Two Steps Beyond
Part 23
When they finally got up the next morning, both of their phones were filled with messages from their friends welcoming them home. "I think they missed us." Blaine told Sebastian as they both looked through their messages.
"I think you're correct." Sebastian said before running his fingers through Blaine's curls which were going every which way. "Your hair has gotten long."
"So has yours. It might be wise for us to squeeze in a haircut before going home."
"I don't know about that, I've gotten used to the longer hair, what do you think?" Blaine just glanced up at Sebastian. "Okay, judging from that look you're not a fan of my longer hair."
"It's not bad, maybe it's just because I'm not used to it."
"How about this, I'll get it cut, just not as short as I usually do. Does that work for you?"
"Anything you do is fine with me. I love you regardless of what you do with your hair."
"Why thank you B, I appreciate that. And that goes for you as well, I don't care what you do with yours either. For all I care you could grow out the most adorable afro and I wouldn't care." Blaine just looked up at him again.
"I don't see myself doing that anytime soon but it's nice to know you'd be supportive. Now, how are you feeling this morning?"
"Mentally or physically?"
"Both."
"I'm actually feeling really good and it has nothing to do with how we spent our evening. No matter how remarkable that was."
"Does that mean what I think you mean?"
"If you think it means I'm good to go and talk with Lexi today, then yes it does. Can you do me one favor though?"
"And what would that be?"
"I know I told you I want to talk to her alone, but I would appreciate if you were at least in the house when I did. That way if things get out of hand I'll…"
"You don't have to say anything else, I'll be there. While the two of you talk, Cooper can fill me in on everything that's going on in his life. Plus I really wouldn't want you to go over there alone anyhow?"
"And why is that?"
"She'd never let me live it down. And I think it would be better if we filled her in on our trip before you tell her everything."
"That's an excellent idea. So, why don't we shower and then head on over?" Sebastian didn't get a verbal response from Blaine, just the feeling of his head nodding against his chest. Then before he could say anything else Blaine rolled out of bed and headed for the shower.
It was probably a good thing they were just heading over once they were ready because they definitely took their time getting ready. "Do we have everything we need to bring over Bas?"
"I think so. We've got all of the souvenirs right?"
"Yes, except for those we put aside."
"What about the hard drive with all the pictures?"
"It was one of the first things I put in the bag."
"Then it sounds like we've got everything B." Sebastian was then met with a rather sweet kiss from Blaine. "What was that for?"
"Just to remind you that I'll be there even though I won't be in the room with you." All throughout their walk over to Lexi and Cooper's, Sebastian never once let go of Blaine's hand. As much as Sebastian might've said he was ready to do this, Blaine knew he was more nervous than he was letting on. Just after they walked through the front gate Blaine looked up at Sebastian. "You can do this Bas, I know you can. Just remember to expect a reaction because I doubt she's going to be as calm as I was."
"I know." Sebastian then leaned down and kissed Blaine before walking inside. "We're back!" Sebastian called out after closing the door behind them. Before either of them could say anything else Lexi came walking into the foyer with Jocelyn in her arms. "If it isn't my favorite girl!" Sebastian then walked over to Lexi and took Jocelyn out of her arms. "It's good to see you too sis." He then gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"You're lucky my daughter is present or I'd have a few choice words for you." Lexi said before giving Sebastian a hug. After giving Sebastian a hug she walked over and gave Blaine one as well. "So, are the two of you adjusting to being back home?"
"Slowly." Blaine replied before setting their bag on the table in the foyer. "And just where are Cooper and Braeden?"
"They should be down in a minute. It's really good to see you both, I missed you."
"We missed you too." Blaine said since Sebastian seemed a bit caught up with Jocelyn. "What do you say we go upstairs and wait for Cooper and Braeden? Which by the way, how is it my brother is home two days in a row because when we left he was working like crazy?"
"That would be because we wrapped two days ago." Cooper said as he walked down the stairs with Braeden. "So, Lexi here is going to be stuck with me before I start my press junket for the movie I was filming when you guys were here last summer."
"You're doing a press junket?" Blaine asked after he took Braeden from Cooper.
