Moving Beyond

Part 25

Once they landed in New York, Blaine couldn't help smile as it was snowing and it clearly had been for quite a while as the ground was covered. "It's beautiful out, isn't It Bas?" Blaine said as they waited for their car.

"Yes it is. I was hoping it would snow while we were here."

"Me too. By the way, you did remember your keys, right."

"Yes, I remembered my keys. Last thing either of them needed was to wait up for us with as late as we're getting in." Before they knew it their car pulled up and once their bags were loaded they were on their way.

Shortly after they walked into the house, they were all a bit startled when Cooper came walking into the foyer. "I thought we told you that you didn't have to wait up for us." His Dad told him.

"I wasn't waiting up; I only got home about twenty minutes ago. How was your flight?"

"A bit bumpy, but alright." His Mom replied.

"Okay, let me show you to your room. Bas. Blaine. Same rooms as this summer, okay." The boys both nodded and headed up the stairs as Cooper grabbed his parents' bag and headed up the stairs.

"Where are the boys going?" Mrs. Anderson asked when they stopped on the second floor.

"To their rooms. You guys are staying down here. We figured you'd appreciate not having to climb as many stairs each day." He then walked them down the hall to their room. "The bathroom is right next door. And the dresser and closet is empty, so make yourselves at home."

"Why don't you go to bed Cooper, you look exhausted. I'm pretty sure we can manage from here." His Mom told him. "And if we need anything I'm sure it can wait till morning." Cooper nodded and then gave each of his parents a kiss before heading to bed.

After setting his bag in his room, Sebastian walked into Blaine's. "It nice to finally be here, isn't it?" He said as he sat down on Blaine's bed while he unpacked.

"You could say that again." Blaine then tossed a small package at Sebastian.

"What's this?"

"Open it and find out."

"But it's not Christmas yet." Sebastian said with a laugh as Blaine just looked at him. "Okay, if you insist." As Sebastian opened it, he couldn't help laugh. "I like." He said as he pulled out a pair of boxers just like the ones Blaine had.

"I tried to find something different, but I honestly couldn't imagine you in the elf boxers I found. You and bells just don't seem right."

"Bells?"

"Yes. They were green, with red trim and bells. Oh, and they also came with matching shoes. Pointy shoes."

"Okay, that would've been a little much. Thank you."

"What are you doing?" Blaine asked as Sebastian put them back in the box. "Remember, I said I'd love to see you in them tonight."

"Only if you put yours on as well."

"Deal." Since Blaine's parents were rooming downstairs neither of them thought twice about changing right then and there.

"Um, guys." Sebastian looked over his shoulder as he pulled up the boxers to see Cooper standing in the doorway. "Next time try closing the door."

"What, you didn't like the view of my ass?" Sebastian said with a laugh while Blaine was still standing there in his boxer briefs.

"Not particularly, I much prefer your sister's." Sebastian feigned hurt at Cooper's comment. "But cute boxers though."

"Thank you. Blaine bought them for me. Quite festive if I do say so myself."

"Do you have a similar pair Blaine?" Cooper asked as he looked across at his brother who nodded. "You know if you two wear them outside of this room and Lexi sees you she's going to have to take a picture, right."

"I'd expect as much. But you should probably go to sleep before you crash right here." Blaine told him as it was pretty clear he was holding himself up with the doorframe. "We'll see you later on. Night Coop."

"Night guys!" He was just about to walk away when he turned back to them. "Try and keep it down, okay." He then gave them a wink before heading to bed.

"Got it."

"He's got to be utterly exhausted if he even thinks we'd do anything with your parents in the house." Sebastian told Blaine as he finally changed into his boxers as well. "I was right, when I told you that you'd look sexy in them." Blaine couldn't help blush slightly.

"Thank you. You do realize we look silly right."

"Yes, but how many people can pull off sexy and silly at the same time." Sebastian said as he stepped behind Blaine and wrapped his arms around him. "And as much as I would really love to get a little creative right now, we should probably go to bed. Who knows what they've got planned for tomorrow…well, later today actually?"

"You're right." Blaine replied as he turned in Sebastian's arms. "I was thinking though." He said as he looked up at Sebastian. "Even though Coop had said awhile back that we should sleep in our own rooms during this trip, I think after Thanksgiving, it's a moot point. What do you think?"

"I whole heartedly agree. So whose room tonight?"

"Mine since we're already in here."

"Works for me." Sebastian then placed a kiss on Blaine's forehead. "I'll go get the door." While Sebastian closed the door and turned off the overhead light, Blaine crawled into bed. "Night B." Sebastian said softly as he curled up behind him.

"Night Bas."

