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All of Blaine’s time doesn’t have to be accounted for. That’s how he justifies spending his afternoons at Dalton, watching Warbler practice, even though it could technically be considered fraternizing with the enemy. He isn’t sure why Sebastian allows him to stay, to learn their dance moves, what songs they're doing for competition, but he just assumes that it’s because Sebastian is just that confident that Warblers will triumph over the New Directions, even if one of their own has full access to their routines.
Sure, there are probably (definitely) other reasons, but Blaine doesn’t want to think about those right now. He’s having a great time, and he’s missed hanging out with his friends.
But Sebastian is tough, every step out of line is met with a sarcastic comment, every off note receives an eyeroll and it’s clear that some of the Warblers are cracking under the pressure. Once, when they finish a number, Sebastian just groans and before he can say anything else, Blaine reaches out, grazing his hand and says “Hey.”
Sebastian looks at him almost like he forgot Blaine was there, and then turns back to the Warblers and says “Five minutes” sounding like a warning.
“What?” Sebastian snaps low, taking a sip of his water bottle that’s been sitting next to Blaine during this practice. Blaine keeps it to himself, but he likes this version of Sebastian the best: the one that’s not always trying to impress or seduce him, but the one that’s a little bit irritable, the one that can disagree with him.
Blaine frowns, speaking quietly so as to not undermine the Warbler captain in front of his crew. “You can be honest without being mean, you know.”
This brings the sly Sebastian to the forefront, the one who smiles just slightly, “Tis better to be feared than loved.”
“You’re not gonna have anybody to fear you if you keep going this way.”
“Didn’t you give up the right to tell the Warblers what to do when you left us?” Sebastian snaps again, but he’s clearly teasing this time. He knows he’s won; Blaine could be with the New Directions, but instead he’s here with his old club, his old friends, a new…
Nevermind that.
“Shut up and go back to your group. I think they’re starting to smile again.”
“Can’t have that.” He shoots Blaine one last smirk and then turns back to the group, stone faced and serious. “Hey! Back in formation, let’s go.”
As the Warblers line up, Blaine smiles, leaning back on his hands and watching the number once more. And if he catches a smile on Sebastian’s face as well, he doesn’t tell the others.