Two Steps Beyond

Part 61

By the time Sebastian arrived home from practice on Tuesday, Blaine was already at the gym with Hunter. Even with as tired as he was from practice, Sebastian headed for their bedroom to grab his gym bag before heading off to meet them. In any other situation, Sebastian would call and let Blaine know he wasn't going to make it. But knowing Blaine was sparring with Hunter he knew he wouldn't be looking at his phone anytime soon. And might begin to wonder where Sebastian was if he looked at the clock.

After arriving at the gym Sebastian had to think twice about changing. Practicality won out so he went to change. He figured it was better to change and decided to work out than to have not changed and decided he wanted too. It took him a minute to figure out where to go since this wasn't an area of the gym he'd been often. Since the last time Blaine and Hunter sparred, Jeff and Nick came with and they all worked out while Blaine and Hunter did their thing.

When he approached the ring he just stopped at the apron and watched. It was amazing that even with the height difference, they seemed pretty evenly matched from what Sebastian could see. His timing couldn't have been much better since shortly after he arrived they stopped to take a break. "Hey."

"Hey yourself. How was practice?"

"Long. Practicing when it's hot and humid is not my favorite thing to do."

"I get where you're coming from. It's brutal out there today." Hunter said as he handed Blaine a bottle of water. "We couldn't believe how bad it was even on the water."

"Even though you've changed it doesn't look like you want to do much." Blaine said to him.

"Basically. If I knew you wouldn't have worried I probably would've stayed home."

"Well, you don't have to stay on my account."

"I appreciate that, but if you two don't mind I'm just going to stick around and watch you two spar."

"Do you box Seb? I'm thinking I've asked you this once before but I don't remember."

"Nope."

"You should give it a try."

"He's not going to do it Hunter, I've tried." Blaine told him.

"B's right, he has. How much longer are the two of you going to go at it?"

"I'd say another half hour or so, right Blaine?"

"That sounds about right. I've needed this today."

"Why is that B?"

"I think I've finally released all the frustrations from our recent run-ins with Kurt."

"And believe me, there was a lot of it." Hunter replied.

"Sorry about that."

"It's okay, I'm just glad we started with the heavy bag and not sparring. That type of frustration can easily get out of control. Remind me that we can't go this long without sparring again."

"Agreed."

Once Hunter and Blaine started to spar again, Sebastian leaned back in the chair he was sitting in. While he watched, Blaine and Hunter's conversation came creeping back into his head. Sebastian wondered what part of their recent dealings with Kurt had bothered Blaine so much. The more he watched, the more Sebastian was mesmerized by what he was seeing. He'd watched Blaine and Dave spar at Dalton, but watching him with Hunter was completely different. Maybe it was because Hunter was bigger, but their workout seemed even more intense. It became crystal clear to Sebastian why Blaine knocked Josh on his ass with a singular punch. He's boy might be small but he sure as hell isn't weak.

By the time Blaine and Hunter finished they both looked exhausted. "And here I thought I looked tired." Sebastian said as he tossed them each a towel.

"Give me a few minutes and it won't be as bad." Blaine replied. "How about same time next week?"

"Sounds good. And once we have our schedules we can figure a time that'll work for each of us." Hunter said. "What are two going to do the rest of the day?"

"On our way home we need to pick our tuxes up from the cleaners." Sebastian said.

"Ah, so you two have to go to the gala too."

"Lexi helped plan it. If it makes you feel better, Nick and Jeff are coming as well."

"Are they bringing Santana and Brittany?"

"They are." Blaine replied. "What about you, bringing a date?"

"Haven't decided yet, at least I know I'll have people to talk to if I don't. Well, I need to get going. I've got some errands to run plus I want to try and get a nap in before I need to join Cassie for dinner with our parents."

"Oh, fun." Sebastian said. "You sound as enthusiastic as I do when I have to have dinner with my parents."

"Well, it should be interesting because my Dad wants to talk. He's supposedly calmed down quite a bit since I made by big college announcement. From what Cass told me he's still not happy that I didn't apply to one of the Academies, but he's proud of the fact that I got into an Ivy League school. So, who knows what this night entails."

"Well, if you need to blow off steam afterwards give us a call." Blaine told him.

"Just remember that you said that Blaine if I do call. I'll see you guys later!"

Once Hunter headed off, Blaine made his way out of the ring. "What do you want to do killer?"

"You mean besides take a shower right now." Sebastian nodded. "I'm fine with not doing much of anything. I need to call my Mom but beyond that, nothing. Wait, I do have one request."

"And what would that be?"

"A massage if you don't mind."

"It would be my pleasure."

All throughout their ride home on the subway the only thing Blaine and Sebastian wanted was off of it and to get home. The fact that it was hot out and incredibly humid made the subway a very unpleasant experience. Blaine had to keep reminding Sebastian to keep his voice down, though he really couldn't disagree with what Sebastian was saying. It was clear there were quite a few people in their car that seemed to have forgotten to put deodorant on that day and if they did, they needed to reapply it.

By the time they reached the sidewalk, Blaine started to laugh as Sebastian over exaggerated his need for fresh air. "It wasn't that bad Bas."

"Yes it was B. That guy next to us stunk. Like, worse than a locker room."

"Bas."

"It's true. I know it's nasty out, but that was disgusting. I need a shower just from standing next to him. Care to join me?"

"I've got a better idea." Sebastian looked down at him. "How about a bath, we haven't taken one for a while?"

"You won't hear any complaints from me. But I think it's best if you call your Mom while I run the tub."

"And why is that?" Blaine asked, cocking his eyebrows slightly.