The next morning when Blaine woke up he was surprised to see Sebastian sitting on the floor wrapping gifts. "Morning Bas." The sound of Blaine's voice startled Sebastian and he quickly threw a couple of things in a bag.

"Morning B. How'd you sleep?"

"Really well, you?" As Blaine spoke he moved across the bed closer to Sebastian.

"Same as you. I slept really well."

"Whatcha doing?" The wonder in Blaine's eyes as he asked brought an instant smile to Sebastian's face.

"Wrapping gifts, what does it look like?"

"Just checking. Whose?"

"You'll just have to wait." Blaine pouted a little which brought Sebastian to his feet. "Don't worry, it'll be worth it B." He then leaned down and gave him a kiss. "You love this time of year, don't you?"

"What gives you that idea?" Blaine asked as he rolled onto his back and looked up at Sebastian.

"The smile on your face and how happy you've been."

"Yes, I love this time of you. There's just something so magical about it."

"I agree. There's a feel in the air that only happens now. It's as though anything is possible. And you'll be happy to know, it's still snowing. From the looks of it outside, I don't think it ever stopped." Those last few words were enough for Blaine to hop off of bed and run to the window.

"Do you think we could go for a walk in the park?"

"That is definitely possible. Why don't we get dressed and go downstairs and see what's going on?"

"Sounds like a good idea." Blaine then gave Sebastian another kiss. "I love you Bas!"

"I love you too B. What brought that on?"

"I just wanted to say it."

When the boys finally made their way downstairs they found the Andersons in the kitchen with Lexi. "Morning boys! Good to see you both! How'd you sleep?" There was a glimmer in her eye that both of them caught.

"Really well. It was a long day yesterday, right B?" Blaine nodded as he grabbed a bagel.

"So, what's the plan for today?"

"Nothing really. Your brother is actually working today." Mrs. Anderson told him

"Where is he?"

"Still sleeping." Lexi told him. "He's been working some crazy hours lately. But thankfully today is his last day till the twenty-seventh. So, unless your parents want to do something with you guys, you're free to do whatever you want."

"Mom?"

"You two are free to do whatever you want. But know tomorrow we are going to Rockefeller Center."

"Cool."

"So, what are you boys thinking of doing?" Mr. Anderson asked.

"We're going to go to the park." Sebastian replied. "Take a walk, maybe do a little skating. Right B?"

"You are correct."

"I should've known you'd want to spend the day out in the snow." His Mom said with a smile. "Be prepared Seb. As long as it's snowing he's going to want to be out in it."

"Can't say I blame him, I love this time of year too. It's so peaceful."

They were just heading towards the Wollman Rink when Blaine's phone rang. "Hi Rachel."

"Hey! How are you?"

"Good, you?"

"Excellent. So is it true?"

"What?"

"That you and Seb are going to be coming to New York for break."

"We're actually already here. Do you want to say hi to Bas?"

"Sure." Blaine then handed his phone to Sebastian for a moment and couldn't help smile. Never in a thousand years did he think the two of them would be getting along so well. "So, what can I do for you?"

"Well, I have a few songs recorded for you and Seb that I'd love to give you."

"A few."

"Yes. I couldn't make up my mind so I recorded a few with a little help from a friend. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. If you want, you're more than welcome to drop it off at Cooper's place. Or Bas and I can come and pick it up if you want?"

"Blaine, where are you and Seb exactly?"

"Why?"

"Look to your right." Blaine couldn't help laugh as he hung up his phone after he spotted Rachel and someone he didn't recognize. As soon as he and Sebastian got to the bench they were sitting on Rachel got up and gave them each a hug. "If I had known I'd be seeing you I would've brought them with me."

"Quite alright. We're in town for two weeks." Sebastian told her as both he and Blaine couldn't help look at the guy sitting behind her.

"Oh, I'm sorry guys. How rude of me. Blaine. Sebastian. I'd like you to meet Brody Weston. Brody, this is Blaine Anderson and Sebastian Smythe."

"Nice to meet you both finally. I've heard so much about you both." Blaine then looked at Rachel.

"Don't worry Blaine. I told Brody the whole story, not just Kurt's point of view which he heard quite a bit of. So, where were you two heading when I called?"

"We were going to go skating." Sebastian replied.

"Mind if we join you?" Brody asked.

"Not at all." Blaine told them. As Blaine and Rachel hooked arms Brody and Sebastian couldn't help laugh.

"I guess they have a lot of catching up to do." Brody told Sebastian as they followed behind.

"You could say that."

"I must say Rach, I approve. He's cute and you seem to be really happy."

"Thank you! He's pretty incredible. And this might scare you, but Kurt likes him too."

"How is that not some betrayal of Finn?"

"Don't know. I think it's because he's smitten with Brody's looks. And when you listen to the songs I recorded for you guys, Brody joined me on one. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all, I trust your judgment. And just so you know, you being willing to do this means a lot to Bas…and me."

