Two Steps Beyond
Part 36
They were only about a quarter of the way through the zoo when Rachel sent a text saying they were on their way. To which Blaine responded with a spot they could meet them at. While they made their way through, Blaine and Sebastian had a whole new appreciation for what Cooper and Lexi do. Having their niece and nephew at home was one thing, but having them out an about was another. Numerous times they were more than thankful for having so many people with them. At a couple of the first exhibits strollers weren't allowed inside so they had to hold the kids which wasn't the problem, the problem came with trying to gather everything and stow the stroller.
"You know they're never going to live down that picture you just took." Blaine said to Sebastian who had just slid the camera into his pocket.
"I think they look cute." He replied before throwing his arm around Blaine's shoulders as they looked at Jeff and Brittany who were holding Jocelyn and Braeden. "But I don't think it's a picture Jeff will be sharing with his Mom anytime soon."
"You guys took one too." Nick said with a smile.
"Of course. There is something endearing about seeing Jeff explain something to all of them because he's clearly not just talking to Britt."
"I noticed that too Seb."
"If one didn't know better they'd think the kids were theirs." Hunter said as he walked up to them.
"I thought the same thing." Blaine added. "But before they get too comfortable we should probably go and take them off their hands Bas."
"We can do that."
They were just walking back outside when Rachel and Brody came up to them. "We're so sorry it took us so long."
"It's okay." Blaine replied while he and Sebastian waited for Nick and Hunter to get everything situated back on the stroller. "Hopefully he wasn't too annoying."
"I'd rather not talk about it."
"That says more than you realize." Sebastian said before putting Braeden in the stroller. Once he was strapped in he took Jocelyn from Blaine. "What exhibit is next Britt?"
"The polar bears." She replied.
"You heard the lady, onto the polar bears."
"Blaine."
"It's a long story Rachel, just…don't mind him." Blaine told her before he caught up with Sebastian and the stroller.
"Rach, what's going on?" Brody asked as they followed behind.
"I don't know, but judging from Blaine's response it's none of our business so we're better off not asking."
"Bas, are you okay?" Blaine asked while sliding his hand onto one of Sebastian's.
"Yea, I just hate that I cause Rachel so much grief."
"You don't do anything like that."
"B."
"Bas, listen to me. Nothing he has said has changed what she thinks or feels about you. And I have a feeling what happened wasn't so much to do with you, but with the fact that she was with all of us. It's no longer just you; it's the Warblers as a whole."
"That's a very good point B; it's just hard to think of it like that, especially considering at one point the guys were his friends." Sebastian then leaned down and gave Blaine a kiss.
"It just happened, that's why. For one moment you can honestly say you had nothing to do with what happened."
"Blaine's right, you're in the clear with this one." Nick said as he walked up next to them. "If anything I started this latest blow up."
"How did you start it?" Blaine asked.
"I basically told Hudson how it is, and considering my given situation with Santana I was a bit protective."
"Is that what you meant when you said you were handling the situation?" Sebastian asked.
"Yes, and I know this is wrong to say but I'm so glad Dave did what he did."
"You just wish you were the one to do it, don't you?" Blaine added and Nick just nodded. "Hopefully when the guys come out here Dave and I can find a little time to do our thing."
"And what would that be?" Hunter asked.
"Spar."
"You box?"
"I do, do you?"
"I do."
"Looks like you found another sparring partner B. That is if Hunter is interested."
"I'm actually very interested. I much prefer sparring with someone I know versus a stranger."
"Same here and considering Dave is going to school in Connecticut I thought I'd just have to spar with whomever." Sebastian then nudged Blaine to take the stroller since his phone went off. The three of them stood there with the stroller and waited for the others who were taking pictures while Sebastian took his phone call. Considering the smile on Sebastian's face and the laughs he seemed to be having Blaine knew it was one of two people. By the time Sebastian came walking back to them Jeff, Brittany, Rachel, and Brody had joined them. "Lexi or Cooper?" Blaine asked.
"Lexi actually, though I could hear Cooper in the background and they are greatly amused by all the pictures we've sent them so far."
"Did you tell them just how many we've taken on the actual camera?"
"No, but that's because I didn't want to hear her laughing at me. But she is disappointed that we haven't sent her a picture of all of us."
"Guess we'll just have to take one."
After the next exhibit they all sat down and got something to eat since Blaine and Sebastian needed to feed Braeden and Jocelyn. "You two really are good at that." Rachel told them.
"Thank you." Blaine replied. Shortly after he answered he heard Nick and Jeff talking so he looked up and saw that they had the camera. "You just couldn't resist, could you?"
"Nope." Jeff replied. "And I have a good feeling Lexi is going to love the shot we got."
"She will." Sebastian replied without looking up. "Before I forget B, they said to just call when we're ready for them to come get them. I told her it would probably be once we're home. Can't let them have them before we finish up at the zoo."
"Agreed." Since Blaine and Sebastian had Jocelyn and Braeden out of the stroller they took that as an opportunity to take a group picture. Rachel asked a woman who was sitting near them if she was willing to do so and she happily obliged. She even took multiple shots to make sure she got one they'd be happy with. "How'd it turn out?" Blaine asked after Jeff took the camera from the woman.
