serious one."
"How'd they take it?" Blaine asked as he put another pillow behind him.
"They weren't too happy. But then asked how serious to which Hunter told them you were in love."
"I am."
"He also mentioned we were in the process of moving in together, but without mentioning me."
"That's one way to get across how serious things are."
"I then asked if that changed anything for them."
"And?"
"Not a thing. Now, how did tonight's show go?"
"It was good." Blaine said with a smile. "After the show there were quite a few people waiting for us outside."
"Did my boy have to sign a few autographs?" When a shy smile crept to Blaine's face that was all the answer Sebastian needed. "I knew it was only a matter of time before there would be people waiting for you after a show. Did they behave or did Scott and company have to kick some ass?"
"Those that were waiting were very respectable. But the whole thing was a bit surreal to be honest."
"It's a change B; it's going to take time." Sebastian said before yawning. "Before you know it, it'll be second nature."
"Morgan said something along the same lines. And as much as I want to talk with you, you need to go to sleep Bas."
"I don't want to, I want to talk with you."
"You need to Bas, you've got a long day ahead of you tomor…today. So go to sleep so you can absorb all they're going to talk about. Then, it'll only be a matter of time once your day is done till we see each other."
"I don't want to admit it, but you're right." Sebastian said before yawning again. "Could you do something for me first?"
"What would that be?"
"Give me a complete view of what you're wearing to bed so that's the last image I have in my head before I go to sleep." A smile crept to Blaine's face as he looked at Sebastian who looked so tired. "Please B." Blaine nodded before proceeding to lift his laptop before moving the blankets he was under. Once he set the laptop down, Sebastian smiled seeing Blaine was only wearing a pair of plaid boxers. "Thank you."
"You are very welcome. Do I get the same in return?"
"Of course." Sebastian then proceeded to do the same and Blaine's smile grew once the laptop was back in place. "You like what you see Killer?"
"Definitely." Blaine replied seeing Sebastian was wearing a rather small pair of dark blue boxer briefs. "Wear something similar under your clothes when we see each other later."
"I can do that."
"Good. I love you Bas, sleep well."
"I love you too B, and I will especially with the image you put in my head. Goodnight B."
"Goodnight Bas."
By the time Blaine awoke the next morning, thankful that he didn't have an early class he was surprised to find numerous messages on his phone. It wasn't as much the fact that there were messages as that was something he was getting accustomed to, but the fact that he slept through his phone going off. Not surprisingly, he had a message from Vincent letting him know he'd listen to the tracks he'd worked on the day before and he and the studio were more than pleased with them. Hearing that was a relief to Blaine as he was eager to get working on some of the other songs. Another was a message from Sebastian that he'd be getting to his place earlier than planned as his last class for the day was canceled as his professor was sick. Then, the last was an unexpected call from Jean-Baptiste, saying that he was going to be singing with Rachel the next day. Blaine had to listen to that message twice as he wasn't sure if he'd heard correctly. Yet, after listening again it was confirmed he'd heard him right the first time.
Once that message was played, he was surprised to see that was all the messages he'd received. So maybe just maybe when Jean-Baptiste had called, Rachel didn't know yet as there was no doubt she would've called him. The fact that a decision had been made so quickly, had Blaine smiling know those in charge were as impressed as they were with her performance. And while it was tempting to give Rachel a call, Blaine needed to take a shower and get his day started.
Blaine was in the middle of his shower when his phone started ringing again, but considering where he was it went to voice mail. After leaving a message, Rachel plopped down on the couch next to Santana who was still smiling. "You can try back soon Rach, he's probably taking a shower or something. I'm so happy for you Rach!" Santana said before leaning over to hug her again. When Rachel screamed that morning, Santana was ready to scream for waking her, but seeing the smile on her face once she was out of her room spoke volumes. "Now, have you been able to reach Thad yet?"
"No as he's in lab this morning but I left a message for him to call me on his break. I can't believe I'm going to get to sing with the cast tomorrow." Rachel replied, practically beaming as she did so. "This is all happening so fast."
"Goes to show they aren't wasting time." Santana told her. "Do you know which songs you're going to have to do tomorrow?"
"As Long As You're Mine, and For Good."
"Wait, doesn't that mean you're going to have to sing with Jean-Baptiste?" Santana asked as during Blaine's show on Monday evening she remembered hearing Hunter mention that Jean-Baptiste was playing Fiyero. "Or, are you singing with his understudy?"
"I'll be singing with him." Rachel replied. "That's why I know I have to bring my A game. I mean, I've seen him in the role and he's incredible Santana, Hunter wasn't kidding. So, that's why I called Shelby to see if she'd be willing to come rehearse the numbers with me."
