Two Steps Beyond
Part 19
After the past few days, Blaine and Sebastian enjoyed waking up on their own accorded. This was one of the rare mornings where Blaine woke to find Sebastian still sound asleep. Seeing him like this always warmed Blaine's heart as it was some of the only times he looked completely at peace. And after finding out about everything Sebastian had dealt with in his young life, these moments meant even more. He had taken on way more than any teenager ever should have, all because of the love he had for his sister.
The more they had discussed things Blaine truly had a better understanding why Sebastian felt like he couldn't turn to anyone. And as much as he thinks he might've handled things differently, Blaine knows deep down he probably would've done the exact thing Sebastian did. With Sebastian still sleeping Blaine grabbed the laptop off of the nightstand and decided to do a bit of research. With all the running around they had done the previous day, albeit enjoyable, Blaine wanted to find something for them to do that day which was relaxing, yet fun. He'd just put the laptop back on the nightstand when Sebastian rolled over and threw an arm over him.
Thinking Sebastian wanted to cuddle Blaine waited for Sebastian's hold to either tighten or to bring his body closer to Blaine's. When neither of these things happened Blaine bent over enough to see that Sebastian was still sleeping. Now that he had their day planned Blaine decided they didn't have to rush off anywhere and carefully lied back down in bed. Something must've clicked in Sebastian's subconscious because the next thing Blaine felt was Sebastian pressed up against him and his head now on his chest. Enjoying this moment since it didn't happen too often, Blaine began to gently run his fingers through Sebastian's hair. He hadn't been doing it long, when it dawned on Blaine how long Sebastian's hair had gotten since the last time he'd done this. It took a bit but he realized that with all the running around they had been doing it had been well over a month since either of them had gotten a haircut.
It was almost an hour later before Sebastian started to stir again. This time it was clear he was actually waking up and not just readjusting. "Morning Bas." Blaine said softly as to not startle him since his eyes still weren't open yet.
"Morning." Sebastian mumbled while pulling Blaine closer if that was even possible. "How long have you been up?" He asked, though most of it was muffled since he was speaking into Blaine's chest.
"About an hour, how'd you sleep?"
"Really well, you?" This time Sebastian's voice was a bit clearer as he'd turned his head slightly.
"The same, by the way, I decided what we should do today."
"Did you now?"
"Yes, would you like to hear it?"
"That would be nice."
"We're going to go to, Parc de la Ciutadella." Blaine could see Sebastian arch his eyebrow from where he was. "It's a big park on the north side of town. It's the home of the zoo as well as that fountain we read about. Does that sound alright with you?"
"Sounds perfect actually, it's the type of day we both need. When do you want to leave?"
"I'm in no rush. Figure we can take a shower and then have breakfast at one of the cafes nearby. Also, I checked Jeff and Nick's little project. They've picked up quite the following."
"Do I want to know?"
"They now have over three hundred people subscribed to the page. So basically, anyone who was ever a Warbler along with our friends, are now following our trip."
"We should send a picture of us now."
"I'm pretty sure they could do without a picture of us in bed."
"Their loss."
After cuddling just a bit longer they both finally made their way to the bathroom to take a shower. The shower in the hotel was almost like their one back in New York. With water hitting them from both sides as well as from above they probably spent longer in there than they had planned. But as they were getting ready neither of them seemed bothered by their relaxed start to the day. "Almost ready Bas?"
"Just grabbing my camera, I needed to transfer the pictures from yesterday onto the laptop." It wasn't long after that that they were on their way. Once they reached the lobby they asked the concierge where they'd still be able to get breakfast at that hour. They were both relieved to hear that most of the restaurants and cafes nearby served breakfast for quite a while still. So after telling the concierge what they were in the mood for, he gave them his recommendation which was only a couple blocks away.
Once they arrived at the café they quickly found seats on the outdoor patio and waited for a waitress. "All these outdoor cafes are going to be sorely missed when we get home Bas. I like watching everything that's going on around us."
"Me too, if I remember correctly we only ate inside during our special nights out and well, you remember the other time. When we get back to New York we'll have to ask Lexi about places that have outdoor cafes."
"That's an excellent idea."
