Two Steps Beyond
Part 54
Since they were going to be watching Jocelyn and Braeden that day, Blaine got up shortly after Sebastian had left for practice. He knew he needed to get some laundry done as well as have time to work on his song all before Lexi arrived. Blaine was still kicking himself as he went upon getting things done around the apartment that he'd forgotten they'd agreed to watch their niece and nephew. He knew he needed to take a cue from Sebastian and put even the smallest of things in his phone for reminders. Life in New York was clearly going to be a bit busier than Ohio.
Blaine had probably been sitting at the piano for well over an hour when the doorbell rang. When he opened the door, there stood Lexi with the stroller. "I know I've said this before and will probably say it a million times more, but thank you."
"No problem. We're glad to help out when we can." Blaine replied while they headed towards the living room. "And how are my favorite munchkins this morning?"
"They're happy so you and Bas luck out." After she spoke Lexi looked over towards the piano where there were papers scattered everywhere. "Looks like you've been busy this morning." Blaine followed her eyes and saw the mess on the piano.
"You could say that. Taking advantage of the quiet while I can."
"Is that quiet before I came by with Braeden and Jocelyn or quiet meaning while Bas is at practice?"
"While Bas is at practice, it's for him actually."
"Really?"
"Yes." Blaine replied, a faint blush coming to his cheeks. "I just hope he likes it."
"Blaine, I'm sure he's going to love it."
"How can you be so sure?"
"It's from you and he'll know how hard you worked on it. Now, hopefully I won't be too late today. And I honestly don't know if I'm going to be picking them up or Cooper is, which is why I got a parking pass from Walter."
"That's fine. Could you guys just call us before you come by in case we go out?"
"Certainly." Lexi then knelt down next to the stroller. "Now you two be good for your Uncle Blaine and Uncle Seb when he gets here, okay?" When she looked back at Blaine he was smiling. "What?"
"It's cute, that's all. But you better get going, don't want to keep Steve waiting. Who knows what he has in store for you today." Blaine then kissed Lexi on the cheek. "We'll see either you or Cooper later."
After Lexi left, Blaine finished up the part of the song he was working on before putting everything away. His timing couldn't have been better because no sooner did he get the folder hidden did Braeden start to fuss. Once he had both of them out of the stroller and on the blanket he'd laid out near the couch, he managed to calm Braeden down. While playing with his niece and nephew he understood why Lexi seemed to be taking pictures constantly because the littlest of things were just adorable.
Blaine was so caught up in playing with them that he didn't even hear Sebastian come home. "At least now I know why you didn't respond to my text." He said before joining them on the floor.
"Sorry."
"No worries." Sebastian then kissed Blaine. "Looks like you three are having fun without Uncle Seb."
"We're making due without their favorite person to climb on. How was practice?"
"Interesting."
"How so?"
"One of the guys that got cut last year for a bad attitude showed up and wasn't thrilled that his spot on the team had been filled."
"That must've been interesting. Have you talked to Rachel or Brody yet?"
"I did. I just wanted to know if you wanted to go or I was going?"
"Don't take this the wrong way, but since you're still a bit sweaty from practice why don't you just go."
"Are you saying I stink?"
"No, but I've already taken a shower today and well, I look nice." The words had barely gotten out of Blaine's mouth when he found himself on his back with Sebastian above him. "Bas."
"What?" He said before leaning down to nip at Blaine's neck. "I don't think Jocelyn and Braeden mind. And you're right, you do look nice. You smell nice as well."
"Thank you. But you better get going because the sooner you leave the sooner you'll be back home with us."
"Very true." Sebastian then leaned down and kissed Blaine before getting off of him. "I'll make it quick. Hopefully traffic cooperates."
When Sebastian pulled up in front of the loft he could see the confused looks on Rachel and Brody's faces. "Where's Blaine?" Rachel asked after giving Sebastian a hug.
"Home with Jocelyn and Braeden. It had totally slipped our minds until last night that we'd promised Lexi and Cooper we'd watch them today."
"You should've let us know, we could've figured something out." Brody told him.
"It's okay, honest. If it was an issue for us we would've called. This won't take long and then I'll be back at home with them. He's not here, right?"