"All of them are really good actually." He then showed one of the pictures to Blaine and Sebastian after they put Jocelyn and Braeden back in the stroller.
"You're right, that is good." Sebastian replied.
It was a few hours later by the time they returned to Blaine and Sebastian's apartment and they were all exhausted. "Did you enjoy yourself Britt?" Brody asked once they were all comfortable.
"I did. That was a really good idea Hunter."
"Thank you."
"What are we going to do now?" Jeff asked.
"Don't know, but Lexi and Cooper will be here in a little bit to get the kids." Sebastian replied.
"Oh, we still need to show Hunter the website." Blaine said.
"That actually sounds like a good idea." Jeff said. "That way I can see if all the new additions are working like their supposed to."
"Wait, you added more?" Brody asked.
"A lot more." Jeff said with a smile. "Blaine and Seb gave Nick and I copies of all the pictures they took."
"Does that mean you've added more to each stop?" Rachel asked.
"We did."
"Great, for all we know we're never going to get them home."
"Are you stranded Rachel?" Nick asked.
"We are. Though we've made progress, we made it to Rome."
"Only once, we got stranded back in Barcelona after that." Brody added.
"Has anyone made it to the end?" Rachel asked.
"Thad did just before we left." Jeff replied. "But he's the only one. And don't fret, most of the new pictures were added to level two."
"And how do you know that Thad made it to the end? Wait, level two?"
"You'll find out once you reach the end."
"Now I've got to see this website." Hunter said with a smile.
"It's really cool." Blaine told him. "Nick and Jeff put some serious work into it. Come to think of it, a lot of our friends put a lot of work into it."
"Wes and Thad are pretty proud of the rewritten theme." Nick said. "And for good reason."
"Question, if B and I take another vacation are you going to add to it?"
"Of course." Jeff replied.
"Just a warning though, our next vacation is a more practical location so you might have to tweak our photos." Sebastian told them. They were all still talking when the doorbell rang. Since Rachel was up she went to get the door.
"And just where are my angels?" Cooper asked once they all walked into the living room.
"In our bedroom, sleeping." Blaine replied.
"Not that we mind them sleeping in there, but how can you hear them?" Lexi asked. "Because last I knew you didn't have a baby monitor."
"We do now." Sebastian said holding up the receiver.
"Since when?"
"Mom bought it for us. She figured we could use one." Blaine told them. They both just smiled at the boys before going to get Jocelyn and Braeden. After Cooper and Lexi returned to the living room with the twins, Sebastian headed for his and Blaine's bedroom to close up the pack n' plays for them.
"I really don't know how to thank you both for today." Lexi said while getting them settled in the stroller.
"Like Bas and I told you, you don't need to thank us. We had fun today."
"We noticed that." Cooper replied. "I think we officially have photos of all of you with each of our kids."
"And Cassie couldn't believe how doting you looked Hunter." Lexi told him.
"Great, now I'm never going to hear the end of it." Hunter replied.
"Don't worry, she promised not to share the pictures with anyone else, especially your Mom."
"That is until she needs something from me, then they become blackmail. And you know that's what's going to happen."
"Not Cassie, she'd never." Lexi said with a laugh just as Sebastian reappeared.
"What's so funny?"
"Your sister gave my sister blackmail material."
"Pictures of you with Braeden and Jocelyn?" Sebastian asked before handing things over to Cooper.
"Yep."
"Lexi."
"Come on Bas, they were cute. Do you think I wouldn't honestly share pictures like that with her?"
"Knowing you, no. And just so you know, we fed them and changed them before putting them down this last time."
"Thank you for the heads up. And you're sure they didn't give you guys any problems today."
"Not a one and if you don't believe me you can ask everyone else." Sebastian told them.
"Alright, well you guys have fun tonight and thanks for helping Blaine and Bas today."
"It was fun actually." Jeff said.
After walking Cooper and Lexi to the door, Blaine and Sebastian returned to find the television all ready to go with the website. "Looks like someone is impatient." Sebastian said before he and Blaine sat back down.
"That would be Jeff actually." Brody told them. "He's really curious to take another look at things."
"So Hunter, are you ready to help Jeff and Brittany on their journey to find B and I?" Sebastian asked while he and Blaine got comfortable.
"I think I'm up for the challenge." Hunter said with a smirk.
"Good luck." Rachel said before leaning back against Brody.
Since it was Hunter's first time seeing it, they let all the videos play. He could see why Blaine and Sebastian were impressed by the work their friends did. Slowly he began making his way through their vacation, with little hesitation which started to frustrate Rachel. "Are you sure Jeff didn't give you a heads up?"
"I did no such thing." Jeff said, slightly offended that Rachel thought he'd given Hunter the answers. "Plus, how was I supposed to know ahead of time which pictures were going to show up."
"Jeff's got a point; they appear in a random order." Nick added.
"Relax Rachel; I'm good at this so far because the last two summers I spent quite a bit of time in Europe." Once Hunter reached Barcelona his clicking slowed down quite a bit. It was clear to everyone in the room he had to take closer looks at the pictures. Every once in a while when he stopped on a picture he couldn't help but glance over at Blaine and Sebastian who were discussing whatever picture they were on. "Is there an amusing story behind this one?"