"Is she able to?"
"She is, which is a sense of relief to me, as she gives me honest critique and that's what I'm going to need. From what I was told, there are only three of us doing this and they'll have a decision within a day as whoever gets the role needs to immediately start rehearsals."
"Considering it's one of your favorite shows, at least you do not have to worry about learning the numbers from scratch."
"True, but I need to make sure I'm singing them as written. Hence, the need to have someone around that can give honest critique."
"Are you going to call your Dads?"
"No. I don't want them to get their hopes up just in case."
"Yet, you're letting Thad and Blaine know."
"That's because I promised them both that if I got to this stage, I would let them know. And well, I think they could handle things not turning out better than my Dads after everything that happened. Not to mention I'd need them to help cheer me up should things not turn out." When Santana giggled, Rachel looked at her and watched as a smile crept back to her face. "What?"
"Nothing."
"Santana, what?"
"Just that Thad's methods would probably differ quite a bit from mine and Blaine's." Rachel's eyes flew wide at Santana's words. "Come on now, I'm sure you wouldn't mind a Thad doing what he could to take your mind off of things." Santana watched as she spoke to gauge Rachel's reaction. Once a shy smile crept to her face, Santana scooted closer. "Something you want to tell me?"
"What are you getting at Santana?"
"That smile on your face speaks volumes Miss Berry. Has something happened between you and Thaddeus?" Rachel just looked at her, but could feel her cheeks getting warmer. "It has." Santana exclaimed before wrapping her arms around her. "I'm so happy for you."
"You don't know what happened." Rachel replied while Santana pulled back slightly.
"But something did from the way you reacted. I'm not asking for details or anything, but clearly things have moved forth as you're blushing."
"They have, but not in the way you might think."
"Fair enough." Santana couldn't seem to stop the smirk that crept to her face as her thoughts ran rampant. "One question, but you don't have to answer if you don't want. But, clearly we're more open about our lives now."
"True, we are. So, what do you want to know?"
"Was his impersonation accurate that night he messed with Kurt?" Rachel contemplated for a moment, but Santana was right they were more open. And well, talking to Santana about sex was rather easy since she didn't judge. Hell, she was more than willing to offer advice which she had a feeling was going to become more useful as her relationship with Thad progressed. "So?"
"Very." At her words, Santana was the one left in shock as Rachel's expression when she spoke certainly wasn't innocent. "You didn't expect to hear that, did you?"
"No, but I'm happy for you as I know you wanted things to progress."
"Thank you. And before you get to asking, I initiated things as after Thad and I talked about everything he made it clear things would only happen when I wanted them to."
"And here I didn't think I could like that man any more than I do."
"He's really incredible, isn't he?"
"Considering the way you've been smiling since the two of you have gotten together, yes. That's not even getting into how he handled everything. Blaine was right when he said he wouldn't freak out on you."
"That he was." Rachel replied. "And thank you, to both of you for letting me tell Thad on my own terms."
"It wasn't our story to tell Rach, it was yours. We only encouraged you to tell him as we know you couldn't continue to build a relationship with something so big not being shared." Santana told her. "Now, why don't you go take your shower and I'll keep a watch on your phone in case the boys call as I'm sure you're anxious to get to rehearsing."
"I am so thank you." Rachel then leaned in for one more hug before getting up to go take her shower.
Once Rachel was on her way, Santana relaxed on the couch to take in everything that had happened. She knew how hard Rachel had worked for this and how much it meant to her. So for her to only be one step away from getting a lead role again was huge. And Santana knew that this time around, Rachel was of an all new mindset and wasn't going to make the same mistakes again. Since she promised Rachel she'd keep an eye on her phone, Santana decided to grab her own to see if anything interesting had happened since she'd gone to bed.
Upon opening her feed, she was surprised to see a few pictures of Blaine from his show the night before. It seemed as though more than a few people she knew went to see him. While she was surprised, she wasn't as surprised as the first time pictures had shown up. As she looked at each one, she noticed they captured the essence of who Blaine was when he was on stage. And when she got to one particular one which must've been taken near the end of the show as he was rather sweaty, Santana sent the shot to Sebastian knowing he'd appreciate it. Whether or not Blaine was her type or not, she couldn't deny that he oozed sex in that picture.
After sending the picture, she decided to look at some of the comments as the picture had garnered more than a few favorites and retweets. Once she had, she was glad she'd copied the picture as she wasn't sure how Sebastian would've felt about the comments. It was clear that Blaine's fan base was growing and not only girls seemed to be taking an interest in him.
