Moving Beyond

Part 7

As Lexi came out of the bathroom that morning she looked at Cooper who was stretched out across their bed. "Have you heard them yet?"

"Not a sound. But knowing them they stayed up way too late last night."

"I figured as much, that's why I need you to do something." There was something in the sound of her voice that caused Cooper to sit up.

"What is it?"

"Go and wake Blaine and Bas."

"Don't you want to do it?" He asked with a slight chuckle as he grabbed his jeans off the chair to put on. "Or are you afraid of what you could walk in on."

"If something is going on, it'll be less embarrassing for you to walk in on them, than me."

"That could be debated, but I'll do it." He then walked over to her and gave her a kiss before heading off to wake up the boys. As he reached the door to Sebastian's bedroom, Cooper took a deep breath before leaning in closer. When he didn't hear anything he knocked. Still nothing. "Here goes nothing." He thought to himself before slowly opening the door. But there before his eyes were both of them still sound asleep, with Sebastian spooned up behind Blaine.

Thankfully, the room was still dark so he didn't see the clothes tossed around the room. "Bas." Cooper said rather quietly while giving him a little shake. "Bas, you guys need to get up."

"Huh."

"It's nine-thirty Bas. You and Blaine need to get up and start getting ready. Remember, we're having brunch with mine and Blaine's parents."

"O…okay."

"Are you gonna wake Blaine or do you want me to do it?"

"I'll do." It wasn't till Cooper saw Sebastian's eyes fully opened did he leave the room, while closing the door behind him. "B…wake up." Sebastian said as he ran his hand over Blaine's side. He got about the reaction he expected, which was none. There was no doubt that Blaine was a sound sleeper. So he leaned in closer and started to kiss Blaine's neck which got him to stir a bit. "It's time to get up B." He said softly near his ear, which was enough to get Blaine to turn and face him.

"What if I don't want to?" He asked before giving Sebastian a morning kiss.

"Then you can deal with Cooper when he comes back in."

"Cooper was in here?"

"Yea, he came in to wake us. Guess it's a good thing we went to bed under the blankets last night." Sebastian couldn't help laugh as he could only imagine Cooper's reaction had he walked in on them both naked.

"Very. As it could've been very awkward, for all of us."

"That's probably why he came to wake us instead of Lexi. She was probably afraid of what she'd walk in on."

"Can't say I blame her." Blaine then leaned in and kissed Sebastian again. "We should probably get going; otherwise Cooper might really get a good show if we stay in bed any longer." Sebastian's eyes just opened wide at Blaine's comment.

"Are you saying we have a tendency to get carried away?'

"Always." Blaine then sat up in bed and looked around the room. "Do you think Cooper saw everything thrown about?"

"Doubt it."

"You're probably right because if he had he would've made some sort of comment."

"Well, I'm going to go hop in the shower. Feel free to join me if you want." Sebastian said before getting out of bed and heading for the bathroom. Once Sebastian was gone, Blaine got up out of bed and went to turn on some music to help wake him. After hitting shuffle on Sebastian's I-Pod, he glanced at the bathroom and thought for a moment.

"What the hell." He then turned the volume up a bit more and went to join Sebastian. When he walked into the bathroom he couldn't help smile as Sebastian was singing in the shower. As he quietly stepped into the shower Sebastian had no clue he was no longer alone as his eyes were closed. It wasn't till Blaine wrapped his arms around him from behind did he jump. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"Quite alright." Sebastian said as he turned around. "I honestly didn't expect you to join me."

"Well, if you changed your mind?"

"Not at all." He answered before leaning down to give Blaine a kiss. As he wrapped his arms around Blaine he slowly stepped back so the water could flow over both of them. "I could definitely get used to this." Sebastian told him after the kiss broke.

"Me too." They just stood there for a moment looking at each other before leaning into another kiss. This one started to take on its own life as Sebastian back Blaine up against the shower wall. "Bas."

"Yea B."

"I love you."

"I love you too. And as much as I would love to show you how much right now, we should probably actually shower. This could be an even more awkward way for Cooper to find us."

"True." After another kiss, they finally stepped apart and actually started to shower. As Sebastian stood in front of his closet trying to figure out what to wear Blaine sat on the edge of the bed. "Even though their arrival last night interrupted things, I'm really going to miss them."

"Me too killer. It's nice having them around."

"Exactly." Blaine replied before grabbing his bag off the chair so he could get dressed as well. They'd both just gotten their pants on when there was a knock at the door. "Come on in Coop."

"How'd you know it was me?" He asked as he walked in.

"Because you told Bas you'd be coming back to make sure we were up. Plus you knock louder than Lexi."

"And I can see that you are. So, I'll let you two finish getting ready. We'll be downstairs waiting."

As they came walking down the stairs Lexi couldn't help smile as they were holding hands. "Don't you two look cute."

"Thank you." Blaine answered as they reached the foyer. "You know you didn't have to wait for us."

"We know. But I thought we could ride together." Cooper told them. "Plus this way if you two got distracted getting ready it wouldn't have been as obvious as long as we all arrived together."

