Two Steps Beyond
Part 10
By the time Sebastian finally returned to their apartment it was a few hours later. He honestly couldn't tell you how many laps he made around the park by the time he decided to head home. The only thing he knew at that moment was that he needed to see Blaine. When he walked in, the apartment was a bit dark as only natural light was coming in and the sun had already started to set. "Blaine." His voice was soft and cautious as he called out. "Blaine, I'm back." With no response Sebastian could feel the sickening feeling in his stomach returning. Could Blaine had left? But if he had, where'd he go. Sebastian was just about to call his sister to see if Blaine was there when he came to the couch and saw Blaine curled up and asleep. From what Sebastian could see in the dim light, Blaine's cheeks were tear-stained.
Before proceeding any further Sebastian decided to go to their bedroom hoping for a clue as to what was going through Blaine's head. When he walked inside he flipped the light on and let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Sitting on their bed was Blaine's suitcase completely packed. After looking around a bit, he was relieved to see the rest of Blaine's things were still where they belonged. So after changing into something a bit more comfortable, Sebastian headed back out to the living room.
As he knelt down next to the couch he saw something he hadn't noticed prior. Held tightly in Blaine's arms was a teddy bear Sebastian had bought for him after hearing him comment about how cute the one Brittany had gotten Jeff was. She told him it was so he wouldn't be alone when she wasn't around. Sebastian felt a lump form in the back of his throat at the thought. The little bear was cute, but there was no way it was going to take his place.
"Blaine, I'm back." Sebastian said softly while running his hand down Blaine's side. After saying his name softly for a while, Blaine's eyes started to flutter open. Instead of the usual smile that would creep to his face, Blaine just looked at Sebastian since he was unsure about what was going to happen next. "You okay to talk or do you need more time to wake up?"
"I'm okay." Blaine replied while sitting up on the couch. "Where'd you go?"
"The park."
"You've been there the whole time?"
"Yes. I can't even tell you how many times I walked the circuit."
"Are we okay Bas?" Blaine asked while clutching his bear tightly. "I'm so sorry for what I said. I didn't mean for it to come out the way it did. I just…" While Blaine spoke his tears started to flow again. "I don't want you to see me as a burden." By this point Sebastian had gotten up off the floor and was now sitting next to him.
"You could never be a burden B. It just hurt that you thought I could possible feel that way. Yes, the guy you first met might've been like that, but I'm not him anymore. Am I still arrogant, sure? But I'm not selfish like I used to be, at least in certain aspects of my life. I wanted to take this trip with you because I want to see things with you. See things the way you do. When I was around them all the time my view on life was so jaded. So seeing them anew with you was something I was truly looking forward too."
"I never meant it that way Bas, honest."
"I know. But you see how I could take it that way. I wasn't always the guy I am right now and it felt like you were throwing that back at me." Sebastian then wiped some of Blaine's tears off his cheek.
"Bas, you never answered my question. Are we alright?"
"Yes, we're alright B. Now for my question, do you still want to go?"
"Yes, if you still want to go with me."
"I still want to go with you."
"Bas."
"Yes B."
"You might change your mind once I tell you something." Blaine then turned slightly so that he was completely facing Sebastian. "After you left I…I looked up our flight to make sure you hadn't canceled it."
"Oh."
"I'm sorry Bas. I didn't realize….fuck. What the hell is wrong with me?" Sensing that Blaine was about to cry again Sebastian wrapped his arms around him, slightly crushing the teddy bear between them.
"There's nothing wrong with you B. Look at me." Sebastian waited till Blaine was looking at him to continue speaking. "That oh was because I'm disappointed that you saw part of your surprise, that's all."
"I shouldn't have looked."
"You had all the right in the world to look. I'd be lying if I told you I didn't check our reservations while I was out as well. I was afraid you were going to cancel as well."
"Bas, no sooner did you leave did I feel horrible. I came running after you but, well you know, you were already gone. That's why I tried calling you."
"I know and I'm sorry for not answering but I needed to think which I'm sure you needed to do as well. Do you know what I realized?" Blaine shook his head. "That there is no doubt how much I love you. And there was no way I was going to let a little disagreement ruin a trip we're both looking forward too."
"I felt the same way. I knew I loved you, but didn't realize just how much till I realized you might not come back. You were right all that time ago."
"About what?"
"That we were in love with each other long before we were together." Sebastian then leaned his head down so that their foreheads were pressed together.
"Now, can I ask you something B?"
"Anything."
"Now that you saw, what did you think of the little addition to our trip?"
"I was surprised, shocked, happy. I felt so many things when I saw it. And what's with the upgraded tickets?"
"That wasn't me that was my Dad. Sort of a, I'm sorry your Mother was such a bitch, type gift. And there was no way I was saying no to first-class tickets to and from Europe."
The more they talked to each other, the more they started to relax. Blaine continued to apologize for what he said, while Sebastian apologized for walking out. It wasn't long till they started to laugh about what had happened because they realized just how badly they'd both overreacted. "Bas."
"Yes."
"You do realize what just happened, right?"
"No, enlighten me."
