Part 26

After returning to the city on Sunday night, Blaine and Sebastian returned calls to their parents before calling it a night. While the shoot didn't seem any more stressful than normal, the fact that they had lots of other things going through their minds probably made it seem longer. Also while they were shooting, they agreed with Tasha that it wouldn't be their last shoot. She understood all too well why Sebastian and Hunter wanted to stop as studying for the bar was already taking up quite a bit of their time. And the thoughts of giving up entire weekends to shoot wasn't something either wanted to give up. Just as Blaine, really didn't want to give up that time while working on his doctorate.

So, they all came up with an agreement that would be beneficial to all of them. While Tasha was all set for this to be their last shoot, she'd put together a few different scenarios to see if she could entice the boys. With their editorials still doing so well, she really wasn't ready to let them go. And luckily for her, they weren't quite ready to give it up as they honestly enjoyed it.

When they got up the next morning, they seemed to be running around a bit more than usual as Sebastian had decided to start going through the closet. "Would you please tell me why you're doing this now?" Blaine asked as he came walking out of the bathroom from his shower with his towel still around his waist.

"That would be because we have very little time to figure out what we want to wear for our pictures."

"Bas, we'll figure something out, relax. It's not as though we're lacking in the wardrobe department. Heck, the girls are all jealous of our wardrobes."

"That's the thing B; we've got so much great stuff it's going to take time to decide."

"What if we do it tonight as the last thing we need right now is getting caught up in it?" Blaine said as he began to get dressed. "Plus, we don't have the time to give it right now Bas. I know you and you're going to want us to coordinate but not look matchy."

"True." Sebastian replied as he turned to look at Blaine who was sitting on their bed. "Just remind me when I get home as who knows where my mind will be."

"Another seminar or a class today?"

"Class, though, I'll be at the office for about an hour or so before heading over. What does your day look like?"

"Same as usual, though I have a second interview this afternoon so we'll be eating a little later than usual."

"That's a good sign."

"My advisor said the same thing as this practice fits me perfectly. So, once you're dressed how about a kiss for luck?"

"Why does it have to wait till I'm dressed?" Sebastian asked as he cocked his eyebrow.

"Because you know us."

"True." Sebastian replied as he pulled a shirt out of the closet. "One of us always needs to protect us from our tendencies to get lost in each other."

"That is correct and if I remember right, you did it last time. It's a two way street that works well. Will you have studying to do tonight?"

"Probably, but that's becoming the norm again, isn't it?"

"Yes, just checking."

By the time they headed off, Blaine felt bad for Sebastian. Even though he was technically done with school he was spending quite a bit of time back in classrooms and lecture halls. The only positive in it all was that it was giving him structure for his studies. When Blaine arrived at the Youth Center he was surprised to see his advisor standing outside of the building. "Morning Blaine."

"Morning, did we have an appointment?"

"No, I just stopped by to see if you had any last questions in regards to your interview today."

"Not really." Blaine replied as they walked in. "I was actually really comfortable talking with them."

"That goes both ways. They were really impressed with you Blaine. You were able to answer everything they threw at you but it didn't sound clinical. More often than not people try to answer so perfectly that it doesn't show who they are. Yet the way you answered showed you knew what you were talking about while at the same time it gave them a glimpse into who you are." For them, it's important to know who they are dealing with."

"Well, I guess it's a good thing I've never been one to answer in that way. But if you heard the way they presented the questions, they weren't looking for a clinical answer. It was more as they were looking for my interpretation of the answer while still expecting details and specifics."

"Ah, are you sure you won't consider teaching Blaine. More people need to look beyond the clinical aspect. It's as though they forget that they're going to be dealing with people for a living."

"As for right now, no. But it would be foolish to ever fully rule something out." As Blaine set his bag down his advisor looked at him. "What is it?"

"Did you get married?" Blaine felt his smile get bigger hearing the question.

"No, I got engaged right before graduation."

"Congratulations!"

"Thank you! Bas and I are truly happy."