"Yes, I'm doing a press junket."
"You've finally made it Coop, congrats!" Sebastian said. "How about we go upstairs like Blaine mentioned so we can start telling you guys all about our trip?"
"That's a great idea." Cooper said. "Would you like me to bring your bag up since your hands are full?"
"That would be great as there are lots of goodies in there for Jocelyn and Braeden." Sebastian said before starting his way up the stairs.
"Was it just me or did he say everything in this bag is for our kids?" Cooper said to Lexi once Blaine headed upstairs as well.
"That's exactly what he said."
"I know Blaine, there is no way they went to Europe and he didn't bring back souvenirs for people."
"They did Coop, for our kids. Did you want them to bring you something back?" Lexi just looked at Cooper. "Oh, poor baby. I'll make it up to you next time we go, promise." After giving Cooper a kiss the two of them headed upstairs.
"Before one of you gets settled, we're going to need a computer so we can show you our pictures." Sebastian told them. Lexi just looked at Cooper who smiled. He then set their bag down on a chair before heading for Lexi's office. "So, how upset were you that Cooper didn't bring us here yesterday?"
"I was sad because I missed you both." The way Lexi looked at them both Sebastian knew it was more than what she was saying.
"Lexi, you don't have to sugar coat it. We know you were upset. But thank you for not letting us know just how upset you were."
"Fine I was upset but Cooper told me I just needed to give the two of you space. So I listened to my husband and did just that."
"I appreciate that sis, a lot."
"Alright, as much as I want to hear all about your trip guys I think there are a few things we need to talk about."
"This doesn't concern Blaine sis. We need to talk." Just then Cooper came walking back into the room. "Coop, do you mind taking Jocelyn and you and Blaine can catch up while Lexi and I talk?" Cooper then looked at Blaine who was looking at Sebastian. If he didn't know better he could've sworn Sebastian's eyes were tearing up. Then before handing Jocelyn over to Cooper, Sebastian gave her a kiss. As he walked away, Blaine gave Sebastian a kiss before getting up off the couch.
"I'll be downstairs Bas." After Blaine got up off the couch Lexi just looked at him before going to sit down next to Sebastian. "Lexi, just listen to him, okay." When Blaine got downstairs Cooper was waiting for him. "Where should we go?"
"Why don't we just go to the living room and you can fill me in on what's going on?"
"We can talk, but I can't tell you what's going on upstairs. So how about you tell me all about what's going on with you?"
While they sat in the living room talking Cooper could tell Blaine wasn't really with him. It had gotten to the point where he was asking Blaine the most absurd questions and all he was getting were yes or no answers to questions which should've appalled his little brother. "Whatever is going on upstairs is pretty serious, isn't it Blaine?" Blaine didn't get a chance to answer as the two of then heard something shatter upstairs along with a scream from Lexi. "What was that? Blaine." Any calm Cooper had tried to maintain was out the window once they two of them took off up the stairs after putting Jocelyn and Braeden in the nearby cribs.
Once they reached the top of the stairs they took in the scene in front of them. Sebastian was in tears on the couch while Lexi was pacing the family room in tears. Cooper then noticed the huge water stain on the wall along with flowers and shattered pieces of the vase that was holding them all over the floor. Cooper went to go to Lexi but Blaine grabbed ahold of his arm. "You need to let her calm down Coop."
"Blaine, let go of me!" After Blaine let go of his arm, Cooper went straight to Lexi and wrapped his arms around her. She was crying hysterically and her body was shaking. While he tended to Lexi, Blaine walked over to the couch and wrapped his arms around Sebastian who just collapsed into his embrace. "I think it's about time you guys tell me what the hell is going on. Blaine." Seeing what was happening around him Cooper now realized this was why Sebastian didn't want to necessarily talk with Lexi right after they came home.
By the time Blaine and Cooper managed to calm Lexi and Sebastian down, quite a bit of time had passed. "You need to let go of me Coop."
"And just where do you plan on going?"
"To Paris."
"Lexi, please don't." Sebastian's voice was extremely raw because of how long he'd been crying. "It's over with."
"I don't care if it's over with. That son-of-a-bitch is going to pay for what he did to you!"