"That was our first fight, if you want to call it that. I mean, we've disagreed with each other before. But, you know what I mean."
"Hell, if it took us almost ten months to get there we're doing pretty well. Sadly though, I'm sure it'll happen again."
"I know. It's not something I really want to think about. You know my Mom asked me if we'd ever had a fight."
"Did she now?"
"Yes. When I told her that we really hadn't she just smiled. Said that some couples fight, some don't. Those that don't usually talk a lot and can get a handle on things before they get too bad."
"Guess we fall into that second category for the most part, because we do talk a lot. I guess with everything that's gone down between us to get here we know we need to talk. But you know what that means, right B?"
"Make up sex." Sebastian couldn't stop himself from laughing. A smile crept to his face when he saw Blaine start to blush. He took his hand and tucked one of Blaine's random curls behind his ear.
"And people think I'm the one with sex on my mind constantly. Though, I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it a lot. It's hard not to when I've got such a sexy boyfriend."
"So was I right?"
"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but no, at least not yet. Right now the only thing I want to do is just hold you. This is going to sound pathetic, but what the hell. I was jealous of the way you were cuddling with that bear."
"He's got a name Bas." Blaine then took the bear's paw and waved at Sebastian.
"Blaine."
"Come on Bas. No cuddles till you say it."
"Fine, I was jealous of the way you were cuddling Joel."
"Much better." Blaine replied while he relaxed in Sebastian's embrace, while still holding his bear. "That wasn't so hard, was it Bas."
"No. This might sound weird, but I'm glad this happened today and not tomorrow."
"Why?"
"I can't imagine going through this the day we're supposed to be leaving. Which reminds me, give me one sec and I'm all yours for the rest of the night." Sebastian then took his phone out of his pocket.
"What are you doing?"
"Checking us in, less than twenty-four hours till we leave killer. No turning back now." Blaine glanced back at Sebastian while he spoke and was greeted by a kiss on his forehead. "How long did it take you to pack?"
"You saw that, did you?"
"I actually checked our bedroom before waking you. Thought it might give me an idea of where we stood."
"You checked the whole thing, didn't you?"
"Yes, do you blame me?"
"No, I would've done the same thing. And to answer your original question, it took me about an hour." They started to talk again and were mid-conversation when Blaine's phone went off.
"You can get that, I won't mind."
"I don't want to, she'll leave a message. Right now I just want this time to just be us." While Blaine spoke, Sebastian laced their fingers together. "You do realize you're holding Joel now too." Blaine said with a slight chuckle.
"I know." Sebastian replied with a smile. "By the way, I don't know how I never realized that before but cute ringtone for Rachel."
"Thanks. I almost chose a Streisand song, but I figured a song about her was better." Blaine was just about to say something else when his phone started going off again.
"You should probably get it. She wouldn't call back like that if it wasn't important." Even though he wasn't in the mood to talk to Rachel, he knew Sebastian was right so he reach over to the table for his phone.
"Yes Rachel."
"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
"Sort of, but it's alright. What's so important?" Sebastian then said hello before leaning his head back. "No, Bas isn't frustrated. It's just been a long day. Now, why are you calling?"
"What happened to cause you to change your phone number?"
"I'd rather not get into it right now Rach. It was going to happen sooner or later, we just did it sooner. Why?"
"Kurt sort of flipped out because of it."
"I don't care. Is that all?"
"I just thought you'd want to know. And I can't believe I'm saying this, he wants to apologize to both you and Seb."
"That'll have to wait till he sees us again and that won't be anytime soon since we leave for vacation tomorrow."
"Alright. Well, if I don't talk to you tomorrow I hope you two have an incredible time. Make lots of memories Blaine."
"Thanks Rachel. We plan on it. Night." When Blaine ended the call he rested his head against Sebastian.
"Do I even want to know what that was about or do I already know the answer?"
"You already know. Seems someone has tried to reach me since the number change and is a little surprised that I changed my number."
"Sucks for him. Did she say why he wanted to talk to you?"
"He wants to apologize, to both of us."
"How quaint, that's going to be an apology a long time coming."
"You heard me; I told her the same thing. She also hopes we have an incredible time and we need to make lots of memories."
"I have a feeling those two things are highly possible." By the time they finally headed to bed it was well past midnight. "Not that I mind B, but is Joel joining us in bed this evening or is he going back to being a voyeur?"
"Being a voyeur." Blaine replied while setting his bear back on the dresser. When he turned back around Sebastian was already changed and was just standing there in his boxers. "I know what I said earlier Bas, but…"
"I know B, I feel the same way. It can wait, we're both exhausted." Sebastian replied while getting into bed. It didn't take long for Blaine to change and join Sebastian in bed. That night for the first time in a long time they stayed wrapped in each other's embrace the entire time they slept. The bit of drama from the day took a toll on both of them as they slept in once again. It was really starting to become a habit they could easily get used to. "Morning." Sebastian purred softly while starting to run his fingers through Blaine's hair. "How'd you sleep?"
"Good, you?" Blaine replied before placing a kiss to Sebastian's chest.