After perusing the menu for a while, they both decided to get something different so that they'd be able to try whatever the other got. Blaine ended up going with Torrijas while Sebastian ordered Spanish Tortilla. While they waited for their food, Sebastian started to fill Blaine in on what was going to be happening once they left Barcelona. Even though their end point was going to be Venice, they were going to be flying into Rome. So after some deliberations, they decided that they'd explore Rome after they arrived and head to Venice early the next morning. Once their food arrived their talked quieted down some since they were both enjoying their meal.
"I was thinking Bas." Blaine said while they walked towards the park. "After exploring the zoo, why don't we rent some bikes and go for a ride or something."
"If that's what you want to do, it's fine with me."
"Bas, I need to say something to you." When the words left his mouth they stopped walking and turned to face each other. Sebastian just looked at him, curious as to what he was going to say. "This might sound weird, but after everything that's happened Lexi's words are ringing so true to me."
"And just what tidbits of knowledge did she share with you."
"That there is more to you than anyone would ever know."
"How so?"
"Bas, she's always known the sweet and loving side of you that you didn't seem to share with anyone. Yet by some blessing you've let me in. And now it's time for me to say I'm sorry."
"You've got nothing to be sorry for B."
"Yes I do. I should apologize for ever believing you truly were the egotistical ass you presented yourself as."
"But you've told me you always knew there was more to me."
"I did, but that didn't stop me for questioning that feeling once in a while. Now I know why you did it."
"You do realize you can't tell anyone what I told you."
"I know that and that's a promise I made to you that I don't take lightly. No one is ever going to hear about what happened from me."
Once they finally arrived at the park they both knew this was the perfect destination for them. It was still allowing them to take in amazing views and scenery, all while having a day to themselves. With as perfect as the weather was, they made their way towards the back of the park in order to get a picture of the fountain. The size of the fountain made them happy they'd actually brought their good camera with them that day since there was no way their smaller ones was going to be able to get it all in one shot. After getting quite a few shots of the fountain itself, Sebastian grabbed his phone out of his pocket so they'd have the obligatory photo of the day for their friends.
With all the fun they had the previous day, they knew they were going to be taking quite a few pictures that day as well. Though there wouldn't be as many to send to the guys.
Now that they had the pictures of the fountain taken with relatively few people around they headed for the zoo hoping it would be just as quiet. "B, is it just me or each time we've gone to a zoo I've thought of Britt?"
"It's not just you; I've done the same thing. Especially anytime we've seen new cubs. And you realize we're going to be going to both zoos in the city once they move out there."
"I know. I was thinking that even though the twins are little we could take them off Lexi's hands one of the days and bring them with us. I'm sure she'd appreciate a free day."
"That's a pretty good idea. And maybe we can get Nick to push the stroller."
"Why?" Sebastian asked while cocking his eyebrow.
"Babies are chick magnets Bas. Girls won't be able to stop themselves from coming up to him. They'll think he's oh so sweet."
"So you want us to pimp out our niece and nephew so that Nick can get some."
"Did you really need to put it that way?"
"It seemed to fit, but it would only be pimping if Nick paid us." Blaine just shook his head and smiled up at Sebastian. It was moments like this where Blaine was usually hoping no one was paying attention to them. They spent quite a few hours in the zoo before heading back to the park. "Do you still want to take that bike ride B?"
"Not really." Sebastian just looked down at him after he answered and the look didn't go unnoticed by Blaine. "I still want to do something, just not bike."
"Care to fill me in?"
"Well, when we were walking over here and passed the lake I saw that they rent boats to take out on it. How does that sound to you?" Sebastian lowered his sunglasses on his noses and looked over them at Blaine. There was something about the way he was looking at Blaine that threw him off kilter, in that moment he couldn't read him.
"Sure, sounds like fun!" Sebastian replied enthusiastically while pushing his sunglasses back up his nose. That response earned him a playful shove from Blaine who was trying not to laugh. "Come now B, I can't always seem so eager."
"I honestly thought for a moment you didn't want to do it."
"Being out on the middle of a lake with you on a boat, how could I justly resist?" When he spoke, the smile on his face conveyed that this was something he really wanted to do. "Just one question, which one of us is going to do the rowing?" Blaine just looked up at Sebastian and batted his eyelashes.
"That's not fair, B."
"I'm not doing anything."
"Right." Sebastian said before laughing. "Alright, I'll row, just not the entire time. I'm going to want to take a few pictures and I can't do that while rowing at the same time."
"And here I thought you were multi-talented."