"Obviously whatever the two of you talked about is pretty serious, but you can't go to Paris Lexi." Cooper said while guiding Lexi over to the couch.
"Please enlighten me Coop, why can't I go to Paris?"
"I'll give you two excellent reasons why you can't just up and leave. Braeden and Jocelyn." Blaine watched as Lexi just leaned her head back against Cooper. "Is that reason enough?"
"Yes." She replied just as the tears started to flow once again.
"I didn't mean for all this to happen, honest." Sebastian said. "If I could, I'd make this all just go away."
"Bas, you've done nothing wrong okay. Hold on, let me correct myself. The only thing you did wrong was not tell me sooner. What kind of older sister am I that needs her little brother to protect her?"
"You're a wonderful big sister Lexi. And the only reason you ever needed protecting was because I was stupid."
"Bas, you were fourteen. Fourteen fucking years old! And that bastard took advantage of you! I could say what type of man does that, but I already know. You should've trusted me enough to tell me Bas."
"Right, I was going to tell one of the only people that truly cared about me that I was fucking some forty year old man right after I came out. God, just hearing myself say it I'm disgusted by myself and I've done some pretty questionable things." While Sebastian spoke Cooper looked across at Blaine. The fact that Blaine hadn't even flinched, Cooper realized Blaine knew everything that was going on. "I still don't know how you or Blaine can even look at me."
"Bas, I'm not going to lie to you and say that I'm not upset, because I am. But I'm not upset at you; I'm upset with the situation. And I'm upset with myself that I couldn't see that something was wrong. So much for thinking I know you well."
"That's the thing Lexi, you do know me. Better than anyone. Remember, you asked me plenty of times why I'd turned into a total tool as you put it. Like I told B, you don't know how many times I tried to tell you but each and every time I chickened out. I was afraid of what you were going to think of me."
"Bas, nothing you could do will ever change how I feel about you, nothing. You know, if you had gotten involved in an honest to goodness relationship with an older man I might've been disappointed and tried to talk to you about it. But this wasn't a relationship Bas, you were taken advantage of and then forced to do something against your will."
"Well, as he constantly reminded me I must've wanted to do it considering…" Sebastian stopped mid-sentence and looked over at Cooper who was just sitting there wide-eyed. "And now you probably want me as far away from Blaine as possible, don't you. Now that you know how fucked up I am."
"I can safely tell you that thought hasn't crossed my mind once Bas, honest. But I think it's time you guys filled me in because I'm obviously the only one that doesn't know the whole story."
"As far as that part of it is concerned, at that age I'm just guessing that you don't have as much control over your body and how it reacts to certain stimuli." Lexi said. "But, now that my dear husband has reminded me that I can't go running off on a whim I need you to let me do something Bas."
"And just what would that be?"
"Make a few phone calls and see if we can make sure this bastard doesn't hurt anyone else."
"It won't be that easy sis."
"I don't care. I'm going to make sure he doesn't hurt anyone else. The fact that this went on right under my nose and I didn't realize it…I…I just…" Lexi was so caught up in her emotions that she just turned into Cooper.
"I'm guessing you two can figure out what she was trying to say, right?" Cooper said.
"Yes." Sebastian replied. "And Lexi, whatever you decide to do I'll cooperate though I'd rather not relive everything." The four of them talked a bit more and it wasn't till the twins started to cry did they stop.
"Excuse me guys." Lexi said after Cooper let go of her. But before heading down the stairs Lexi stopped to give Sebastian a kiss. "Take care of him till I get back Blaine." After she was down the stairs Cooper just looked at them.
"Bas."
"Yes Cooper."
"I'm so sorry."
"And just what are you apologizing for?" Sebastian asked.
"For what you went through, no one should have to go through that. And the fact that he threatened Lexi and everyone else you care about to get what he wanted. It's just wrong. Lexi is right, he's a sick bastard. And if I ever see him he's going to get what's coming to him."
"Well, B got a head start on things."
"How?"
"He punched him when he tracked us down in Barcelona. It was a total David versus Goliath moment."
"He tracked you down in Barcelona, does Lexi know?"