"Same. So, are you excited?" He didn't get a verbal answer, just felt Blaine nodded against his chest. "Whatcha doing?" Sebastian asked once he felt Blaine tracing patterns on his chest.
"Nothing really, just trying to keep calm. Don't want my nerves getting the better of me today."
"If they do, we'll deal with it, together. We covered a lot last night, so I think we've both got a much better understanding of what the other was feeling. And so you know, I plan on taking a ton of pictures of you on this trip."
"Only if I can do the same in return."
"Deal."
"Bas, when we were talking last night you said the additional stop on our trip was one of my surprises."
"Correct."
"How many are there?"
"Not telling, you're just going to have to wait and see."
"That's not fair."
"Sorry, but I'm not telling."
"I have my ways Bas."
"Do you now?" Blaine just nodded and moved so that he was now lying on top of Sebastian. "And just what do you have in mind?" Sebastian asked while Blaine looked down on him.
"I think you know."
"Not that I'm going to stop you, but it still won't work." The way Sebastian said it, Blaine knew that whatever other surprises he had in store, must be pretty important for him to not waver at all. Usually, he'd give a little hint, but not this time. "If I'm not saying anything does this mean we're going to stop?"
"No, I just won't try to get your to spill whatever it is you have in store for us."
"Thank you."
They were still lying in bed after enjoying their interpretation of make-up sex when Sebastian's phone rang. "Morning sis."
"It's afternoon Bas."
"Whatever, so what can I do for you?"
"Well, we were wondering if we were going to get to see you two before you leave today."
"We as in you and the kids or we as in all of you?"
"All of us. Cooper just got off set after filming most of the night and would love to see you guys as well." Sebastian glanced down at Blaine who looked completely content lying next to him while Lexi spoke.
"Considering we don't have too much time before we need to leave would it be possible for you guys to come over here? That way we can get ready while you're on your way over."
"We can do that. Judging by your answer you'd prefer we walk over, don't you?"
"Yes, if it wouldn't be a problem."
"Deal."
After getting off the phone with Lexi, Sebastian started to rub Blaine's back gently. "I'm guessing you heard we're going to have company."
"Yes, I don't mind. Like them I'd like to see them before we leave as well. Plus we should be getting out of bed anyhow. We've spent the entire morning here as well as the early part of the afternoon. Care to join me for a shower?"
"I'd love too."
Sebastian was still doing his hair when the doorbell rang so Blaine went to go answer it. When they all walked in Blaine swore he saw Lexi's eyes tear up a bit seeing their suitcases in the hallway. "Bas should be out in a minute, he's just doing his hair." He told them as they sat down.
"He realizes it's only us, he doesn't need to be perfectly coiffed." Lexi said while she and Cooper took the kids out of the stroller.
"Yes I do. Don't know if I'll have time after you guys leave."
"Bas, you're going to be on a plane for about seven hours, give or take. I'm sure Blaine isn't going to mind you not looking perfect. Plus, you'll be sleeping for part of it."
"Since when is it a crime to look nice, sheesh." Blaine just looked up at Sebastian and shook his head. "But I totally get what you mean. I did my hair so I won't have to work as hard to look presentable after we arrive. We've got a busy time in jolly old England ahead of us."
"What do you have planned?"
"I'm not at liberty to say." Sebastian replied once he and Blaine sat down. "Just know we're going to sight-see, explore, and enjoy ourselves."
"Since when are vacation plans so secretive?" Cooper asked not happy with the answer he received.
"Since Bas has a few surprises in store for me." Blaine replied. Cooper just nodded at Blaine's response in understanding.
"Now, I'm glad to see you two did what you were talking about."
"Us too." Sebastian replied. "Found out last night that he tried again and wasn't too happy with the number change."
"I'm honestly not surprised. How'd you find out?"
"Rachel." Blaine replied. "She said he wants to apologize to both of us."
"For?"
"Don't know, don't care. He's the last thing I want to think or talk about prior to vacation."
"Bas, you have both sets of house keys, right?" Lexi asked.
"Yes, they are in my carry-on and Blaine watched me put them in there along with my passport."
"Good. And I did pass on your new numbers to Tasha like you asked."
"Thanks sis."
It was about two hours later when ringing caught Blaine and Sebastian off guard.
"What's that?" Blaine asked.
"That would be the concierge desk. The phone is over by the piano." Lexi told them while giggling slightly. "It's the only thing that line is for. Think of it as direct access to Walter." Lexi, Blaine, and Cooper continued to talk while Sebastian went to answer it.
"Time for us to go B, our limo is here." The huge smile that crept onto Blaine's face was such a welcomed sight to Sebastian. It seemed that any last nerves were gone and Blaine was ready to enjoy their trip. "You guys going to walk us out?"
"Absolutely." While Cooper and Lexi got Braeden and Jocelyn settled back in the stroller, Sebastian made one last sweep of the apartment to make sure they didn't leave anything behind. "Good to go?" Lexi asked once Sebastian came to the door and grabbed his suitcase.
"Yes. First stop, JFK, then onto London Heathrow. Let's do this killer!" Blaine stretched to give Sebastian a kiss before they headed out.