"He's at work." Rachel told Sebastian.
"Good. Let's do this then."
Thankfully when they walked inside, the loft was empty. It didn't take long for Brody and Sebastian to get the bed downstairs. And while they did that Rachel took the frame apart. With the last of her things in her hands she took one last look around the loft. "Are you okay?" Brody asked as he came up behind her.
"Yea, this whole thing is a bit surreal." While she spoke Brody wrapped his arms around her.
"I know, but you made the right decision."
"I know I did, not just for me but for us. Hopefully after Burt's talk with Blaine he was able to get through to Kurt. I miss our friendship."
"That's understandable. But until Kurt gets a firm grip back on reality it's probably best if you don't spend a lot of time with him."
"I won't argue that point. And if he gets that back, maybe we can get our friendship back."
Once they got Rachel's bed put in storage, Sebastian drove them back to Brody's before heading home. Throughout the drive home Sebastian felt a sense of relief. There was something calming about knowing that Rachel wasn't going to be having to deal with Kurt's special brand of crazy on a constant basis anymore. She and Brody would be able to do what they pleased without anyone judging them. And Rachel wouldn't have to pretend that she wasn't spending time with Blaine and Sebastian. When he pulled into the garage, Sebastian relaxed even more knowing he and Blaine basically had a free day ahead of them.
As he walked through the front door he started to laugh when he swore he heard what sounded like the Warblers. It wasn't till he reached the living room that he realized he wasn't imagining things, he was hearing the Warblers. On the television was one of their first performances from their senior year. "Isn't it a little early to be reminiscing?"
"Hey! How'd it go?"
"Quick and thankfully Hummel wasn't there. What's with the concert?"
"I couldn't find my iPod, so I did the next best thing when they started to fuss. Our voices truly do sooth them."
"They've got excellent taste already. Are you hungry?"
"A little, why?"
"I was thinking we go grab lunch after my shower."
"That works, but remember we've got Jocelyn and Braeden."
"I know, I wasn't thinking anything crazy. Just grab a bite than maybe take a walk through the park. It's actually really nice out considering its late July."
"Sounds good. I'll start packing things up while you shower." Blaine then gave Sebastian a kiss. "Don't keep us waiting too long."
While Blaine waited for Sebastian, he got a call from an overly excited Santana. Considering she was talking a mile a minute Blaine was able to deduce that she had a great meeting with Cassie that morning. He'd just gotten off the phone with her when Sebastian came walking out into the living room. "How do I clean up?"
"You look great like usual. Ready to go?"
"Definitely." Sebastian replied while grabbing the diaper bag off the couch since Blaine had stored the other bag beneath the stroller. "Do you have your sunglasses and the camera?"
"Got'em."
Blaine and Sebastian managed to have a rather relaxing lunch at the café near their apartment that they frequented rather often thanks to the fact that all the waitresses fawned over Braeden and Jocelyn. They smiled at each other when one of the waitresses commented about how good they were with them. Once they had Braeden and Jocelyn settled back in the stroller it took a bit for them to get out because all the waitresses came over to say goodbye. "One would think seeing us out with them was odd." Sebastian said as they headed for the park.
"Bas, it is slightly strange, though it doesn't bother me. I love these munchkins too much to care what others think."
"You mean like that lady that sat next to us and thought they were ours."
"Exactly."
"Not that I don't see myself having kids in the future, it's just a little soon."
"Agreed. Have you ever thought about how many kids you want Bas?"
"I was thinking two or three. What about you B?"
"The same. Do you know how many kids Lexi wants?"
"From what I got from Lexi when she was pregnant, she and Cooper want a big family. Say three or four kids so they've already got a good start. And considering the way she and Cooper are together it shouldn't be a problem."
"Very true. It's still weird seeing my former goof of a brother being such an amazing Dad. These two really do mean the world to him."
"I noticed that too."
While they walked through the park, Blaine glanced up at Sebastian when he felt one of his hands slide onto one of Blaine's that was pushing the stroller. When they were about halfway through the park, Sebastian heard them start to fuss so they stopped walking and he walked around to the front of the stroller. "We need to make a pit stop B."
