Two Steps Beyond
Part 35
It was around ten the next morning when Sebastian's phone started going off. Considering it was almost two by the time they had gotten home and they all still hung out for a couple of hours before going to bed, the ringing was not appreciated. "Bas…Bas…get that." Blaine mumbled since his face buried in Sebastian's chest. Sebastian was still feeling for his phone on the nightstand when it stopped ringing. He was just about to move his hand when it started to ring again, but this time he was quicker to respond once he realized it was Lexi calling. And it must be important for her to keep trying to get ahold of him.
"Hi sis." He said his voice groggy since he was still attempting to wake up.
"Hey! I'm so sorry for waking you and probably waking Blaine as well but I need a huge favor." Hearing the urgency in her voice, Sebastian nudged Blaine before attempting to sit up slightly in bed. Blaine moved just enough so Sebastian could sit up, so now his head was resting on Sebastian's hip.
"What is it?"
"I need you to watch Braeden and Jocelyn."
"Okay, but why?"
"Cooper is doing interviews all morning and Steve just called and said we need to meet with the publisher about my new book. I'm really sorry Bas, I hate to do this to you but Cassie and Tasha are both busy today."
"We'll do it. And I'm offended that we weren't your first choice."
"Bas, you have company."
"It's the guys. When do you need us?"
"Like, right away."
"Shit. Lexi, I'm barely coherent yet."
"I know and I'm sorry. If it would make it easier I can bring them to you since it's on my way."
"That works. It'll give me enough time to get into the shower to wake up."
"Thank you so much Bas!"
"Don't worry about it. See you soon. Oh, and we'll meet you downstairs." After ending the call Sebastian gave Blaine another nudge. "Time to get up killer."
"Why, I'm comfy."
"Because Lexi is on her way over with Braeden and Jocelyn." Hearing their nephew and niece's names Blaine looked up at Sebastian.
"What's going on?"
"We've been called upon to babysit because she's in a bit of a jam. You don't mind, do you?"
"Not at all." Blaine replied while sitting up. "Where's Cooper?"
"Doing interviews for his new movie."
Knowing they didn't have much time they quickly got out of bed and hopped into the shower to help wake them up. Considering they were still waking they just threw on some comfortable clothes knowing they could change later on. Since they were the only ones up, Blaine put on a pot of coffee before he and Sebastian headed downstairs knowing they were going to need it when they came back up. They'd just reached the lobby when they saw Lexi's Range Rover pull up out front. "I don't think we could've time this better." Sebastian said through a yawn. They'd walked out the building's doors just when Lexi was opening the back hatch. "Hey Sis!" He said before giving her a hug.
"Morning guys!" She said before giving Blaine a hug as well. "Again, I don't know how I'm ever going to be able to thank you enough."
"They're our niece and nephew Lexi; you don't have to thank us for watching them." Blaine said while grabbing the stroller and opening it.
"Still, you boys have friends over and…"
"Lexi, stop it, okay." Sebastian said while grabbing the pack n' plays out of the back, as well as a couple of bags. "We don't mind, honestly." While Sebastian spoke Lexi and Blaine were getting Braeden and Jocelyn out. "And don't worry about racing back okay." Once they had the kids settled in the stroller Lexi gave Blaine and Sebastian each another hug.
"Remember; if you need anything don't hesitate to call either me or Cooper."
"Alright, now go. Good luck!" Sebastian told her. Blaine and Sebastian just looked at each other after Lexi got back in her SUV. "She really feels bad asking us to watch them which is silly."
"She doesn't want to take advantage of us Bas, you know that. Now let's get these cuties inside."
By the time Blaine and Sebastian returned upstairs they were surprised to see Hunter standing in the open doorway. "What are you doing up?" Sebastian asked after Hunter stepped aside so that Blaine could get in with the stroller before taking some of the bags from Sebastian.
"I actually had woken up just before the two of you headed out. I happened to overhear the two of you talking and thought you might need a hand when you got back so I got up."
