Two Steps Beyond

Part 24

The four of them had been talking for a couple of hours before Sebastian pulled the hard drive out of the bag because Cooper wanted proof of some of their odder stories. While Sebastian was setting things up the doorbell rang. "I'll be back guys." Lexi said before getting up to go answer the door.

"To say the two of you enjoyed yourselves would be a gross underestimate. I am seriously jealous of what you've told us so far."

"Like we said yesterday, we didn't waste a bit of this trip." Blaine said.

"Mom is going to freak-out when you tell her everything so make sure you guys don't expect the conversation with them to be short."

"We figured as much." Sebastian replied. He was just about to speak again when Lexi came walking back into the room, but she wasn't alone. "Hey Cassie, how are you?"

"Not as good as you two from what I've been told. Lexi said the two of you had quite the trip."

"We did." Blaine replied.

"So, what brings you by Cassie?" Cooper asked once Lexi and Cassie sat down.

"I came to talk with Lexi not realizing you were all going to be here. But in a way I'm glad you guys are, especially you, Blaine and Seb."

"Thanks."

"It wasn't said as a diss on you Coop, so chill. But since it looks like the four of you are catching up I really shouldn't intrude."

"It's not a big deal Cassie, seriously." Lexi said. "Right guys?" To which all of them nodded. "So, what's going on unless you don't want to talk about it in front of them?"

"I actually need some advice on how to help my brother acclimate to the city."

"He's here? Why? I thought for sure your Dad would have him busy before college."

"He's here and he's going to be going to school here actually. Aren't one of you going to Columbia?"

"I am." Sebastian replied.

"Why is he here Cassie? I thought he was going to be going to one of the military academies."

"Let's just say he stuck it to our Dad after he knew he had gotten his hopes up of him following in his footsteps. Seems the stinker never applied to any of the academies and was playing him all along."

"That sounds like him, especially in regards to your Dad."

"It is very much him, much to my Dad's dismay. So now he's officially on Dad's shit list and I have a feeling he's going to be there for a while."

"Are you saying he was honestly surprised by this? Since from what I remember that was your Dad's dream, not his."

"Yes and Mom said he flipped when he found out because he thought he'd finally gotten his head on straight. So, now he's my responsibility."

"Excuse me?"

"Not like that. My Mom felt it was better if he wasn't at home with them because of the added stress he brought to the house. And she wants him to get used to the city before school starts."

"When did he get here?" Sebastian asked.

"A couple of days ago, why?"

"Well, if you want you can introduce him to B and I. Plus when we come back from Ohio we'll actually have a couple of the guys with us."

"Are you serious Seb?"

"Yes."

"Blaine, how do you feel about this?"

"It's fine with me. Just so you know we leave Sunday, but we don't have anything really planned between now and when we leave."

"You two are a godsend, thank you. But I need to warn you, my brother can be a bit intense. He wasn't always like that; it happened once our Dad sent him away. He felt he needed more discipline in his life. Though, if you can get passed that he's actually pretty cool."

"Um, not to stick my nose where it doesn't belong but, would your brother have any problem with the fact that Blaine and Bas are gay?" Cooper asked.

"Not at all, a few of his friends are actually gay."

"Always looking out for me, huh Coop." Blaine said with a smile.

"Whenever it's possible little brother."

"Why don't the two of you come and see me at work tomorrow and we can figure out a good time."

"Sounds good to me." Sebastian replied.

"Thank you guys again. But I'm going to get going and let the four of you catch up. I'll see you guys tomorrow." Cassie then gave Lexi a hug before heading out.

"I had no clue that Cassie had a brother." Sebastian said while he put his feet up on the table.

"She actually has a brother and two sisters." Lexi told them.

"Sucks for him having all sisters."

"Bas."

"What, it's not a knock on having a sister Lexi. It's about having all sisters. Gotta drive a guy crazy."

"When you put it that way you have a point. All of them are alike and that's where her brother got in trouble."

"How so?" Cooper asked.

"He was too much like Cassie, a free spirit."

"Ah, so the Commander didn't take to kindly to having a son like that." Cooper said.