"That doesn't surprise me. You want to do it or should I?"
"I'll do it." Luckily for them they happened to be near the bathrooms so Sebastian headed in with Braeden while Blaine waited with Jocelyn. By the time Sebastian had cleaned them both up, Jocelyn wasn't letting go of Sebastian's fingers.
"Looks like someone isn't ready for her Uncle Seb to put her down. Do you want to sit or are you good holding her while we walk?"
"We can walk." Sebastian said with a smile. "Right sweetie, your Uncle Seb is talented. I can hold you while walking and talking with Uncle Blaine." Since Sebastian had Jocelyn in his arms, he set the diaper bag in her spot of the stroller.
They were just nearing the carousel when Sebastian stopped. "What is it Bas?"
"Look ahead." At Sebastian's urging Blaine looked ahead through the crowd and saw what Sebastian was referencing without saying anything. "We can turn around."
"No, it's cool. I'm sure it's going to send him into shock seeing us all domestic like this."
They were almost passed when Kurt's voice cut through the crowd. And since he was with his Dad, Blaine and Sebastian stopped. "Afternoon Kurt. Burt. What are you doing in the park today?"
"Ms. Saunders gave me the afternoon off to spend time with my Dad since he's leaving tonight."
"That was nice of her."
"It was." Burt replied. "Is it safe to presume these are Cooper's kids?"
"They are." Sebastian replied while moving Jocelyn into his other arm. "This is Jocelyn and that's Braeden in the stroller."
"They're cute."
"Thank you." Blaine replied. "Well, we don't want to keep you and we should probably be heading home."
"Blaine." Sebastian looked at Blaine after Kurt spoke his name.
"Yes." Anyone who was nearby could hear the aggravation in Blaine's voice in that solitary word.
"I…I want to say I'm sorry."
"For?"
"Everything I've put you and Sebastian through, I was wrong."
"You could say that again." Sebastian mumbled.
"Not to sound ungrateful, but you've said that before and nothing changed. Honestly, those words mean nothing to either of us anymore."
"You're right; you have no reason to believe me, either of you."
"Can we not do this in front of our niece and nephew?" Sebastian said while beginning to rock Jocelyn gently. "And like Blaine said, we have no reason to believe that anything is going to be different, your words are meaningless." Sebastian then took ahold of Blaine's hand. "Let's go."
"Guys." As Mr. Hummel spoke, Blaine and Sebastian noticed he had his arm around Kurt. "I know you both have a good reason to not believe him, but he means it this time."
"His actions will prove more to us than his words ever will. And until we see a change, nothing is different. Your feelings towards us affected way too many people. Why don't you try making things right with them first and then you can get back to us." There was a smugness to Sebastian's voice that Blaine hadn't heard in a while. But if there was a time or place for it, now was a good time for it. It was pretty clear that Sebastian didn't care what Mr. Hummel thought about him at that point. For all he knew he was proving everything Kurt had said about him as being true.
"That's uncalled for Sebastian. He knows he's screwed up." Burt said.
"And we've heard his apologizes too many times. He's hurt more people than you realize Mr. Hummel. Did he tell you everything he's ever said or done to us? Cooper? Lexi? Our friends? I doubt it. Now if you don't mind Blaine and I are going to take Jocelyn and Braeden home. We're done!" Sebastian gave Blaine's hand a squeeze and they turned around.
"Blaine! Blaine!"
Blaine and Sebastian were probably about ten feet away when Kurt started calling to Blaine, causing them to stop. "I've got nothing left to say to you Kurt. Bas expressed my feelings on the subject rather well." Once they continued on their way, Blaine and Sebastian could both hear Kurt crying to his Dad. And telling him how unfair Blaine and Sebastian were being to him. Unlike Kurt, his Dad's voice didn't cut through the crowd so they had no idea what Burt was saying in response. But truly, it didn't matter to them.
"B, what do you say to me cooking you dinner tonight?" Sebastian said after kissing Blaine on his cheek.
"Sounds wonderful, but what's the occasion?"
"No occasion, I want too. We normally cook together but I want you to let me spoil you tonight. I'll even give you that massage you want."