"It was my pleasure. After that little bit of time I got to spend with you both I realized he really wasn't the villian Kurt had made him out to be. And how could I not get to know someone that obviously makes you so happy. Plus, it's a very sweet idea for your brother and his wife."

"That it is. I'll have to send you some of the other songs that are already done. So, are you heading back to Lima at all during your break?"

"Nope. My Dads come into town tomorrow night."

"Excuse me guys. B, I got your skates." They both turned around and saw Sebastian standing there. "Rachel, Brody is in line but he doesn't know what size skates you need."

"I'll be right back." After she left Blaine and Sebastian sat down to put their skates on.

"Looks like you two are catching up on a lot."

"Yea, sorry about that."

"What do you have to be sorry about?"

"That I'm spending time with her and not you."

"That's crazy B. Catch up all you want. Brody and I are getting to know each other while you to talk. He's pretty cool and really likes Rachel."

"Glad to hear it." Blaine then leaned over and gave Sebastian a kiss. "Let's skate."

By the time they were ready to head back to the house, Sebastian told Rachel and Brody they were more than welcome to join them. "Are you sure?" Rachel asked.

"Absolutely. Everyone is just hanging out. I know my parents won't mind nor will Lexi or Cooper if he's around." Blaine told them. Rachel looked at Brody who just nodded as he was enjoying his time with them.

"Looks like we're coming with you." Rachel said with a smile before taking Brody's hand.

Just as they were about to walk through the gate, Blaine and Sebastian were each hit by snowballs. "What the hell?" Blaine yelled as they both turned around to see Cooper and Jay behind them. "I thought you were working."

"I was. It was a short day. One of the lighting rigs fell because of the snow." As they were talking Cooper noticed Blaine and Sebastian weren't alone. "Hi Rachel."

"Hi Cooper. Cooper, this is my boyfriend Brody. Brody, Blaine's brother Cooper."

"Nice to meet you. Now if you four don't mind, we're going to head in because my feet are freaking cold."

"We were just going there ourselves." Sebastian replied as they all walked through the gate.

"Honey, I'm home!" Cooper called out as they walked in. "Shoes off peeps." He told them as he kicked his wet shoes off and onto the mat. While the others were still taking off their shoes Lexi walked into the foyer. "Hey…looks like you're not the only one home. Hey Jay! Boys!" When she paused Sebastian filled her in.

"Sis, this is Rachel Berry and her boyfriend Brody Weston."

"Hi. Make yourselves at home."

"Where are Mom and Dad?" Cooper asked after giving Lexi a kiss.

"Out shopping."

"You're kidding, right?" Blaine asked as he knew just how much stuff they had shipped.

"Nope."

"Your home looks beautiful." Rachel told her as she took in her surroundings.

"Thank you. Cooper and I worked hard on it. Now, I'm guessing you're a friend of Blaine's from McKinley."

"Yes Ma'am."

"You can call me Lexi, Rachel. What are you doing in New York?"

"I go to NYADA, as does Brody."

"Very nice."

"You should hear her sing sis, it's something pretty special."

"Is it now?"

"Bas is right, it is." Blaine chimed in as he watched Rachel blush.

"Well, like I said make yourselves at home as I've got to get back to the kitchen." After she was done, Cooper and Jay followed her into the kitchen.

"You were right Blaine, she is cool." Brody just looked at everyone as he was a bit confused.

"Can I ask you all something?" They all nodded.

"Seb, you called her sis yet Cooper called her honey. What's up with that?" Blaine and Sebastian couldn't help laugh.

"That would be because Bas's sister is married to my brother."

"That's got to be weird."

"Surprisingly not." Blaine replied. "Why don't we go upstairs and relax?" Once they got upstairs to the family room Rachel looked at them both.

"Do you mind me asking just where you guys and the Warblers were practicing this summer?"

"In the ballroom on the fourth floor." Sebastian replied before taking a seat on the couch. "It's a pretty massive space with just a few chairs and a piano. If you want, later we can take you upstairs to see it."

"That would be nice. And maybe Blaine would play a little something for us." She said with a smile.

"I think you might want to ask Bas to play Rachel, he's better than I am." But before anyone else could say anything Rachel's phone went off.

"Hi Kurt." Both Blaine and Sebastian couldn't help roll their eyes when they heard it was him. "I'm afraid not Kurt. Brody and I are having dinner with some friends tonight. I'm sure Ms. Saunders won't mind if you order in since she has you working late. Maybe another night this week. Bye Kurt." As she hung up she noticed all of the guys were looking at her. "He wanted Brody and I to bring him dinner because he's working late." Sebastian couldn't help laugh.