"Thank Coop." Blaine replied as Cooper opened the door.

"No problem. Last thing you'd want is Mom and Dad to wonder why you two would've arrived so much after us."

"He's got a good point B."

On the ride over to the Anderson's, Lexi couldn't shake the feeling she had from the previous night. "Is there something going on with you two?" She asked while looking back at the two of them in the backseat.

"You mean besides the obvious." Sebastian replied.

"Yes."

"Why? What makes you think something's going on?" Blaine asked.

"Can't put my finger on it, but something is definitely different between the two of you." Blaine and Sebastian both just looked at each other and smiled.

"Don't know what to tell you sis." Even though neither of them were saying anything, Lexi knew her brother well enough that she knew something was up. It was just a matter of getting him alone to talk about.

When they got to the Anderson's, they were met outside by Mr. Anderson. "Glad to see you all made it." The smile on his face when he looked at Blaine and Sebastian caused both boys to laugh a bit. "I hope you had a nice time last night. We missed you."

"We had a wonderful night Dad. Thanks for asking." Blaine then slid his hand into Sebastian's. "We're gonna go find Mom."

"She's in the kitchen. I'm sure she'd love some help." As the boys walked away Mr. Anderson looked at Cooper and Lexi. "Thanks for making sure they weren't late. Your Mom and I are looking forward to spending some time with them."

"It's all good Dad. Now, is there a reason you're out front and not helping Mom?"

"I actually need your help if you don't mind. Sorry Lexi, you can have him back in a bit."

"Not at all." Cooper then looked over at Lexi. "I'll be in soon." Before giving her a kiss and heading towards the garage with his Dad.

"Morning Mom!"

"Blaine honey, I'm so glad you made it!" She said as she turned. "Good Morning Sebastian!"

"Morning Mrs. Anderson." She looked at the two boys holding hands and smiled.

"Mom, you don't have to call him Sebastian. It's sort of formal."

"Okay, then what would you like me to call him?"

"Seb or Bas works." Sebastian said quietly, as he was a bit embarrassed that Blaine even said anything to his Mom.

"Okay Seb. So, did Cooper deliver dessert last night or did he eat it?"

"Told you." Blaine said with a smile before going to give his Mom a hug. "No, it made it to us."

"It was wonderful." Sebastian told her as he took a seat at the island.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. There's enough left that if Cooper doesn't eat it all today you should be able to take some with you. And since I didn't get a chance to tell you both yesterday, you were both wonderful at the benefit."

"Thank you!" The boys' unison response brought a laugh from Mrs. Anderson just as Lexi came walking into the kitchen.

"Morning."

"Morning dear. Where's Cooper?"

"In the garage."

"I should've known. Blaine, can you please go tell your Dad and brother to not get lost?"

"I can do that." As Blaine headed off Sebastian got up.

"Do you need any help Mrs. Anderson?"

"Not right now, but thank you for the offer Seb. Why don't you and your sister go outside and enjoy this beautiful day? But I promise if I need any help I'll come and get you." Sebastian smiled then looked at Lexi who just smiled and headed for the deck with Sebastian right behind her.

"I think it's safe to say, she likes you Bas." Lexi told him as they walked towards the railing.

"You think so?"

"Yes."

"Good. I really don't want to screw things up. Especially now."

"I knew it. Something is going on. Spill." Sebastian just leaned forward on the railing.

"It's nice out, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. Now talk. What's going on with you and Blaine?"

"You know, your instincts have always been good. But they're crazy good now." As Sebastian looked out over the backyard, Lexi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do you really want to know?"

"Yes."

"Fine. I told Blaine that I love him last night." Lexi's eyes grew wide at her brother's words. For the life of her she couldn't remember him ever feeling that way about anyone.

"And?"

"He loves me too." Soon Sebastian felt Lexi's arms wrap around him.

"I'm so happy for you Bas! Isn't it the best feeling?"

"Yea, it is. I still can't believe I just blurted it out last night."

"How did Blaine take it?"

"I kissed him. Sorry, didn't mean to intrude."

"You could never intrude." As she spoke Blaine wrapped his arms around Sebastian's waist.

"And then I told him that I love him too."

"Whoa! What?" The three of them turned to see Cooper standing just behind them.

"You heard me Coop."

"And when did this happen?" He asked as he leaned against the railing while bring Lexi closer to him.

"Last night." Sebastian responded.

"Before or after we came home?"

"Before, why?" Blaine asked.

"Because Lexi seemed to know something was different."

"She's good like that." Sebastian said while turning slightly. "But please promise me you two aren't going to make a big deal out of this."

"I…we won't." Cooper said with a smile. "Oh crap, the reason I actually came out here is because Mom said it's almost time to eat. So we better go inside."

Brunch was just about over when Mr. Anderson looked over at Blaine and Sebastian. "Boys, we've got a question that hopefully one of you can answer."

"What is it Dad?"

"Do you know when the winter festival is at Dalton this year?"

"I think it's just before break Mr. Anderson."