"I would hope so considering you got engaged. Have you set a date?"

"We have finally which has made our family and friends very happy."

"Incredible how once one gets engaged, it doesn't feel complete to some till a wedding date is set."

"That's exactly how it felt once we finally set it. Now, is there anything else you need because I have a few things I still need to do?"

"No. You seem to be in the right frame of mind so we're good. I'm just glad to see you're still being you and not trying to appear as someone you're not."

When Brittany arrived at Lexi's that morning she was surprised to run into Cooper out in the courtyard. "Heading out for the day Coop?"

"I am. I told my agent that I really didn't want to leave the city for the first few months after Gabrielle was born which he completely understood. So, he managed to book me some television gigs to keep me busy, yet still close to home."

"Sounds cool. Any shows I watch?"

"There are, but you'll have to wait and see as I don't want to ruin the surprise."

"Alright." Brittany replied before crossing her arms over her chest. "Just make sure I don't miss it."

"I'll make sure. Later Britt! Have a good day!"

Once he was on his way, Brittany made her way into the house. She'd just set her bag down when Jocelyn came walking down the stairs. "Morning Joce."

"Morning Britt! How are you?"

"Good, you?"

"Good. We're going to the zoo during camp today."

"Aren't you lucky?" Brittany said as she crouched down. "You'll have to tell me if there is anything new we need to check out."

"Okay! Mommy is in the kitchen." Brittany nodded before standing back up and following Jocelyn into the kitchen. "Mommy, Britt's here!" She said before taking her seat at the table. "I told her we're going to the zoo today."

"I'm jealous." Brittany said as she sat down next to Gabrielle who was a sleep in her bassinet. "I told her I want a heads up if there is something new. Same goes for you Braeden."

"Okay."

"Britt, come to think of it, have you girls decided on a date yet for their party?" Lexi asked as she took a seat at the end of the island.

"Santana is checking two dates with the club today but we'll know by the end of the day."

"Good."

"What party?" Braeden asked.

"A party for your Uncle Blaine and Uncle Sebby." Brittany replied.

"Do we get to go Mommy?" Jocelyn asked.

"Not this time around. This party is for grown-ups." Both of the kids sighed which caused Lexi to look at Brittany. "It's to celebrate their engagement."

"Like we did with Nana, Grandma, and Grandpas?"

"Yes." Lexi replied. "But this time all of your Uncles friends will be there."

"Who's going to watch us while you and Daddy go out?" Braeden asked.

"Aunt Tasha."

"Why is she not going?" Jocelyn asked.

"Someone needs watch you guys since your Daddy and I need to go."

"Why?"

"It's because your Daddy is your Uncle Blaine's best man."

"Who's Uncle Sebby's?"

"Hunter."

"I like Hunter."

"So do we." Brittany replied. "He's a lot of fun, isn't he?" Jocelyn nodded. "I saw him dancing with you at Rachel's wedding."

"He did. So did all of Uncle Blaine and Uncle Sebby's other friends." She replied with a big smile.

"And you got to dance with lots girls, didn't you?" Brittany said as she looked at Braeden who nodded but began to blush.

"I did too." Ethan said as he looked at Brittany.

"That you did. You are a very good dancer."

"Thank you."

"You're really good Britt." Braeden told her. "Right Joce?"

"Yep! I want to dance like you."

"Then you have to work hard. It takes a lot of work." Brittany then glanced over at Lexi who smiled.

"Do you want to see my recital?"

"I would love to."

"Mommy?"

"When you get home today you can show her. But now that you two are done, put your bowls in the sink and go brush your teeth." Lexi then took ahold of Ethan's hand. "Britt, would you mind putting Gabrielle in the stroller for me while I help Ethan brush his teeth?"

"Not at all."

Once everyone was all set, they headed off since Cooper had been the one's dropping the kids off each day. Thankfully it wasn't too warm out yet so the walk was pleasant and allowed Lexi and Brittany to go over the schedule for the day which was a bit fuller than usual. After dropping Braeden and Jocelyn off, they decided to head back a different way since it was unlike the previous week, it was enjoyable to be outside. "Do you know what time my conference call is today Britt?" Lexi asked as they walked.