"Like Cassie said, he wasn't disciplined enough according to their Dad, though that's asking a bit much from a teenager. He's a great student, a jock and was really popular."

"Why did you say was popular?" Blaine asked.

"That would be because once he was sent to military school he developed a bit of an attitude and his old friends didn't appreciate it. The only one he basically doesn't cop it with is Cassie because she calls him out whenever he's being a dick and he doesn't mess with her. Now, after everything you've heard do you still want to meet him?"

"Absolutely." Sebastian replied.

"From what she said, he just sounds like how Bas used to be but more intense." Blaine said.

"Thanks B."

"What, you were a bit of dick, admit it."

"Fine I was, but the people I treated like that deserved it."

By the time Blaine and Sebastian left Lexi and Cooper's it was almost eleven o'clock. They had literally spent the entire day with them. They were almost going to just spend the night there but after being away for so long the thought of sleeping in their own bed was rather compelling. "Now, you guys are going to stop by before going to Ohio, right?" Cooper asked while they stood at the door.

"Yes, we will stop by." Sebastian replied. "And Cooper, keep an eye on her. I know she looks fine, but she's not."

"I know. Just like you're not fine either. Now, make me happy and text me when you get home so we know you guys got there alright, okay?"

"We can do that." Blaine said while giving Cooper a hug. "We'll see you guys later."

"Please tell me I'm not the only one exhausted." Sebastian said while they walked.

"You're not; jetlag is kicking my ass as well. Did we even schedule a time to meet Cassie?"

"No, but since she didn't state a specific time she must expect to be at the office all day." By the time they finally arrived home they were both ready to crash. They were both undressed and in bed before Blaine sent Cooper a text telling him that they arrived.

Considering how tired they were when they went to sleep, both of them were surprised that they woke before eight the next morning. But since neither were ready to move they stayed in bed for quite a while. "When do you want to head out B?"

"Are you talking in general or going to see Cassie?"

"To see Cassie, because besides that I really don't want to do much today."

"Since that's the case why don't we just make it a quiet morning and head over after lunch."

"We need to get lunch out, we have almost no groceries."

"That's right, ugh. We need to at least pick up a couple of things on our way back Bas."

"I know. I planned on doing that yesterday, but I didn't think we'd be with Lexi and Cooper all day."

"I didn't expect to either, though it was nice. I'm really proud of you by the way; I know that wasn't easy for you to tell her."

"I almost stopped a couple of times, she looked devastated B. It was like she felt she should've known. But how could she when I didn't say anything."

"Because she feels she knows you probably better than anyone like you said and she feels like she should've known something wasn't right. Do you know what she plans on doing?"

"Not a clue, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough."

After taking a shower and working on the slide show they headed out for the afternoon. Once they ate lunch they made their way over to Cassie's office building which happened to be not too far from where Tasha's office was. When they walked into the offices they were met by a receptionist. "May I help you gentlemen?"

"Yes, we're here to see Cassie." Sebastian said, but as soon as he saw a confused look on the girl's face he clarified himself. "I'm sorry; we're here to see Cassandra Clarington."

"Ms. Clarington is rather busy right now."

"She's expecting us." Blaine said.

"Your names then?"

"I'm Blaine Anderson and this is Sebastian Smythe."

"One moment."

"I never knew her full name, and here I thought Sebastian Smythe was a mouth full."

"I am." Sebastian said with a laugh which earned him a playful slap from Blaine. "What, it's not like she's paying attention."

"I'm sorry gentlemen, she is expecting you. Just go through those doors and go down all the way to the end of the hall, Ms. Clarington's office is the last door on the right." When they reached the end of the hall they looked at each other before Sebastian knocked.

"Come in." Her voice was rather quiet but they soon found out why when they walked in, she was on the phone. "I'll be right with you." She mouthed while they sat down. They both just nodded and waited patiently while looking around.

"She knows all sorts of people, doesn't she?" Blaine said as he took in the photos around her office.

"That she does." As Sebastian answered one picture caught Blaine's attention so he got up to take a better look. "What are you looking at?"