"You know I am and when we get back to the hotel I'll show just how talented I am." Blaine couldn't take his eyes off of Sebastian at that moment. There was something about the tone of his voice that just drew him in completely. Yes, he might've batted his eyelashes to get Sebastian to row, but he was going to end up getting more than he bargained for, though he was definitely not going to complain.
They were almost back to their hotel after grabbing an early dinner when Sebastian stopped dead in his tracks. "Bas, what's wrong?" Blaine looked up at Sebastian and the carefree look that had been on his face all day was now gone and he had gone practically pale as a ghost. "Bas." He didn't get an answer from Sebastian just his arm pushing Blaine behind him slightly.
When two men approached them and began speaking in French to Sebastian, Blaine felt his stomach begin to knot. With his mind racing a mile a minute Blaine only caught parts of the conversation. The parts he caught caused him to take ahold of Sebastian's hand and give it a squeeze. The two men speaking with Sebastian worked for Jean. "Blaine, why don't you go up to the room?"
"I'm not leaving you Bas."
"Blaine." There was a pleading look in Sebastian's eyes that normally would've convinced Blaine to just do what he asked, but this time he just couldn't.
"I'm sorry Bas, but I won't. I'm not leaving your side." As much as Sebastian might've wanted Blaine to head up to their room, the relief that shown in his eyes when Blaine said he wasn't leaving him spoke volumes about what he was feeling. "If he wants to see you, he has to see me as well." Blaine felt Sebastian's grip on his hand tighten before he glanced down just enough to give Blaine a small smile.
They ended up following the men for a few blocks till they reached a park near the marina. Sebastian just looked down at Blaine after they were told where to go as Jean was at a table near the water. "Are you sure you want to do this Blaine?"
"Like I told you, I'm not leaving your side." Sebastian leaned down and gave Blaine a soft kiss before they continued on. "Is there are reason why those guys aren't coming with us?"
"They're keeping a look out to make sure we're not interrupted. Plus I doubt Jean let them know the real reason why he came all this way to see me. He doesn't really let anyone in on his little secret though I'm sure they've got an idea. But I doubt they realize that what they imagine is ultimately reversed." When they reached the table Jean told them to take a seat. Blaine just looked up at Sebastian and waited to see what he was going to do. After a bit of a stare down they slowly sat down on the far side of the table.
"It was rude of you to leave without saying goodbye Sebastian."
"Silly me, I thought I'd made myself pretty clear in the café that day."
"What's happened to the sweet little boy I used to know? This boy hasn't changed you for the better."
"You're what happened to that sweet boy, you sick bastard. And this boy is my boyfriend who has most certainly changed me for the better. He helped me find my true self again after you destroyed it."
"I did no such thing. I doubt he'd feel the same if he knew the real you Sebastian."
"I do know the real him. I know everything Jean." When Blaine spoke Sebastian looked at him and was surprised to see such a defiant look on Blaine's face. "You're a sick bastard that takes advantage of vulnerable kids."
"Sebastian pursued me." Blaine couldn't help but chuckle.
"So now you're trying to convince me that a grown man couldn't say no to a fourteen year old boy. Doesn't say much for yourself, does it?"
"He's feisty Sebastian; I can see why you like him." There was something about the way Jean was looking at Blaine that made Sebastian feel sick.
"Don't even think about it Jean! I'm made myself clear where I stand when it comes to Blaine."
"You might've, yet here the two of you are."
"I'm not stupid Jean. Saying no to those thugs you sent would've been more trouble than you're honestly worth. So, just how long have your thugs been following us?"
"You didn't always think so. If I remember correctly you used to enjoy yourself. And, I've been keeping an eye on your both since our meeting at the café."
"I should've known. And I might have enjoyed myself once or twice, but once it was no longer my choice, enjoyment didn't exist. I was a kept boy Jean and you know it." Sebastian held Blaine's hand tightly while Jean just looked the two of them up and down. "If you've nothing else to say Jean, we'll be leaving." When they went to get up Jean grabbed ahold of Sebastian's free hand.
"You're not going anywhere until I say so." After they sat back down Jean let go of Sebastian's hand. "Now, I'm sure the three of us can come up with something that's beneficial for all of us."
"That's disgusting." Blaine said while just shaking his head. "We wouldn't touch you."