"The first one is at ten and you have a second one at two."

"You're kidding?"

"Nope. The one at ten is with your publisher and the call at two is with the Gala committee."

"I completely forgot about that. With Blaine and Bas getting engaged my mind has been elsewhere. For the life of me I can't even remember the theme."

"Fire and Ice."

"That's right, thank you. Honestly, I've got such Mommy brain right now I'd be lost without you."

"You haven't been that bad, really." Brittany told her. "And if I hadn't just glanced at your calendar I might not have remembered either. There's been too much going on recently with still more to come."

"Ain't that the truth? One little thing we need to do today as well is get the color scheme of Bas and Blaine's wedding since they told me to get Jocelyn whatever I wanted."

"Not getting her white?"

"I don't think so. Tasha and Cassie sent me some really cute ideas that I feel are more fitting but I won't know for sure till I know what colors they're going with."

"I know one of the colors is a cool version of midnight blue."

"And how do you know that?"

"I saw it on Jeff's computer a couple of days ago while he was talking with Blaine. That reminds me, do you have any pictures of Sebby as a kid?"

"I do, why?"

"Jeff's putting together a video/slide show. Technically he's putting together two."

"Why two?"

"One will be for everyone's viewing pleasure while the other is going to be solely for Blaine and Sebby."

"Why solely for them?"

"Over the years there has been some footage captured of the two of them that they probably wouldn't want either set of parents seeing. Heck, they probably wouldn't want you and Cooper seeing it either."

"I don't want to know. Just put a reminder in and I will get those for Jeff sometime this week. Do you need one's of Blaine?"

"Jeff's Mom asked Blaine's Mom for them. Jeff remembered that things were a bit rocky, so…he didn't know where the line was drawn in that regard."

"Understandable. Whatever I don't have, I'll get from our parents." Lexi and Brittany were just walking through the gate when Lexi's phone went off. "Why do I have a feeling this isn't going to be a quiet day at all?" She said before pulling her phone out. After talking for a few moments, the brief change of expressing let Brittany know Lexi's initial instinct was correct. "We're going to be having company soon."

"Who?" Brittany asked as Lexi opened the door.

"Gwen."

"Okay, but why?"

"Thad and Hunter are about to be Uncles again."

"Dang."

"What was that about?" Lexi asked with a laugh.

"Thad and Hunter were running a betting pool on a date and well, mine is still a few days away."

"Got it. How far did the two of them go?"

"Nothing too crazy, it was mainly for fun. Hunter thought this one would be early while Thad thought he or she would arrive after the given due date."

"Well, he is early."

"It's a boy?"

"Yep. They didn't get confirmation till pretty late so they didn't mention anything."

"A shy boy and he's related to Thad and Hunter?"

"That was all of our thoughts as well. While I'm going to get these two settled could you get things set up in my office?"

"Will do. Um, who is bringing Gwen by?"

"Cassie's Mom. She happened to be in town and would've been willing to watch her but she's got a meeting she can't get out of."

"Makes sense. Ethan will be happy. Those two enjoy playing together."

"They certainly do."

Once everyone was settled, Lexi had just enough time to start her conference call with her publisher. Since she was pre-occupied, Brittany listened closely for the door so that they wouldn't keep Mrs. Clarington waiting. By the time she arrived with Gwen, she apologizes profusely to Brittany for having to drop her off, but Brittany told her it wasn't a big deal and that Lexi was happy to do it. She then let Brittany know that Hunter would be by once he was done for the day to pick her up. After she left, Brittany crouched down beside Gwen. "Are you ready to go play?"

"Yes." Brittany then put Gwen's bag over her shoulder before taking her hand and helping her up the steps. "Where is Aunt Lexi?"

"She's in her office working. When she finishes this call she's going to come play with you and Ethan for a bit."