"Perfect."

"Why, what's up?" Blaine asked.

"Because we thought it would be nice to spend part of your Christmas break in New York with Cooper and Lexi."

"That sounds great!" Blaine then looked at Sebastian.

"Don't worry Blaine, he's coming too." Lexi said with a smile.

"We thought we could all leave right afterwards. That is if you don't mind traveling with us Seb." Mrs. Anderson added.

"Not at all." As the conversation turned to the fact that Lexi and Cooper were leaving the next morning, Blaine and Sebastian started to clear the table. "Did you know anything about this B?" Sebastian asked once they got into the kitchen.

"Not a single thing. Guess we know at least one other topic that was discussed last night. So, what do you think of spending Christmas in New York? I think it sounds pretty cool."

"I love the idea!"

"Then why do you look confused."

"I'm just surprised your parents want me to come with you all."

"Why wouldn't they?"

"I don't know. Remember, this relationship thing is still pretty new to me."

"Noted. Personally, I think it's pretty awesome."

"Now, you don't have to answer this, but did they ever do…"

"No, they didn't actually. As a matter of fact, we rarely spent time with my parents."

"Do you think it's because well…Cooper and Lexi are married?"

"Call it an instinct, but I don't think so. They both seem to honestly like you and my Mom is a horrible liar. And she was honestly happy to see us when we arrived." Blaine then kissed Sebastian on the cheek. "So don't worry about it, okay?"

"I trust you, so I won't."

"And what won't you do anymore?" Cooper asked as he brought in the last of the dishes.

"What is with you and catching the tail-end of conversations today?" Blaine asked as he took the dishes from Cooper.

"Don't know. So care to share?" He asked as he hopped up on the island.

"Actually, I will. Bas here is worried that Mom and Dad don't like him."

"That couldn't be further from the truth. They were actually afraid he didn't like them."

"That's ridiculous." Sebastian replied

"It's true. That's why they knew you two went on a date last night. I had to tell them you two already had plans after Mom was afraid that you guys weren't coming because you, Bas, didn't like them or felt uncomfortable around them or some shit."

"See Bas, now you know. My parents like you."

"Okay, now that you've both done a great job of making me feel like an idiot, can we change the subject?"

"Sure. I thought I'd fill you two in on some of the details Mom and Dad left out. Your break won't be filled with having to spend it all with family. Mom and Dad, as well as your Dad, Bas, are only going to be in town for about a week. The rest of the time you two will only have to deal with me and Lexi."

"Are you serious?" Blaine asked, rather excitedly with this new bit of news.

"Yes, I'm serious. And just a bit of advice ahead of time. Stay in your own rooms at night while the parents are in town."

"Will do. Cooper?"

"Yes Bas."

"Is my Mom coming?"

"We don't know. We invited them both, but she isn't quite sure she's ready to spend that much time with Lexi."

"Can't she just fucking grow up? God, my sister is going to be a Mom herself yet our own Mother can't bother to be there for her." As Sebastian stormed outside, Cooper just looked at Blaine.

"Go to him Blaine. I'll finish up in here."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. He needs you right now. Go."

When Blaine walked outside he found Sebastian sitting on one of the loungers with his knees pulled up to his chest, holding them close with his head down. "Bas." Blaine said softly while sitting down next to him. "Wanna talk? Bas?" Sebastian still didn't lift his head off his knees. Blaine moved closer and wrapped an arm around him. It wasn't till he pulled Sebastian closer did he lift his head. He couldn't believe what he saw, Sebastian was crying. "What's wrong Bas?" Sebastian turned and curled up against Blaine, who quickly wrapped his arms around him.

They sat in silence for a while till Sebastian finally spoke. "Why does my Mom have to be so selfish?"

"I wish I knew, Bas."

"I just wish I could just have a normal family, just once. How can she say no to coming home to spend Christmas with her kids?"

"I don't know. At least your Dad is going to come, regardless of what she does."

"I know, but he shouldn't be put in the situation of choosing his kids over his wife."

"You and Lexi aren't the one's making him choose, your Mom is." As he spoke, Blaine noticed that Sebastian was calming down as his breathing was coming back to normal. "You know Bas, normal is totally overrated."

"That's because your family is normal."

"We have Cooper, so we're not normal." That comment was just enough to make Sebastian laugh.

"I'm going to tell him you said that."

"No you won't."

"And how do you plan on stopping me?" The next thing that happened was Blaine slid down on the lounger just enough so he was face to face with Sebastian. "Bla…" His words were cut off by Blaine's lips on his, in an incredibly tender kiss.

"Cooper, have you seen your brother?"

"He's out back Mom." The words had barely left Cooper's mouth when he remembered Blaine and Sebastian were outside. "Mom!" He yelled out as he ran after her. When Cooper reached the backdoor, he just found his Mom standing there.

"Are they always like this?" She asked when she noticed Cooper beside her.

"Yes." He replied as he looked out at Blaine and Sebastian kissing on one of the loungers.

"It's sweet. Now let's go back in before they notice they're no longer alone."