"You didn't need to, but thank you." Blaine told him. "Is anyone else up yet?"
"Nick is in the shower as we speak, but everyone else is still sleeping." Hunter told them.
"B, why don't you go get us each some coffee, while I get the pack n' plays set up."
"Will do." After Blaine headed off to the kitchen Hunter gave Sebastian a hand.
"From the looks on both of your faces this wasn't planned, was it?" Hunter asked.
"Nope, but there was no way we could say no when Lexi needed us. Plus, we've got a soft spot for these two." While Sebastian spoke he glanced over to the stroller. "What are your plans for the day?"
"Hadn't really thought about it."
"Well, you're welcome to hang with all of us though I don't know what we're going to do especially now." Just as Sebastian finished Blaine came walking out with a cup of coffee for each of them.
"Did you get any coffee for yourself Hunter?" Blaine asked while sitting down on the floor next to Sebastian.
"I did, thank you." He then held his cup up to Blaine.
"Well, can't say I expected to find the three of you on the floor next to a stroller when I got up." Nick said as he walked closer.
"What can we say, expect the unexpected around here." Sebastian told him with a smile.
"Coffee is ready in the kitchen." Blaine told him.
"Thanks." Nick replied before looking in the stroller. "They've gotten bigger since the last time I saw them."
"That they have." Sebastian replied. "They're a bit more entertaining now since they don't sleep all the time. And you might want to take a picture for Santana."
"Why is that?"
"Look at the t-shirt Braeden is wearing. If one didn't know better she and Cooper are going to be sending him to Ohio for high school."
"I will take one later once he's awake." Nick replied.
"So, the mystery woman's name is Santana. Why does that sound familiar?" Hunter said.
"That would be because Brittany was talking about her quite a bit last night." Sebastian replied. "She's her best friend."
"Ah, so the two best friends of the blondes are circling each other."
"That's a very good way to put it Hunter."
"I'm going to go get some coffee." Nick said while shaking his head before heading towards the kitchen.
"Care to explain why he's so shy about it?"
"That would be because as I said last night, it's complicated. And until you get to know Nick a little better I'm going to leave it at that." Blaine told him. "Or until he cares to share it with you himself."
"I can accept that."
When Nick returned to the living room he was surprised to see Blaine and Hunter on the couch each holding one of the twins. "Should I even ask where Seb is?" He said before taking a seat near Blaine.
"With Brittany and Jeff." Blaine told him. "She came out looking for one of us since Jeff is working on the website and has some questions about some of the pictures."
"Why didn't you go?"
"That would be because the photos in question are from Paris and Bas would know the answers without having to give them much thought." Hunter just looked at Blaine and Nick as they talked.
"Blaine, I think you need to fill Hunter in on things." Nick told him, seeing the curious look on Hunter's face.
"That would be greatly appreciated." Blaine then looked at Nick and then down in his arms where he had Braeden.
"Would you mind?" Blaine asked, to which Nick just smiled before taking Braeden from Blaine so he could find the remote from the previous night. While Blaine looked through the drawers, Sebastian and the others came walking into the living room.
"This is not quite what I expected." Sebastian said with a laugh upon seeing Hunter and Nick holding the kids.
"Aren't you the one that said to expect the unexpected last night." Hunter replied.
"Touché." Sebastian replied before sitting down between the two. "Would you like me to take one of them?" Hunter and Nick just looked at each other.
"We've got things under control. But I think Blaine could use your help." Nick told him since Blaine still couldn't find the remote.
"In the drawer under the television." Sebastian said without even moving off the couch.
"You mean you actually put it back where it belongs." Blaine said while opening the drawer and pulling out the remote.
"I have my moments. And since Braeden's awake, we should probably take that picture now."
"Any particular reason?" Jeff asked as he and Brittany got comfortable on the other couch.
"Lexi put Braeden in the Warblers t-shirt Santana gave her."