"You." Hearing Blaine's answer Sebastian got up and joined him by the shelf. "That's you, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is." Blaine looked up at Sebastian and saw that he was starting to blush.

"Cassie and Tasha were right, you were a cute kid. Do you know when this was taken?"

"That summer Tasha was talking about. That was before everything with Jean happened." Blaine wrapped an arm around Sebastian's waist and gave him a slight hug.

"You looked pretty happy."

"That's because I was. I had a blast that summer."

"You'll have to fill me in on it sometime."

"I can do that."

"Wasn't he cute?" They both turned to see Cassie standing behind them. "I hope I didn't startle you."

"Not at all." Blaine replied. "And yes, he was cute."

"Hey!"

"Bas, you were kid cute in that picture. You're handsome now."

"Nice cover Blaine." Cassie said with a smile. "But he's right Bas, you are handsome now. So, why don't the two of you take a seat?"

"You've got spectacular views Cassie." Sebastian said once they were seated.

"Thank you, I worked hard for this office. Needless to say the person that got kicked out wasn't too happy about it, but between us he's an ass."

"So, what can you tell us about…" Blaine's words were cut off as Cassie's office door opened.

"Cass you need to talk with Mom, she's driving me…oh, sorry. I didn't realize you were in a meeting. I'm so very sorry."

"It's okay, really. Now close the door and sit your butt down." Cassie waited till the door was closed and her brother had sat down. "Hunter, I'd like you to meet Blaine Anderson and Sebastian Smythe." The three boys all shook hands and looked at each other.

"Why do those names sound familiar?"

"These are Lexi and Cooper's brothers that I told you about last night."

"I figured that, but I swear I've seen the two of you before."

"Well, have you ever been to Ohio?" Blaine asked.

"Nope."

"Where did you go to school?" Sebastian asked.

"Colorado Springs." As the boys all looked at each other Cassie tried to figure out a way to get the conversation going.

"You three actually have quite a bit in common, Hunter here was in his school's glee club as well." Those words were like a switch flipped in Hunter's head.

"Wait…by chance did the two of you go to Dalton Academy?"

"We did, why?" Blaine said.

"That's where I know you two from. You guys kicked some serious ass at Nationals."

"How do you know that Hunter, I never told you?"

"That's because I was there."

"Wait, you were in DC for Nationals, why didn't you tell me?"

"Why does it matter? It's not as though I fill you in on every little aspect of my life."

"Um, because I was there you little shit."

"What were you doing there?"

"Watching Braeden and Jocelyn so Cooper and Lexi could watch the Warblers perform. What were you doing there?"

"Since we took home presidential honors at regionals we were invited. This is weird."

"He's not quite how you describe Cassie." Sebastian said.

"What, she tell you I'm a first class dick?"

"Basically." Blaine replied, which got a laugh out of Hunter.

"I'm not going to lie and say I'm not because I can be, hell I usually am. But there's a part of me that just can't quite be a jerk around Cass. So, where are you two going to school next year?"

"I'm going to NYU while Bas is going to Columbia like you." Blaine and Sebastian noticed a look on Hunter's face that they couldn't quite make out but it looked like he was thinking.

"What is it Hunter?" Sebastian asked.

"Okay, Cass introduced you as Sebastian yet Blaine here called you Bas. What do you go by?"

"Most of my friends, including Cassie here call me Seb."

"Alright, but why does Blaine call you Bas if you say your friends call you Seb?" Blaine and Sebastian just looked at each other and smiled.

"That would be because Blaine here isn't just my friend, he's my boyfriend."

"Wait, you two are gay?"

"Yes, is that a problem?" Sebastian asked.

"Not at all. But just so you know, I'm not even remotely bi-curious."

"Pity, the three of us could've had some fun." Sebastian said which actually caused Hunter to laugh again and Blaine to just shake his head.

"I don't doubt that, but it's just not my thing, sorry."

"I'm glad Bas's weird sense of humor doesn't bother you." Blaine told him.

