Two Steps Beyond

Part 17

Their second trip to the Louvre was a night and day difference from their first. No longer were either of their minds preoccupied by something other than what they were looking at. Knowing they might not make it back again, they made it a point of seeing all of the major pieces regardless of that sending them all over and doing lots of backtracking. "These pieces are amazing Bas. No picture can do them justice. And the fact that so many of them are centuries old is just crazy."

"That's very true. When I went to school here there was a whole class devoted to art history. It wasn't till I came here the first time did I get a better appreciation of everything."

"You realize by the time we fill my parents in on our trip they're going to be surprised."

"Why?"

"The amount of culture we've taken in. My Mom is going to be shocked that we've spent entire days in museums and galleries."

"We're cultured young men B. Even, if we did spend a good portion of a day indulging in Harry Potter and see Spamalot. If it would make you feel better we could try and squeeze in Disneyland Paris."

"I might've said yes if we weren't planning to spend at least one day at Disney World when we go to Orlando."

"Before this trip is over we'll be indulging in even more culture."

"Are we now?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"Tonight."

"Where are we going?"

"Not going to be that easy to get it out of me B. Now come on, we've still got lots to see before we head back to the house to get ready."

A few hours later they finally made their way back to the house. "I love our friends Bas, but I'm pretty sure a few of them would've been having a giggle fest at the Louvre."

"Are you saying they wouldn't have been able to resist making comments about all the naked bodies that were represented?"

"Exactly. There is a reason why quite a few of them are single."

Once they were back up in their room Blaine watched as Sebastian took his clothes out. Just as he said, they were definitely dressing nicely for the evening. "I need to go press my shirt B, does yours need it too?"

"Are you offering to iron for me Bas?"

"Yes, so if it needs it jump on the offer because I don't do it often." Blaine walked over to the closet and took out the dress shirt he'd planned on wearing and handed it to Sebastian.

"It just needs a light press and maybe some starch in the collar." While he spoke, Blaine truly tried not to laugh and that was difficult after seeing Sebastian expression.

"Watch it or I just might starch something else smartass." Once Sebastian left the room Blaine took out the rest of the clothes he was going to wear and started to get dressed. He was just putting his shoes on when Sebastian came walking back in with both shirts. "I hope it's up to your standards." Sebastian told him before handing it too him.

"It's looks great Bas, thank you."

"You're welcome." Since he only had to put his shirt and tie on Blaine took his time since Sebastian still had to get completely dressed. It shouldn't have surprised Blaine as before he knew it Sebastian was doing up his tie. "I'll only need a few more minutes B since I need to fix my hair." Sebastian watched Blaine carefully after he spoke. "No comment today?"

"No, since you need to do it. It got a little flat when we were out today." It didn't take long before they were ready to go. "Do I need my camera tonight Bas?"

"No, though we should probably take a picture before we leave considering we've taken one before each outing. And I know your Mom and Lexi both love seeing us dressed up." After taking a couple of pictures Blaine watched Sebastian walk over to his bag and pull out some tickets.

"Are you going to tell me where we're going now that we're leaving?"

"Sadly no, you'll find out once we get there."

The taxi ride was relatively quiet once Blaine gave up trying to get Sebastian to tell him where they were going. All Sebastian would say is that it was worth the wait. It wasn't till the pulled up out front did Blaine realize just where they were. "Bas, are we seeing the ballet?"

"Yes, we're seeing the ballet in one of the most spectacular venues possible, Palais Garnier. And since you're a fan of Phantom you'll get quite the kick out of it once we're inside." As the entered the building Sebastian watched Blaine take in his surroundings. To call the venue majestic could actually be considered an underestimate since it was simple breathtaking. The grand staircase alone brings out numerous feelings alone.

"Now I get what you meant by saying we were definitely taking in some culture while we're here." Sebastian just smiled as they walked. Sebastian had made sure they got there earlier enough so they'd be able to walk around some instead of just rushing to their seats.

"So you know, Lexi is going to be jealous that we're here. This is honestly her favorite place in Paris. Add to the fact that we're not just touring it but seeing the ballet, yea, she's going to be jealous."

"She'll just have to convince Cooper to come next time they come out here which I'm sure won't be too far in the future."

"That's probably correct considering I told Lexi we all needed to come back to London at least so I can drive the car."

"You honestly want to come back just so you can drive her car."

"Yes."

"What did she say about it?"

"She said, it was fine with her since Cooper wants to come back as well. We'll just need to find a stretch of time that works for all of us."

Blaine had never been one for the ballet before though he always went with his parents. His Mom wanted both of her boys to be cultured. But seeing the ballet in Paris and in such a beautiful venue made the experience all the more enjoyable. When it ended they both stayed in their seats for a while and let the crowd disperse before trying to make their way out.