"How's your sister Sebastian? Is she still as beautiful as she was?" Hearing him talk about Lexi, Blaine just looked at Sebastian. There was something about the way he was speaking that was just down right creepy.
"Why do you care, she's not your type?"
"Just because she's not my type doesn't mean I can't find her beautiful. She was quite a beautiful young lady. So sweet, so innocent. I'm sure many a man wants her."
"I still think she's beautiful, but some might not." Blaine just glanced at Sebastian unsure of where he was going.
"And why is that?"
"She dyed her hair purple and got numerous tattoos and piercings." Once the words left Sebastian's mouth it took everything Blaine had not to react. It was pretty clear to him just what Sebastian was doing. He wanted to know if Jean was still keeping tabs on Lexi.
"What do you think of his sister Blaine?"
"I think she's pretty, but not everyone can see the true beauty beneath what she's done."
"Pity, that she did that. It's one way to rebel against societies expectations and another to change ones perception of one's self."
"If one changes their perception of her that's their loss, not hers." Sebastian told him. "Now since you know mine and Blaine's answer to your little proposition is there anything else you would like to say to us or may we go?"
"Sebastian, why rush off after everything we shared."
"That would be because merely being in your presence makes me sick."
"Don't be so rude Sebastian; you used to be so polite."
"I'm still polite when it's appropriate and this is not one of those situations. So unless you have something else to say we're leaving."
"Come now Sebastian, you have to know how much I've risked to come and see you."
"That's not my concern. Maybe the police are just waiting for the right moment to grab your pathetic ass. Though I'm sure your thugs are looking out for them. If you were stupid enough to come and see someone who obviously wants nothing to do with you that's on you. Let's get out of here Blaine!" This time when they stood Jean just looked at them before standing as well. There was something about the look in his eyes that stopped them from proceeding further. "What made you ever think I'd want anything to do with you again?"
"I know you cared about me at one point Sebastian." Jean said while walking around the table. "You could care again." When he spoke again he grabbed Sebastian's arm once more.
"Let go of him!" Blaine said while letting go of Sebastian's hand before walking up to Jean. "Are you deaf, I said let go of him!"
"And just what are you going to do about it little one? From what I know of Sebastian he's clearly the dominate one in this relationship of yours." Blaine just laughed while Sebastian just looked at him. "What's so funny Sebastian?"
"You really don't know a thing about him or us."
"Are you saying you're submissive to this boy?"
"Maybe I am and maybe I'm not, but that's none of your business. What I do know is you have no idea what you're dealing with." Just then Jean tried to pull Sebastian closer but Sebastian stood his ground.
"I'm going to say this one last time Jean, let go of him!" That all too familiar look was in Blaine's eyes and this time Sebastian had no desire to stop him. This time around Blaine knew what he was dealing with and it still wasn't a deterrent for him. And then it happened, Jean gave Sebastian's arm another tug and the next thing Sebastian saw was Blaine's fist connecting squarely with Jean's jaw. The impact was great enough to knock Jean off-balance to which he released his grasp on Sebastian.
Blaine and Sebastian both just stood there while one of Jean's boys came running up to them after witnessing what happened. The guy started going off on Blaine in French to which Sebastian fired back at him. From what Blaine could gather from the conversation this man was definitely all brawn and no brains as Sebastian basically had him going in circles with what he was saying.
"Sebastian." Jean's voice cut straight through the conversation. When Blaine and Sebastian looked at him he was still cradling his jaw. "Violence is no way to solve things."
"Really, because I remember you having your boys beat the crap out of kid so badly he ended up in the hospital."
"They were overzealous."
"I doubt it since the guys that work for you are idiots. They do exactly what you tell them to do, no more, no less."
"Sebastian."
"You're done talking. I'm going to repeat what I said to you once before. I don't ever want to see you again. And that goes for Blaine as well. Neither of us will ever be interested in anything you could possibly have to offer. So, if you ever come near us again I'm going to make a little phone call to Pierre." Blaine watched Jean's facial expression upon the mentioning of Pierre, he made a mental note to ask Sebastian about it once they were back in their hotel room. "And tell him all about your sick, twisted, perversion of getting fucked by teenaged boys, the younger the better."
"You wouldn't."
"I would. Goodbye Jean."
Alright, I hope you all enjoy this chapter because sadly it's the last one for the week. I'm going away for a long weekend and will be without internet for the most part. The next chapter will be up on Monday morning. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!