"Not at all, it's one of the best ways to get an honest reaction from someone." Sebastian was just about to reply but his phone rang.

"Would you guys excuse me for a second?" Sebastian then walked over to the far side of Cassie's office. "Hey Nate, what's going on? Long time no talk. That's quite possible just hold on a sec." Sebastian then covered his phone. "Hey B, do you mind if I play lacrosse this evening even though we planned on a quiet night in? Nate said they're short a player and he ran into Cooper this morning who told him I was in town."

"Is Nate the same one that also goes to Columbia who would be a teammate?"

"Yes, that's him. Remember we went out and had lunch with him and his girlfriend while we were here over break.

"Sure, go right ahead. It's been awhile since I've seen you play, it'll be fun. And you should probably get back in the swing of things again." Sebastian just smiled before telling Nate that he'd see him in a couple of hours.

"Not to be rude, but we need to get going. I need to make sure I have all the gear that I'm going to need to play. Otherwise I'm going to need to do some quick shopping."

"Are you any good?" Hunter asked.

"He's real good." Blaine replied. "And I'm not just saying that because he's my boyfriend."

"Blaine's telling the truth Hunter, I saw Seb play quite a few times last year when he was here."

"Well, if that's the case, I'd love to see you play sometime."

"Feel free to come to the game today." Sebastian replied. "But I wasn't kidding earlier, we need to get going." The three boys then quickly gathered together and exchanged numbers. "I'll text you where we're playing. It was nice meeting you Hunter."

"It was nice meeting the both of you as well." After Blaine and Sebastian left Hunter sat down in a chair across from Cassie. "They are nothing like I expected."

"How so?"

"This might sound bad, but I never would've guessed they were gay."

"Not every gay is flamboyant, Hunter, you know that."

"I know. So, what else can you tell me about them?"

"You honestly like them, don't you?"

"Yes. I'll admit, I was a bit hesitant when you said you wanted me to meet some of your friends brothers, but they're cool. And I like Seb's sense of humor."

"You and Seb are a lot alike. And Blaine isn't that different either, he's just…more careful about what he says around people. Plus he has more tact when speaking, unlike you."

"Got it. Now, do you have time to talk or should I wait to talk to you later tonight?"

"I've got time. Oh and one last thing, thanks for not being a complete ass. At least now they'll know you won't always be one."

"You have such confidence in me Cass."

"Hunter, you know I do. It's just, you changed and not necessarily for the better all the time."

After making a quick stop to grab some groceries they were back in their apartment. "So B, what did you think of Hunter?" Sebastian asked while he started to pull his gear out of the closet.

"He seems pretty nice, but I can tell that arrogance is just under the surface. But considering he went to military school along with the other things we been told it's not surprising."

"Yea, I thought the same thing. Funny how like me we each have a sister that calls us out on our bullshit."

"Did you really have to say something to him about a three-some?" Blaine asked as he came up behind Sebastian.

"Come on now, it was funny. And as much as you might've tried I saw you hiding that smile. But like Hunter acknowledge, it was a good way to get an honest reaction from him. Plus, you can't tell me you don't think he's good looking."

"No, I can't because he is. This is actually a pretty cool thing though."

"How so?" Sebastian asked before getting up off the floor.

"Now you'll know someone else at Columbia. Yes, I know you know Nate and a few other guys but they're all upper-classmen. Hunter's going to be dealing with the same bullshit you will since you'll both be freshmen. It'll be nice to have someone you know going through the same shit, like I'll have Jeff."

"That's an excellent point B, I hadn't thought of it that way. Now, can you text Hunter the field information while I get the rest of my stuff from the bedroom?" Sebastian then handed his phone to Blaine which had all the information that Nate had sent him.

"Sure, I can do that. Is there anything else you need me to do while you get ready?"

"When you're done you can come and help me stretch."

"Really Bas, stretch? You couldn't think of anything else?" When Sebastian turned around the look on Blaine's face was priceless.

"This is one time where I'm honestly not implying sex, though I won't be opposed to it afterwards. I just need you to apply some extra pressure while I stretch. Last thing I need is to pull a muscle."