"Did you enjoy yourself B since I knew I took a chance by getting us tickets to the ballet?" Sebastian asked once they got in their taxi.

"I did actually, thank you. The opera house it's self is stunning. And for the ballet, I really enjoyed it. I'm surprised you like the ballet."

"My grandparents used to take Lexi and I all the time. At first I wasn't thrilled about going, but the older I got, my appreciation for it grew." They were almost back to the house and Sebastian could tell that something was bothering Blaine. "What is it B?"

"Nothing."

"Don't do that to me, I know something is going through that head of yours so spill."

"With everything that happened with Jean, why didn't you try and tell your grandparents or your Dad?" Sebastian sighed softly and gave Blaine's hand a squeeze.

"That would be because of what he said he'd do to them. And unfortunately he didn't make idle threats."

"Since that's the case, can we just leave tomorrow?"

"You're scared, aren't you?"

"A little, but I'm more worried about you."

"If you want to leave tomorrow, we can. But I don't think we have to worry."

"And why is that?"

"Because that day Jean realized I'm not the same little kid he could push around. Even though he wants me back, he knows that will never happen. He knows how much I hate him."

"Can I ask what got you so riled up when the two of you were talking? After a bit I couldn't keep track as my knowledge of the French language isn't as vast as yours." Sebastian just sighed after Blaine spoke.

"The comments he made about you B. He wanted to know if I'd be willing to share you with him or if it was possible for him to have both of us." Blaine looked directly at Sebastian after those words left his lips. "But I let him know in no uncertain terms that he can't push me around anymore. And that if he even looked at you, I'd tell everyone what he's really like. I learned a few things hanging around him those years and also know a few people that wouldn't take too kindly to his little secret."

"Why didn't you do something like that back then?"

"I was a scared little kid. And at that time the only thing I cared about was protecting Lexi. He knew things about her that he should have never known so it was pretty clear he was keeping tabs on her to keep me in line."

"That's just completely messed up."

"I know." Sebastian replied just as they arrived at the house. "Let's finish this inside." He then paid their driver before heading inside. Once inside they made their way to the living room and got comfortable before continuing their conversation.

"Bas, if you knew there was a chance of seeing him, why did we come to Paris?"

"First off, I love the city. And secondly, and probably the most important is you wanted to come and I wanted to experience Paris with you."

"If I had known…"

"There is no way you would've B, so don't even think about it. And if I really didn't want to be here, I could've figured a way out of us coming. Even though a couple of days have passed, I still can't believe I told you since I've never told a soul. But if feels…"

"Like a weights been lifted off your shoulders."

"Off my whole body. I hadn't realized just how much that whole situation had weighed on me."

"Like we said in the taxi, it was messed up. And you never should've had to go through that Bas."

"Now you know why I'm so screwed up."

"You're not screwed up. You've just had some really shitty things happen to you. The fact that you're as sane as you are is a miracle because I don't think I could've survived it."

"Don't sell yourself short B, you're much stronger than you realize."

"I'm going to say this one last time and then I'm going to drop it. You should…"

"Tell Lexi, I know." Blaine just glanced back at Sebastian once he finished Blaine's sentence for him. "I want to tell her, but at the same time I know that it would bring her world crashing around her. She couldn't ever figure out why I'd become such an ass to everyone besides her. I think in the end she just figured it was teenage hormones gone wild, since I've always told her basically everything that's going on with me."

"Don't sell her short Bas. Though if you do tell her Jean better watch out because I bet she'd be on the first flight to Paris and on the virtual warpath."

"All I can tell you B is that I'll consider it, but I can't promise it's going to happen. Like I said before, I still can't believe I told you because I swore that was something I was going to take to my grave with me."

They probably ended up talking for a couple more hours before finally heading up to bed. Once they were settled Sebastian glanced down at Blaine who was reading while leaning against Sebastian. "Guess you're not tired either, huh Bas?"

"Why do you think that?"

"Because you're fidgeting behind me."

"I'm just thinking."

"About?"

"What you said, about leaving Paris early." With those words, Blaine set his book down on the bed and turned so he could look at Sebastian. "Do you still want to even after everything we talked about?"

"I'll leave that up to you."

"Blaine."

"I mean it Bas. I'm fine here after what you said. But if you'd rather us leave I'm fine with that as well. Though if we do leave, can we make it a whole new destination instead of just getting to our last one a few days early?"

"And just where would you like to go?"

"Surprise me."

"We both know how well you handle surprises B."

"This time I won't pry, promise. You can take me where ever you want, no questions asked."

"I just might do that. Now why don't we try and get some sleep in the meantime?"

