Two Steps Beyond
Part 57
When Nick and Santana came walking back into the apartment they were greeted by Jeff who was stretched out on the couch with a sleeping Brittany in his lap. "Good lord, are you sure you two didn't forget something?" Jeff said upon noticing all the shopping bags they had.
"We probably did." Nick replied before kissing Santana on the cheek. "So, any news from back home?"
"Mrs. Anderson is being released today. And even your Dad went and checked on her. That reminds me, Blaine told me to tell you to call your Mom." Santana started to giggle at Jeff's reminder.
"Did he say why?"
"Just that your Dad asked him and Seb to ask you to call your Mom." Nick just shook his head.
"What is it?" Santana asked.
"Knowing my Mom, she's going to remind me of the importance of safe sex."
"You're kidding?"
"He's not." Jeff replied. "Now, what was with the massive shopping spree?"
"I needed clothes for work and for tonight, though that's technically work as well."
"What do you mean work?"
"That's right; you and Brittany were out with Brody and Rachel when I got home last night. I'm interning at Cassie's agency."
"Nice. That must mean your shadow day with her was a success."
"It was. Crazy though. Seb was right, there is more to all this than what I learned in school last year. Plus she gave me a list of classes I need to take that aren't even mentioned for my major. And I actually had to sign a confidentiality agreement yesterday because something crazy happened with one of her clients."
"How crazy?"
"Crazy enough that she had to sign the agreement." Nick replied which earned a roll of the eyes from Jeff. "What?"
"I was just curious if we could get a vague answer, that's all. I didn't want to know details."
"Let's just say the fact that you haven't heard any major rumblings, Cassie does her job very well."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means I know Britt loves checking out the gossip sites and this would've been all over them. Now, I need to go figure out what I'm wearing tonight." Santana then kissed Nick on the cheek. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, I'll be there soon."
"Don't make me wait too long."
Once she left the living room, Jeff waved Nick over. "You two were gone for six hours."
"I know. My Mom would be shocked to know I spent most of the day shopping."
"No kidding. Please tell me it's not all work clothes in there."
"And what are you implying?" Nick asked.
"You know exactly what I'm implying." The smile that came to Nick's face answered Jeff's question. "Then I'd say it was a successful shopping trip."
"When you talked to Blaine did he say when they're coming back?"
"From what I got from him, I think they're coming home tomorrow night."
"The fact that their coming home is good news, speaks volumes actually. And knowing my Dad stopped by to check on her makes me feel even better."
"Agreed. Now you better go, you still have bags in your hands and you promised to not keep her waiting."
"Very true."
"And Nick."
"Yes."
"Don't forget to call your Mom." Jeff said with a big grin on his face.
"Smartass."
When Nick walked into his bedroom he found Santana standing at the bottom of the bed looking at everything they'd bought spread out on the bed. "Jeff's right, we totally went overboard."
"No we didn't." Nick said after setting down the bags he was holding. "We didn't get anything that wasn't a necessity." He said before stepping up behind her and wrapping his arms around her.
"So the two bags of lingerie were necessities?"
"Absolutely considering the things I've ripped or torn in the past."
"We weren't very graceful that first night, were we?"
"Depends on the moment, but I'm pretty sure we chalked up the lack of patience to the fact that we'd waited as long as we had. And things have certainly been good from that point."
"That's true, I still remember the look on your face when my bra wouldn't unhook."
"It was being stubborn." Nick replied while nuzzling her neck.
"That I'll agree with since it was often a pain to hook. But I no longer have to worry about that. Thanks to you that bra no longer exists."
"I'm just glad you remembered to take it with you. Lord only knows what Seb would've said had he found it."
"I didn't throw it out till I got back to school. Can you imagine me trying to explain a ripped bra to my Mom, especially one that you most definitely destroyed?"
"Not really. Though I'd do it again if need be."
"I… I don't doubt…that one bit." By this point Santana was completely relaxed and the only thing holding her up was Nick. "Nicky…you…you need to stop."
"Alright, but why if you don't mind me asking?"
"Because I need to figure out what I'm going to wear and then start getting ready."
"Wear the burgundy dress."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, it looks amazing on you and it's perfect for where you're going tonight. Decision made."
"Did you make that decision quickly hoping you'd get some before I go?"
"No, it's true the dress looks amazing on you. But if my quick decision gives us more time I'm not going to complain."
While Sebastian helped Lexi with dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson sat in the family room. "Blaine, do you mind going out back and getting Cooper?" Lexi asked.
"Not at all." Once Blaine was out back it didn't take long for him to find Cooper, all he had to do was follow the obviously frustrated voice. After making his way down to the pool, he found Cooper sitting on the edge with his feet in the water. It wasn't long till Cooper spotted him and motioned that it would only be a few more minutes. Blaine was about to walk away, but Cooper covered his phone just enough to ask Blaine to stay. By the time Cooper ended the call Blaine could see how exhausted his brother looked. "Before I forget, Lexi asked me to come and get you."
"Dinner?"
"No, I saw the timer. I think she just wanted to see you. And you might not want to hear this, but you look like hell."