"Seb's right and a picture is absolutely necessary." Before Nick had a chance to object Jeff had pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of the two. After looking at the picture he took he looked at Nick again. "You need to put him in your other arm so I can get a complete shot of the t-shirt."
"Are you two babysitting all day?" Rachel asked once she returned from the kitchen.
"A good portion of it." Sebastian replied. "I told Lexi she didn't have to hurry back on our account."
"Since you have them, what do you want to do today?" Jeff asked.
"We still haven't figured it out." Blaine replied while pulling the website up on the television. "But you guys can do whatever you want."
"Silly us but we like spending time with you guys." Nick told them.
"Okay, since that's the case whatever we do needs to be baby friendly and somewhere we can take the stroller." Sebastian said.
"How about the zoo?" Hunter said which brought a huge smile to Brittany's face.
"Can we?" Brittany asked the excitement evident in her voice. Jeff and Sebastian both just looked at each other before glancing over at Hunter.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"No, you said something very right. Wouldn't you say so Jeff?" Sebastian told him while Jeff nodded in response. "The zoo sounds like an excellent idea."
"Really Sebby?"
"Yes Britt, we're going to go to the zoo."
"If that's the plan Brody and I are going to need to go home to change."
"Me too." Hunter added. "It's a bit too warm out for pants and a dress shirt."
"Okay, how much time do you guys need?" Blaine asked.
"I only need about an hour at most, but I'm closer than they are." Hunter replied.
"We can do it in about an hour as well since I've got clothes at Brody's." Rachel said.
"Sounds like we've got a plan. Everyone meet back here around noon." Sebastian said before taking Jocelyn from Hunter. "So, that means you three need to get a move on."
"We'll show you the website when we get back Hunter." Blaine told him.
After they all changed into what they were going to be wearing for the day they decided to just hang out in the living room and wait for the others to return. "You did grab the camera, right B?" Sebastian asked while double checking the bags they were taking with them.
"I've got it Bas." Blaine replied while holding up the camera.
"Who ever thought you'd be such a doting Uncle." Nick replied.
"Crazy, I know." Sebastian said. "I also know that since we're taking them to the zoo if we don't take a ton of pictures my sister is going to kill us."
"Now that makes complete sense."
"And I'm going to say it again; you guys don't need to hang with us today."
"Do you think I'm really going to tell Britt that I'm not going to take her to the zoo?" Jeff said.
"Point taken. I think Hunter just moved up in Britt's world with that recommendation."
"I'd have to agree with you there."
"Where is she?" Blaine asked.
"She's talking with Santana. From what I could get out of the call, Santana and the guys have been up to something since we left. And this is something good."
"The thought of those guys doing something, frightens me for some reason." Sebastian replied.
"Me too." Nick added. "One only knows what Dave, Thad, and Beat could come up with along with Santana." Just then Nick's phone beeped, but since his phone was on the table Sebastian picked it up. "Who's the text from?"
"Your non-girlfriend."
"Toss me the phone Seb."
"What, don't you want me to see what she sent you?" When Nick just looked at him, Sebastian started dancing around the room with the phone in his hand.
"Seb."
"Are you saying you and Santana exchange naughty texts? Do you sext?" Jeff just looked at Nick and started to laugh. "Jeff's reaction leads me to believe I am correct."
"Just give me the phone Seb."
"I'll give you the phone back if you promise to share what she sent."
"If you two are sexting you don't need to share." Blaine told him.
"You're no fun B."
"Bas, I'm protecting us."
"Alright. What will it be Nick?"
"Fine, I'll tell you what it says." Once he answered, Sebastian tossed him his phone. No sooner did Nick open the message did he get the same silly smile on his face that the three of them were getting rather accustomed too. "It says I don't know who's cuter."
"I think you need to fill us in as to what that message was a response too." Sebastian told him.
"I sent her the picture of him holding Braeden." Jeff told them. Blaine and Sebastian's response to the message caused Nick to blush.