"I appreciate that Bas, but you really don't need to."
"I know, but like I said, I want too. Part of me feels like this was my fault."
"How could what happened be your fault?"
"I'm the one that wanted to bring Braeden and Jocelyn to the park."
"Bas, there is no way you could've known they would be here. And the fact that we happened to run into them is unfortunate."
"You're not mad at me, are you?"
"What could I possibly be mad at you about?"
"The way I spoke to them."
"Not at all, it needed to be said. And honestly, you were probably more polite about it than I would've been."
"That's saying a lot."
"Trust me, I know. I'm just over him and this whole situation. You put it perfectly; his actions are going to say more than his words ever will on the subject." They stopped for just a moment so that Sebastian could put Jocelyn back in the stroller since she was clearly sleepy. "And Bas."
"Yes."
"I won't object if you still want to cook for me."
"Excellent, we just have to stop by the store on our way."
"Do I get a hint as to what you're making?"
"Nope."
By the time Cooper and Lexi arrived to pick up their kids they were both surprised by the aroma that was making its way into the hallway. "Any idea which one of them is cooking?" Lexi asked before they rang the bell.
"Doesn't smell familiar so I'll guess Bas is cooking. You?"
"It smells familiar so you're probably right. Let's find out." Lexi replied with a smile while ringing the bell. They both just looked at each other when Blaine answered the door with Braeden in his arms. "And how is my little man doing?" She said while taking Braeden out of Blaine's arms.
"He's doing well. Didn't expect to see both of you?" Blaine said while closing the door behind them.
"Our day finished around the same time. So, what's for dinner?"
"Are you positioning for an invite Coop?"
"Depends."
"Don't mind him Blaine; we're not going to intrude on dinner. Where's Jocelyn?"
"In the kitchen with Bas."
When they walked into the kitchen Sebastian was sitting on one of the chairs telling Jocelyn a story in French. They all stood in the doorway till Sebastian looked up. "Did you guys have a good day?"
"Lexi's was better than mine." Cooper said before walking closer. "And how's my angel?"
"She's very attentive." Sebastian said while handing her over to Cooper. "She also quite the sous chef as is Braeden. They were a big help in making dinner."
"Speaking of dinner, it smells amazing."
"Thank you." Sebastian replied before sliding his arm around Blaine.
"What did you make Bas?" Lexi asked.
"Beef Bourguignon. That reminds me, can you pick us up a few bottles of wine. I used the last of ours."
"Bas."
"For cooking purposes mainly though we might have a glass once in a while."
"I can do that; just remember to keep the drinking to a minimum."
"We do."
"Did you two have fun with them today?" Cooper asked.
"We did." Blaine replied.
"Why do I have a feeling something happened, Blaine?"
"It's not a big deal Coop."
"You had Jocelyn and Braeden with you, what happened?"
"We ran into Kurt and his Dad in the park." No sooner did Blaine finish was Cooper running a hand through his hair. "But don't worry, things didn't get crazy."
"What did he want?" Lexi asked.
"He apologized for the umpteenth time." Sebastian told her. "And we told him just what he could do with it."
"Bas."
"Lexi, his Dad was with him so I didn't fly completely off the handle."
"He didn't. He just told Kurt what we both felt. That his words are empty and his actions are going to say more to us than his words ever will."
"I have a feeling his Dad didn't like that." Cooper said.
"He didn't, but it's true. And I have a feeling even Kurt knew what Bas said was true. He's apologized too many times for us to believe him anymore." Blaine just looked at Cooper. "Nothing else happened, I promise. We've told you everything."
"I trust you. I know you guys wouldn't let anything happen to these two." Cooper told him. "But we better get going. I see the table is set for two and the timer is dwindling. Thanks again for watching them."
"And I'll tell you the same thing I told Lexi this morning, it wasn't a problem. We're happy to help. Right Bas?"
"Absolutely."
"Well, we'll gather everything on our own since you guys are about to eat." Lexi said before giving each of them a kiss. "Have a nice night guys."
"Oh, we will." Sebastian replied causing both Lexi and Cooper to stifle laughs. "Don't go there with us, you two are just as bad."