"She knows everything Coop. The bastard actually had the nerve to ask if he could have both Blaine and myself." If Sebastian thought he saw Cooper upset already, it actually went to a whole new level once he heard the guy talked about Blaine.
"Does she know that as well?"
"Yes, it was one of the last things I told her before she threw the vase against the wall."
"Was she already hysterical then?"
"Yep."
"This might sound weird, but just how long were Blaine and I downstairs?"
"I'd say about two hours, but honestly I have no idea. If you two don't mind, I need to go and get some aspirin. I've got one heck of a headache going." Once Sebastian left the room, Cooper turned to look at Blaine.
"Since I'm probably still missing out on a lot, is this guy the reason you two left Paris?"
"Yes, he's the reason Cooper."
"You need to tell Mom and Dad."
"That's not going to happen Cooper, so you just need to drop it."
"Blaine."
"Cooper, it's not up for discussion."
"What's not up for discussion?" Lexi asked as she walked back into the room, with both of the kids.
"Nothing hun. I still don't see how you do that so easily." Cooper said before talking Braeden from her.
"You'll get the hang of it; I just had more opportunity to do it. So, where's Bas?"
"Getting some aspirin because he has a headache."
"I know the feeling, crying like that always gives me one." Shortly after Lexi spoke Sebastian rejoined them.
"Did I miss anything?" Sebastian asked before sitting back down next to Blaine.
"Not that I know of but I just got up here." Sebastian then looked at Blaine.
"Nothing worth repeating." Blaine replied. "Now, since we've dealt with that issue for the most part why don't we do something more enjoyable like give you guys your gifts."
"I thought you only brought things back for Jocelyn and Braeden." Cooper said while Blaine went to grab the bag.
"If you believed that fine, Bas and I can just give your gift to Dad. Is that okay with you Bas?"
"Whatever you want B. I'm sure your Dad will love it!"
"Cute, real cute guys." Cooper turned to face Lexi who was actually smiling again before watching Blaine sit down next to Sebastian.
After handing Cooper and Lexi each a bag, they just looked at Blaine and Sebastian. "This is too much guys."
"Those bags aren't for you technically; they're for Braeden and Jocelyn but they're going to need Mommy and Daddy's help opening everything Uncle Blaine and Uncle Seb bought for them." Sebastian said with smile which was a relief to see to everyone.
"This really is too much guys." Lexi said once again, but her words were quickly muted as she gushed over everything they bought. "You both have excellent taste, thank you." She said as she listened to Cooper making lion sounds while playing with Braeden's lion.
"Okay, now that they're taken care of, it's time to give you guys your gifts." Blaine said before handing a bag to Lexi and a wrapped box to Cooper. It took a moment but soon Sebastian and Blaine realized why neither Lexi nor Cooper had started to open their gifts. So they got up and took Jocelyn and Braeden from them.
"You guys know you could put them in the cribs behind you." Lexi told them.
"We know." Sebastian replied. "Now open your gifts before we change our minds and take them back."
"Nope, they are now in our hands so they are ours." Cooper replied before ripping into the paper. "Guys, this is totally awesome. Thank you!" Lexi couldn't help but laugh as Cooper took his model DB5 out of the box.
"If you noticed Coop, it's actually functional." Cooper looked closer at the box after Blaine spoke and noticed that this wasn't just an oversized model of the DB5, it actually had a bunch of the gadgets as part of it."
"This is even cooler! You're both awesome!" They all watched as Lexi pulled the tissue paper out of her bag.
"Okay, Cooper is right. You two are awesome, thank you! Lexi said after looking up from the bag.
"Aren't you going to show me what they got you?" Cooper asked. To which Lexi just handed him the bag which was filled with all sorts of chocolates and sweets.
"I know you finished the stash you had bought last time you were there so I thought we'd replenish it." Sebastian told her.
"It is greatly appreciated thank you. Now, how about you fill us in on everything you did."
"Just for some clarity, we don't need to know everything you did." Cooper added. "You can keep certain details to yourself."
"But Cooper, that's going to diminish our storytelling." Blaine said with a smirk. "If that's what you want though, we will."
"I do.