"Where is Ethan?"

"In the playroom, right next to his Mommy's office."

"Okay." Brittany still remembered when Cooper and Lexi transformed the room next to her office into a playroom. While it made perfect sense, some thought the cameras they put in were a little much. But they knew some times when Lexi was working she still needed to be able to see what was going on in the next room, even with the open doorway separating the two. Where her desk sat it didn't give her a clear line of sight so the cameras allowed her to see everything. Prior to bringing her into the playroom, Brittany walked Gwen to the doorway to Lexi's office so the two could see each other. Gwen smiled and waved since Brittany had told her she needed to be quiet. After getting the two kids settled next door, Brittany walked back into the office.

She'd barely sat down when Lexi handed her a page of notes she'd taken. Brittany quickly opened her laptop and began transferring them to the appropriate places. Never would she have ever imagined where she currently was. When she first started working for Lexi, it was mainly taking care of the basics and running errands Lexi was unable to do because of the kids. But now, she was Lexi's assistant in every sense of the word. She had quite the insight into the publishing world and over the years had seen how so many of the charity fundraisers and galas were put together. While some might think Lexi's life was easy since she worked from home, no one would ever imagine everything she was able to accomplish from home.

"Care to tell me where Hunter went running off to?" Sebastian asked Thad once they were outside. "Come to think of it, the two of you have been acting weird all day."

"You're one to talk." Thad told him. "You and Blaine get just as anxious."

"Wait, is…"

"She is. And Hunter is currently on his way to Cooper and Lexi's to pick up Gwen."

"Why Hunter and not you?" Sebastian asked as they headed down the subway steps. "As I know you're both really good with her and she adores you both."

"His Mom is going to be picking her up later since we've both got studying to do."

"Are your parents coming to town?"

"Don't know yet, but I'm assuming yes. Thankfully they'll be obsessed with fawning over Gwen and the new baby."

"Do I sense some reluctance in seeing your parents?"

"Seb, with all the weddings and graduations in recent years I've seen them way more than I was used to."

"B and I know the feeling all too well. Is it safe to presume they are coming out for Jeff and Britt's wedding?"

"But of course. They wouldn't dare miss another one of their boys getting married. Don't let me get started about how thrilled my Mom is about coming out in January for yours and Blaine's wedding."

"Is she starting to ask if you're looking Thaddeus?"

"She is. It's worse now that Hunter has settled down a bit. At least when he was still constantly dating I had a bit of relief."

"You know there isn't a rush man."

"Oh, I know. It's just…sometimes it feels as though that girl that fits all the ideas in my head doesn't exist. That must sound stupid."

"It's not. I'm sure she exists; it's just a matter of getting to know all aspects of her. Some people are afraid to let all aspects of their personality show." Sebastian said as they boarded their train.

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience."

"I am. If it wasn't for B, most of you wouldn't really know me. You would've only ever known the part of me that I let you all see when we all first met."

"So, we would've only know the arrogant jackass who really isn't you."

"Most likely. B's proven and shown to me in more ways than one, that we can't let what hurt us at one time in our lives define who we are. We can either let it define us or learn from it and move on."

"Blaine's most certainly learned and moved on from what happened to him. As for you, I'm guessing you've moved on as well."

"What makes you think it hasn't defined me?"

"Call it a guess, but whatever happened to you at one pointed defined you which is why you were the way you were. But, sometime during your relationship with Blaine's you've moved on from whatever it was."

"So, you don't think it was instant?"

"Nope. While you were clearly nicer when you and Blaine first got together, you continued to evolve over the years."

"I didn't know it was so noticeable."

"I wouldn't say it was necessarily noticeable Seb, it was all about little things. And those of us that spend a lot of time with you are probably the only ones that noticed. That would be those of us that lived here in the city all through college. Think about it, the six of us, not counting the girls spent tons of time together." Thad said to him. "Those little moments allowed us to see things that probably weren't noticeable to the rest of the guys."