"Nice to know I look how I feel."
"Want to talk?"
"You're going to think it's stupid." Cooper then ran his fingers through his hair.
"I wouldn't think that."
"Do you really want to know what's wrong?"
"Only if you want to talk about it? But I know I often feel better after talking to Bas. I totally get if you'd rather talk to your wife though." Blaine was about to get up but Cooper grabbed ahold of his arm.
"Is it wrong that I want to say screw all this movie promotion and go home with my wife and kids?"
"It depends on your reason."
"After everything that happened with Mom, I've come to realize how important my family is to me. And it seems a bit silly to be flying around promoting a movie instead of being home with my family. Hell, if it wasn't for having to promote this movie I would be able to stay here with Mom."
"I totally get where you're coming from Coop, but…deep down I know you want to live your dream. And you've been given that opportunity. You've got to realize how proud Mom and Dad are of you."
"I know their proud of me, but pursuing this dream that almost didn't happen cost me more than I realized."
"Like what?"
"You're kidding, right?"
"No, I'm totally serious. What did it cost you? Because after what you told me you wouldn't have met Lexi if you weren't in LA pursuing your dream."
"That's the best thing that came out of it. But it cost me time with my family and almost destroyed my relationship with you."
"Can't say that was a good time for us but we got passed it."
"I hope you know how much I regret not keeping in touch with you. We lost so much time that we'll never get back."
"We need to focus on what we have now. I really would be lost without you, you know that?"
"You've got Bas."
"And you've got Lexi."
"Touché. I get where you're coming from Blaine. I feel the same way. We finally have the relationship that Mom and Dad always hoped we'd have."
"Agreed, which is why I need to tell you something."
"Why do I not like the sound of that?"
"Because it sounds like I'm going to drop a bomb on you. But I need to do this, heck Bas will be thrilled that I'm doing this since I'm pretty sure I'm driving him crazy."
"Doing what?"
"Telling you how I feel. Like the fact that I'm scared of being referred to as only Cooper Anderson's brother again."
"If someone says that to you, they're an idiot. I'm personally waiting for the day when I'm referred to as your brother. You're going to do remarkable things Blaine. Mom and Dad have never said it, but at times I really think they wished that I was more like you." Blaine couldn't help the smile that crept to his face. "That's not all is it?" Blaine just shook his head.
"I'm afraid of getting left behind again Coop." The look in Blaine's eyes when he spoke said more to Cooper than his words possibly could've. While letting out a rather loud sigh, Cooper wrapped his arm around Blaine and pulled him close. "That must sound silly to you, doesn't it?"
"Not at all, because I could totally see how you could feel that way. I went to pursue my dream and became an ass, basically ignoring everyone. And now that my dream is reality you're afraid it's going to go to my head and you won't matter once again."
"Wow, you putting it that way sounds even worse."
"Blaine, I said it that way because the same thoughts have crept into my head on more than one occasion. I don't want to be one of those people that forget what is truly important. But I don't think that's going to happen."
"Why is that?"
"Even before everything that happened recently, I gained a better appreciation for my family. And I'm not just talking about Lexi and the kids. I could've been a better son to Mom and Dad and well, I know I could've been a much better big brother to you. I should've been here when you were going through everything after you came out."
"But you did support me Coop the only way you could at that time."
"It wasn't enough Blaine. I should've been here with you."
After sending Sebastian to look for Blaine and Cooper, Lexi walked out onto the deck to find Sebastian leaning over the railing. "I thought you were going to find Cooper and Blaine."
"I found them."
"Then why…" Lexi didn't finish her sentence once she was next to Sebastian and saw why he didn't proceed any further. There sitting by the pool were Cooper and Blaine, with Cooper's arm around him and Blaine leaning against him, Sebastian and Lexi both knew this wasn't some normal conversation. "Any idea what they're talking about?"
"Considering recent events, it could be a lot of things."
"Bas, what are you not telling me? Is something going on between Blaine and Cooper that I don't know about?"
"It's nothing Lexi, don't worry about it."
"Nice try, but you know I'm going to worry about it till you tell me what the hell is going on."
"Fine, Blaine is afraid his and Cooper's relationship is going to implode with Cooper's impending fame."
"Thanks for not sugar coating it."
"How else would you expect me to put it without going into crazy detail?"
"I hope you told him that's crazy, right."
"I did, I'm pretty sure I've gotten through to him. But can you really blame him for feeling that way after everything they've been through. The only good thing Hummel ever did was encourage Blaine to fix things with Cooper."
"Do you think I should say something to Cooper?"
"No. If Blaine feels the need, he'll tell Cooper himself at least I hope he will. I'm pretty sure they're to the point in their relationship that they can tell each other things no matter how uncomfortable it might be."
By the time dinner was over Sebastian and Lexi couldn't help notice that there was something different about Blaine and Cooper, but neither could put their finger on it. "Dinner was incredible Lexi, thank you once again." Mrs. Anderson said.
"I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. Also, thanks to some help from Blaine and Bas there are quite a few meals in the freezer ready to go."