"For two people that aren't dating you're awfully sweet to each other." Blaine said.
"I know, my Mom actually said the same thing."
"Since it's just the four of us, I have a question." Sebastian said. "Prior to doing the deed in my house, just how close had the two of you gotten."
"Know those weekends I disappeared between our group visit with Santana and regionals. I wasn't at home."
"You were going down to see her?" Blaine exclaimed to which Nick just nodded. "Why didn't you tell us?"
"Blaine, look at you guys now and we're not even a couple."
"You guys are, you do realize that." Jeff told him.
"We're not doing that whole label thing, okay. We're just Nick and Santana. And we happen to like spending time with each other."
"Nick, obviously this means something to both of you that you were able to keep it quiet as long as you did. I mean, I had inklings that something was going on but I didn't know for certain till that one day."
"What day?" Blaine asked.
"When we were in Florida, Brittany and I came back to the room a little earlier than either of them expected."
"You should be thankful it was Jeff and not Dave or Thad." Sebastian told him. "At least you knew Jeff would keep quiet."
"The fact that we were able to keep this from all of you for almost four months is crazy in its own right."
"It's only been four months of you two sleeping together. Something's been going on much longer than that." Blaine clarified.
"And you're both obviously comfortable with it that you can both talk about it with some of us."
"Yea, she told me the two of you had a little talk. She also told me you'd give her a verbal lashing if she hurt me."
"That's what friends do, right?" Sebastian said with a wink.
"It is, but I can tell you I never expected it to be you to say something like that."
"I have my moments."
"Those moments happen more often than you realize Seb, so thank you."
Just like he had said, it was less than an hour later when Hunter returned. "I'm glad you took my advice and brought a change of clothes." Sebastian said while they headed for the living room.
"Considering what I've seen so far I figured it was a good idea to listen to you. Are Rachel and Brody back yet?"
"Not yet." When the two of them walked into the living room Sebastian just started to laugh. "Why are you watching that one?" He asked as they approached the couch.
"Brittany wanted to see Cooper's Ginger impersonation." Blaine replied through his laughter.
"Wait, that's Cooper?" Hunter asked.
"Yes, with his best friends." Blaine added. "But you should be warned they had quite a few drinks prior to doing this since it happened at his second bachelor party."
"He had more than one?"
"Yea, his friends thought it was only fitting to give him another one once I got into town. I was the best man afterall."
"Couldn't they have just waited?"
"From what Cooper told us, he wouldn't have wanted B or I there." Sebastian told him.
"That bad huh?"
"According to them, yes, which means it was probably pretty raunchy. And from what I know of Jay, it could've been based out of a movie. There is no expense he wouldn't have spared for Cooper."
"Guys, I just got a text from Rachel who told us to start without her and Brody. And that they'll just meet us at the zoo." Blaine told them.
"What's going on B?"
"She didn't say, but my instincts are telling me we both know what the delay is."
"You're kidding, right?" Nick said.
"No. After what happened, I'm sure he wasn't thrilled to hear who she was with last night."
"But I thought she wasn't going home." Jeff said.
"She wasn't, but he calls and checks up on her all the time when she stays out all night."
"What am I missing?" Hunter asked.
"Do you want the long story or the short?" Nick asked.
"It's one of those."
"Short version, Rachel's roommate is also Blaine's ex-boyfriend who happens to hate Seb. And he can't stand that Rachel is friends with him."
"Okay, then why is she friends with him?"
"They were actually best friends, but I don't think that title applies anymore." Blaine told him. "They're still close, but she doesn't share everything that's going on with her."
"That's got to be awkward."
"It is, trust me." Sebastian replied. "But enough about him, let's get this show on the road. We've got a zoo to explore." He then gave Blaine a quick kiss on the cheek before heading for the kitchen to grab the bottles and the cooler bag.
Just wanted to say thank you once again to Mara116 for the video, I love it. I was going to put this after yesterday's chapter but I forgot since it was so early.