"Thank you."

"For?"

"Not asking what it was."

"Seb, I know better than to push you to talk about something. That never ends in a good place. I know, like Blaine, should you ever choose to talk about it; it will be done when you're ready. For all I know you're never going to talk about it and that's fine with me."

"I appreciate that. And, would you do me a favor?"

"Sure."

"Don't mention this little talk to anyone."

"I won't. Last thing we want is for everyone to know we're not the tough guys they think we are."

"Exactly."

When Hunter arrived at Lexi and Cooper's he was more anxious than he thought he would be. Who knew he'd be as excited this time around as he was when Gwen was born. After ringing the bell, it wasn't long till Cooper opened the door. "I take it you are here to pick up Gwen."

"I am. May I come in?"

"I haven't decided."

"Cooper." The look on Hunter's face caused Cooper to laugh as he stepped aside. "Where is my princess?"

"She is upstairs coloring with Jocelyn."

"Where are the boys?"

"They are upstairs as well, but they are currently playing with cars so be careful as they are everywhere." Cooper told him as they began to climb the stairs.

"Where is Lexi?"

"She's in her office working if you want to say hi. Britt's still in there as well."

"Britt's still here?"

"Yea, they got caught up going through pictures."

"For?"

"Don't ask me and it's probably safer not to ask."

"Uncle Hunt!" Gwen exclaimed the instant she saw him and quickly got up from where she was sitting with Jocelyn and ran into his arms. "I miss you!"

"I missed you too." Hunter replied before giving her a kiss.

"Hi Hunter."

"Hi Joce." Hunter then looked at Cooper as he moved Gwen to his other side. "Do they not talk?"

"When they're playing with their cars, one often needs to do more than just walk into the room. Braeden. Ethan. We have company."

"Hi Hunter." Braeden said.

"Hi." Ethan added.

"Let me go grab her bag and you'll be good to go." Cooper told him.

"Did you have fun today?" Hunter asked as Gwen pulled on his tie.

"I did."

When Cooper came walking back into the room, he wasn't alone as Lexi and Brittany were with him. "Are you going home with your Uncle Hunter?" Lexi asked and Gwen nodded. "It was fun having you here today."

"What do you say Gwen?" Hunter said to her.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Lexi replied. "Hunter, let your Mom know if things are crazy tomorrow we're more than willing to watch her again. I know her schedule must be a bit thrown due to the early arrival."

"It is, so I will let you know. We really appreciate it. I mean, Thad or I would love to watch her it's…"

"Relax; you don't have to explain things to us. We get it. Remember who we are related to." Cooper told him. "We know how busy you all are and it's quite obvious you care as much about her as Blaine and Bas do about our kids."

They were about to head down the stairs when Jocelyn came up to them and grabbed ahold of Hunter's arm. "This is for you, Gwen colored it. But I put your name on it." Hunter took the picture from her and smiled.

"Thank you."

"Did I spell your name right?"

"You did." Hunter then crouched down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I appreciate that you made sure I got it."

"Are you going to put it on your fridge like Uncle Blaine and Uncle Sebby do?"

"I'm going to."

"Bye!" Once she spoke, Jocelyn went back over to the table and went back to coloring as Cooper closed the gate behind them.

"She's a bundle of energy." Hunter said with a laugh. "Did you have fun with Joce today?"

"Yes."

"Thank you for my picture." Gwen leaned in and gave him a kiss. "I know I said it already, but thank you."

"And we said don't worry about it." Lexi told him as she adjusted Gabrielle in her arms. "Go take your munchkin home and get to studying."

"Yea, you've clearly spoken with Seb. Uh, has she eaten?"

"Not since an afternoon snack."

"Guess, I need to make you dinner, huh Gwen?"

"Ah huh."

"If you hear anything, let us know, okay?" Lexi asked.

"No problem. You guys are near the top of their call list so you will know. Does it matter what time it is?"

"Nope." Cooper replied.

"Well then, once I know something, you'll know as well."