"Blaine almost tipped the boat over while I was taking this picture."
"I did not!" Blaine said while glancing back at Sebastian who he was leaning against.
"You did too! This is when that crazy lady almost bumped us and you flipped out because you thought the camera was going to go into the lake."
"That's right; I ended up standing up and…"
"Almost tipping us." Everyone in the room couldn't help but laugh at the two of them.
"Why do I have a feeling there is a story behind most of these pictures?" Nick asked.
"That's because their probably is." Sebastian replied before looking over at Hunter. "Do you know where we are?" His question was answered by Hunter clicking his answer and then being greeted by a happy Jeff and Brittany.
"I hope you're paying attention to his answers." Brody told Rachel.
"I am, I hope you're doing the same thing."
"I am."
By the time Hunter got to Rome, Rachel was clearly irritated which everyone else in the room found hilarious, including Brody. "I swear if you get through this on the first shot I'm going to scream." She said when he got to his third picture in Rome.
"I don't think Seb and Blaine's neighbors would appreciate it." Hunter said with a smirk.
"He's right Rachel." Blaine told her.
"Are you going to tell me you wouldn't be frustrated?"
"I'm sure I would be, but I can't fault the guy for being good. But if you want to really be upset with someone, be upset with Jeff."
"And why would I do that?"
"That would be because I set up the whole first level without any help from Blaine or Seb." Jeff replied.
"He's right; even I got stumped on a few of them. But you really shouldn't feel too bad Rachel; most of the guys are stranded in Rome."
"Nick's right, the guys have been hounding us for help but we won't give it."
"Why?" She asked.
"Because it wouldn't be fair." Nick replied. "And trust me; everyone has tried to get us to give them help. They've been pretty persuasive too, but we've resisted."
"Rach, Bas and I won't even help my parents. They only reached Rome the day before we left."
"Okay, that makes me feel slightly better." As Rachel answered, Nick stepped away from the group with his phone to his ear. The guys all gave each other looks while Rachel looked a bit confused. "Am I missing something?"
"Let's just say things have changed." Sebastian told her.
"That's all I get?"
"Yep."
"So he does have a girlfriend."
"What makes you think that?" Blaine asked.
"After the way he acted last night and the smile on his face now, it really couldn't be anything else." Hunter had just made it through Rome when Nick returned.
"Congratulations man, you're on the final leg." Nick said before sitting back down.
"How's your mystery lady?" Rachel asked.
"She's fine."
"Considering I've made it this far, why don't you let me see what she looks like?" Nick sat there for a moment before taking his phone back out and then leaning over to show something to Hunter. "Wow."
"How is it Hunter knows who she is, but I can't?"
"That's because it's a guy thing. Plus he found out a bit about her yesterday morning while you were sleeping."
"Let me guess, you guys wouldn't have had this conversation had I been up."
"Probably not."
"I thought we were friends Nick."
"We are Rachel. If it makes you feel any better, Blaine and Seb only found out about her about a week ago."
"So this is new, I get it. You don't want to jinx things."
"Exactly."
"Does this mean you're going to stop pushing him?" Blaine asked.
"I am. I know how protective one can get about a new relationship. You're afraid the tiniest of things is going to ruin it."
"I appreciate that Rachel. And when the time is right, I will let you know."
Hunter was making his way through Venice when Jeff's phone went off. "And Thad has company." He exclaimed.
"Who?" Rachel asked.
"Lexi."
"Yes!" Sebastian replied with a fist pump. "I knew she could do it."
"Are she and Cooper working together on this?" Nick asked.
"No." Blaine replied. "She told him it would be a good way for him to learn about certain landmarks."
"That's mean, but funny." Jeff said. "That's basically what Nick and I have told everyone that's been asking for our help."
"Now Nick, have you given this a try?" Brody asked. "Because from what you said, Jeff labeled most of the pictures."
"I have and I succeeded. It was how we knew whether or not it was too difficult or not difficult enough. We also decided it wouldn't be fair to have either of us on the leaderboard."
"Miracles do happen!" The guys all looked at Rachel before glancing over a Hunter who was looking at a disappointed Jeff and Brittany on the screen.
"Funny." Hunter clearly wasn't amused by Rachel's exuberance. "Question, how many more misses do I get before I have to start again?"
"One." Jeff replied. "You get one more opportunity with this picture, after that you have to start again. So make your next guess very carefully."
"Who was that doing the commentary on that one?" Blaine asked.
"Logan." Nick replied. "Each of the guys did at least one."
"From that response I'm guessing you recorded even more disappointment videos?" Sebastian said.
"We did. Once you gave us all of your pictures we decided we needed more since we were going to add levels." Jeff told them. He'd just finished talking when they all saw Hunter slam the remote down onto the couch and another Jeff and Brittany video appear. "I know it's frustrating man, but I think you got the furthest on a first try."
"Thanks." Hunter said with a sigh before leaning back against the couch. "Anyone else want to give it a try?"