"You really didn't need to do that." Mr. Anderson told her.
"I know, but I'm just returning the favor from when Mom stocked our freezer after the twins were born."
"She's got a point Mom; you can't be upset with her." Cooper said.
"I'm not upset, she just didn't have to do all that work."
"Hey, we helped." Blaine chimed in while glancing at Sebastian.
"I'm sorry boys; I appreciate your help too. Now, am I going to get to spend time with you or are you going to run off and see your friends while you're home?"
"You're stuck with us." Sebastian replied. "Unless you want us to run off."
"No Seb, I'd like you to stick around. Especially knowing I'm not going to see you two for a while once school starts."
"Since that's the case, what would you like to do tonight?" Blaine asked.
"How about we have a movie night, nothing crazy?"
After a few looks were exchanged they were all in agreement. Since the evening had been decided, Mr. Anderson escorted Mrs. Anderson to the family room while the rest of them finished cleaning up the kitchen. "You know Mom would've been cool with you guys going out."
"I know, but we just saw all the guys a little more than week ago so it's not like it's been ages. Plus we'll be seeing them shortly after they head to school."
"What about your friends from McKinley?" Cooper asked.
"After what just went down, no thanks." Sebastian replied. "Quite a few of them didn't take the last bit of news very well."
"What bit of news?" Lexi asked.
"Nick and Santana are officially dating now." Cooper replied.
"Oh, that. I thought it was something new."
"And how do you know this bit of news?" Sebastian asked.
"Tasha told me all about it, said Kurt wigged out about it. First off, he couldn't believe Santana was now dating guys again. And the fact that it's Nick, completely threw him. I don't know why, Nick's cute like all of your friends. I personally don't blame Santana one bit."
"Alright, since you know all that, time for us to ask you some questions." Blaine said.
"I plead the fifth." Lexi replied before going to finish the dishes.
"From that reaction, I now want to know what Blaine and Sebastian have to ask you, because it must be something for you to react like that."
"It's nothing Coop, nothing."
"Hey Coop, ever wonder how Lexi got ahold of one of our friends to pick us up from the airport?" Sebastian asked.
"I was curious, but assumed she got the number from one of you."
"Nope. Tell him sis."
"I…I don't know what you're referring to Bas." Thankfully Lexi was briefly saved for a moment when Blaine and Sebastian's phones each went off. "What's going on?"
"She looks beautiful." Sebastian said after opening the message.
"That could almost be an understatement." After hearing both of the boys responses Cooper snatched Blaine's phone out of his hand.
"Wow!"
"Would one of the three of you show me what you're gawking over?" Sebastian then stepped towards the sink and showed Lexi the picture.
"She looks stunning. Did Nick say where they are going?"
"Nick's not going; Santana is accompanying Cassie to a party tonight."
"Sweet, Santana took the job offer."
"What job offer?" Blaine asked.
"Shit, I wasn't supposed to say anything."
"Lexi." Sebastian said.
"Fine, but promise me you'll be excited when she tells you." Both of them nodded. "After your call to Cassie and their little meeting, Cassie offered Santana an internship."
"That's awesome!" Blaine exclaimed.
"I'm so glad things worked out that way." Sebastian said.
"Me too. Cassie really took a liking to her after that first meeting. And you probably helped Santana more than you realized."
"How so?"
"Cassie was able to tell her a few things that neither her professors nor counselor told her last year."
"And now she has her foot in the door of one of the top agencies." Cooper added.
"Coop, is Cassie your publicist?" Blaine asked.
"She is actually. And personally I wish she was coming with me to LA after all the crap I've had to deal with."
"Lexi mentioned some of it to me. I can't believe someone had the audacity to ask that of you."
"Ask what?" Sebastian asked.
"One reporter conducting an interview asked me to remove my wedding ring."
"Excuse me? Please tell me you told them where to stick it?"
"I did as politely as I could. I also told the publicist traveling with us."
"Why am I just hearing about this now?"
"Because I found out the day we moved Rachel out. It slipped my mind after everything else that happened. Forgive me?" Sebastian looked at Blaine, he tried to be upset but he just couldn't since Blaine was giving him his infamous puppy dog eyes.
"Of course I forgive you, but you might have to make it up to me."
"And what do you have in mind?"
"I was…"
"Don't you dare go any further Bas." Cooper stated. "I don't need to hear what you two do."
"You mean like we heard you two last night." For one of the first times Blaine could remember, Cooper looked embarrassed. That was saying a lot considering the things Blaine had witnessed.
"You heard us last night?"
"We did, sorry sis."
"I'll survive, I'd much rather you heard us than saw us."
"Saw what?" All their eyes flew to the doorway when they heard Mr. Anderson's voice.
"Nothing." The fact that all four of them responded Mr. Anderson knew he was probably better off not knowing.
"What can we do for you Dad?" Cooper asked.
"Your Mom was just wondering what was keeping the four of you."
"We'll be there soon." Blaine replied.
"Alright, I'll let her know." After he left the four of them all just looked at each other. It was pretty clear all of them were happy he walked in when he did and not much later, for who knows where the conversation might've been.