Surprisingly both of them fell asleep rather quickly. So when Sebastian's eyes opened he was surprised to see the sun was up. He glanced over at the clock and couldn't believe it was already morning. But after looking over at Blaine who seemed to be sleeping rather peacefully, Sebastian decided now would be the perfect opportunity to do some research. So he leaned over to the nightstand and grabbed his laptop. After situating some pillows behind him he went to work. As much as Blaine might've said he was fine staying in Paris, Sebastian wasn't going to let him be uncomfortable. And if he was being completely honest with himself, he'd rather leave as well. By the time Blaine woke up, Sebastian was hoping to be able to tell him a new destination.

Just as Blaine rolled over and opened his eyes he saw Sebastian putting his credit card back in his wallet. "I take it we're going to be leaving. By the way, morning." Blaine's voice was groggy since he was still waking up.

"Morning." Sebastian said prior to leaning over and giving Blaine a kiss. "And you're correct we're going to be leaving, tomorrow morning."

"Are you going to tell me where we're going or is it a surprise?"

"We're going to Barcelona."

"Nice, any particular reason?"

"It sounded good and I thought you'd like it. But since this is a spur of the moment trip, when we get back here today we'll have to do a little research to know where to go since we'll only be there for two days."

"I think that can be arranged." Blaine said while moving closer and resting his head on Sebastian's chest. "How long have you been up?"

"Maybe an hour, I didn't wake you, did I?"

"No, I didn't know you were up till I opened my eyes. Oh, we should probably let our parents know our change of plans so they don't freak."

"It's already taken care of B. I've already sent our revised itinerary to my Dad as well as both your parents."

"What about Lexi and Coop?"

"Done as well, you asked too quickly. I hadn't gotten to them yet. But now that we're leaving tomorrow we should probably get up and moving. We've got a lot left to see and not much time to do it in. And give me two must-sees."

"Notre Dame as well as the Arc de Triomphe. Oh, and I also want us to get some more macarons."

"That's definitely do-able today. So, let's go take a shower so we can start our day."

"Cooper. Cooper!" Lexi called out as she walked down the stairs, hoping that her husband was still home. "Coop, you still here?" She had just about reached the foyer when Cooper came walking out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee in hand.

"I'm still here, what's going on? You sound worried."

"Have you checked your email yet this morning?"

"Can't say I have why? Have Blaine and Bas done something else amazing?"

"They've altered their itinerary."

"How so, are they coming home early?" Hearing that they'd altered their plans definitely peaked Cooper's interest."

"No, but they are leaving Paris tomorrow."

"Did they say why?"

"No and that's what bothers me. It's not like Bas to do something like this without an explanation. And considering Paris is his favorite city something about this just doesn't sit right with me." While she spoke Cooper wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a hug. It was pretty clear to him that she was worried.

"Have you tried calling them? Maybe they were in such a hurry this morning when they sent out their new plans they didn't think of giving an explanation. I know Blaine can be spontaneous, maybe they just decided they wanted to see some place else on a whim. It's going to be awhile till they'll have the opportunity to go back." Lexi just looked up at Cooper, thankful that her husband was clearly making sense. "Where are they going?"

"Barcelona for two days before heading onto Venice."

"Sounds nice, for all we know they saw everything they wanted in Paris and felt it would be time better spent seeing another city since they're so close."

"That's highly possible. I just wish they said why."

"Have you called them? I'm only asking again because you never answered me the first time I asked."

"I tried Bas, but he didn't answer his phone."

"Did you leave him a message?"

"Of course I did. I left one for Blaine as well. Figured between the two of them there is a better chance I get a call back."

"Not to burst your bubble dear, but they are on vacation. And well, checking their phones might now be their top priority. Plus from some of the pictures, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but they are definitely having their share of romantic times on this trip." As he spoke all Cooper could think about was his poorly timed phone call.

"You're right. And technically they are adults so I shouldn't be reacting like this. They're entitled to do what they please without consulting anyone else."

"Lexi, you're entitled to be worried. You care about and love both of them. Just take solace in the fact that they were smart enough to send the updated plans before just hopping on a plane and heading off."

"You're right. I knew I married you for a reason." She then stretched up on her tiptoes and gave Cooper a kiss. "You can always see clearly when I worry."

"And here I thought you married me for my looks and our amazing sex life."

"Cooper!" Lexi said rather loudly while trying to fight the blush forming on her cheeks. "Those were not the main reasons why I married you."

"But they were still some of the reasons." Cooper then leaned down and gave her a kiss. "And as much as I'd much rather take you upstairs and get your mind off of what's troubling it, I need to get going. But know if you're still concerned about them when I get home I'll see what I can do on both fronts, okay?"

"Okay. I love you Coop!

"Love you too!"