"What's so funny?" Rachel asked as Sebastian got up off the couch and walked to the stairs.

"Tasha!" He yelled out into the foyer. "You're mean." He told her once she appeared.

"Why?"

"Making Kurt work late while you're having fun."

"How do you know that?"

"He's hungry and is afraid to order in."

"Good heavens! Silly boy."

"And just how did you know she was here?" Blaine asked as he sat back down.

"That's her car parked in front of the garage. So he's either done something really stupid recently that he's afraid to order in or he's paranoid of her catching him taking a break. But I know her well enough that she probably doesn't care if he orders in as long as he gets done whatever he's working on."

"He says she's a tough boss, but she's good at what she does." Rachel told them.

"She is tough. And if I'm being honest she can be a downright bitch, and she'll be the first one to agree with me. So, Hummel must have some talent if she's kept him around this long."

"Oh my, did you actually just compliment him?" Blaine asked slightly shocked by what Sebastian said.

"If you view that as a compliment, than yes. But don't go thinking that changes my opinion of him."

"We're back and we brought a straggler with us?" Blaine's Dad called out. Blaine and Sebastian both just looked at Rachel and Brody.

"Go find out. We'll wait right here." Rachel said with a smile and soon the boys were heading down the stairs.

"Neither of them are anything like Kurt described. And I've got to say, they're pretty cute together."

"I know."

"DAD! Sebastian called out when they were halfway down the stairs. "I thought you weren't coming in until late."

"I caught an earlier flight." Mr. Smythe replied while giving Sebastian a hug. "Nice to see you again Blaine."

"Nice to see you too Mr. Smythe."

"Dad!" Sebastian quickly let go of his Dad after hearing his Lexi's voice.

"Hi princess!" He said as he gave her a hug. "Must say, you're a bit bigger than the last time I saw you."

"You think?" She asked as she turned to the side.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm good, everything is good."

"No more scares?"

"Nope. Doc just told me to try and keep my stress to a minimum."

"That should be easy considering she didn't show." Sebastian said as he wrapped an arm around Blaine.

"Seb."

'Sorry Dad, but it's true."

"Why don't you boys got back upstairs with your friends." Lexi told them, so Sebastian nodded as he and Blaine headed back upstairs.

"I'm surprised you didn't object." Blaine told him.

"That's because they clearly want to talk." Once they reached the top of the stairs Sebastian looked over at Rachel and Brody. "How about that tour?" Rachel nodded and soon her and Brody followed them up to the fourth floor.

"This is an excellent rehearsal space." Brody said after they walked in while Blaine and Sebastian uncovered the piano.

"That it is. Now what would you like to hear?" Blaine asked as Sebastian took a seat.

"How about something that fits the season?"

"What's that?" Mrs. Anderson asked just as they all sat down in the kitchen.

"That would be I'm guessing either Blaine or Bas." Lexi said. "And since it's as faint as it is, they are all the way upstairs. Would you like to go find out?"

"I thought we were…" Cooper stopped mid-sentence as Lexi took his hand.

"It can wait. I'd much rather go listen to them." When they reached the ballroom Lexi couldn't help smile as they were all singing. "Mind if we join you?"

"Not at all." Blaine said after spotting everyone. Cooper and Jay quickly grabbed the chairs from the outskirts of the room and placed them around the piano.

"Hey Lex, why don't you play so I can concentrate on singing?" Sebastian asked just before she sat down.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, plus you put my playing to shame."

It didn't take long till everyone was out of their seats and were soon surrounding the piano that is everyone but Cooper who took a seat on the bench next to Lexi. "This was not what I expected when you invited us over." Rachel said to Blaine and Sebastian in-between songs.

"I didn't expect this either." Blaine told her. "But it fits us, doesn't it."

By the time they finished it was much later than any of them realized. "Brody and I should probably be going."

"I'm going as well; do you guys need a ride?" Tasha asked.

"I don't want to impose."

"I offered so you wouldn't be imposing."

"Then we'd love a ride. Blaine. Seb. If we don't see you beforehand, have a wonderful holiday."

"Thanks Rachel, you too." Blaine then gave her a hug and kiss. "We definitely have to see each other again with as long as Bas and I are going to be here."

"I agree. It was a pleasure meeting you all."

"We'll walk you out." Sebastian told them as they all headed for the doors. As they headed down the stairs Tasha turned to Blaine and Sebastian.

"Have you two thought about Simon's offer?"

"Yes, and we've agreed to see what he has to say." Blaine told her.

"Excellent. Come by my office on the twenty-seventh because if I remember correctly your parents are leaving on the twenty-sixth."

"Your office?" Sebastian questioned.

"Don't worry; I'll try to keep him out of the office. And if not, he knows better than to make a scene."