"Considering our history with baths, call her first. The last thing I'd want is her calling while we're busy."

"Are you saying it would be a mood killer if my Mom called?"

"It could be depending on exactly what we were doing." They both laughed at how ambiguous their conversation had turned. Yet at the same time, they both knew exactly what the other was talking about.

Once they were inside Blaine got settled on the couch to call his Mom while Sebastian went to start their bath. After the water was started Sebastian changed out of his clothes till he was only wearing his boxers. With his iPod already in the docking station he checked the tub one more time before going to check on Blaine. When he reached the living room, Blaine was clearly having an interesting conversation with his Mom judging from his attitude. Blaine couldn't seem to wipe the smile off his face and once he spotted Sebastian it just grew wider. "Actually Mom, he's right here. Would you like to talk to him?" The next thing Sebastian knew Blaine was handing him his phone. "Good luck." Blaine said with a laugh before getting off the couch. "I'll go check the tub."

No sooner did Sebastian say hello, did Mrs. Anderson begin to talk. It didn't take long to realize why Blaine told him good luck because she was in rare form. And from some of the things she was saying it was pretty obvious she'd been spending quite a bit of time with Mrs. Duval and Mrs. Sterling. "No Mom, I have no idea why Jeff and Nick haven't been answering their phones in the evenings. Of course Blaine and I can talk to them. It's not a problem, honest." As Sebastian spoke, Blaine walked back into the room and smiled at him.

"I told you." Blaine said quietly. "By the way, the tub's ready." He then kissed Sebastian on the cheek.

"That's fine; you have fun with Mrs. Duval. Tell her Blaine and I say hello. Yes, I'll give Blaine a kiss for you. Bye Mom." Once Sebastian ended the call he wrapped an arm around Blaine. "Will you please tell me what that was all about?"

"Which part?"

"All of it."

"I will the best I can, but let's have this conversation in the tub instead." Sebastian nodded then gave Blaine a kiss. "What was that for?"

"Your Mom asked me to give you a kiss from her, hence innocent kiss on cheek." He then pulled Blaine on to his lap. "And this one is from me just because."

Before getting comfortable in the tub, both of them tossed their cell phones onto the bed. After tossing their boxers into the hamper Sebastian got into the tub while Blaine pressed play on the docking station. "I should've known." Blaine said softly as the smooth sounds of jazz filled the room. "It is perfect though."

"Like you." Sebastian replied, causing Blaine to blush prior to getting into the tub himself. Once he leaned back against Sebastian, he felt Sebastian's arms wrap around him. "So, did she ask about what Nick and Jeff have been doing since they've been in the city?"

"She did. And I'm sure she asked you as well, but it seems we're supposed to ask them why neither seem to be answering their phones in the evening."

"Yea, she asked me that too. But I'm pretty sure I know why neither of them answered." Blaine replied.

"You mean because they're probably having sex with their girlfriends when their Moms call."

"Exactly, we need to tell them to call their Moms more often."

"I've got to say though; it was cute that their Moms asked yours."

"That's because they know she's talking to me daily ever since the accident. It's like instant access to their sons in a sense. Though I don't understand why they don't try calling them during the day if they don't answer at night."

"Well, from what Jeff said Mrs. Duval is a lot like his Dad. While we were gone she reminded Nick about the importance of practicing safe sex."

"And how does Jeff know this?"

"She did it over Skype."

"Were the girls at home?"

"No, Brittany was at an evening class and Santana was at that event with Cassie."

"I'm thankful our parents don't do that."

"Remember, my Mother tried."

"Okay, the parents we care to listen to."

"That's a good way to put it. Though I'm sure we'd hear it if they knew we didn't use a condom every time."

"True. Speaking of condoms, did you see the ones Jeff picked up?"

"Are we talking the spectrum of colors he got?"

"No, because I know Brittany likes the colored condoms. He found some that supposedly glow-in-the-dark."

"You're kidding."

"Nope, he showed them to me while you and Nick were checking out cuffs."

"Gotta love Jeff's free spirited attitude. Nothing fazes him and he'll do anything to make Brittany smile no matter how silly. Since we know he won't be buying a set of cuffs anytime soon, even though he asked about them, did he get anything interesting?"

"Dice. I told him that he and Britt would love them."

"Well, since they got those it's a good reason why he's not answering his phone at night. Those can keep you entertained for hours. Now, I know this probably isn't the best time but we need to talk about what's going to happen once school starts."

"Do you have to remind me?" Blaine asked as he relaxed against Sebastian even more.

"So you've thought about it too."

"Of course I have. The fact that we're going to different schools, plus you're playing lacrosse. We're not going to see each other as much. And when we do we'll probably be studying. Not that I don't want you to play, but I'll be happy when you're lacrosse season is over."

"Me too killer. I actually talked to Lexi about it and she said we need to plan a date night once a week which I thought was an excellent idea."

"I thought about that too. It's nice to know we're on the same page."

"It is. I know it's not going to be easy at first, but we just have to remind ourselves that it'll get better." Sebastian then kissed the top of Blaine's head. "And for all we know it might not be too bad, but I'd rather envision it being harder than think it's going to be easy. You're going to come to my games, right?"

"Every one that I can. Do you know what your practice schedule is going to be like once the season starts?"

"Nate said it isn't too bad. From what he described my schedule will be similar to that at Dalton without the early morning team runs."

"That's acceptable. Plus, Wes said our Dalton class load will make the transition easier."

"That's what I like to hear."

Sebastian's words prior to them getting in the tub rang true once they were done talking. And somehow they managed to make their way to their bedroom without tripping and falling. They were so caught up in each other that they both ignored the fact that each of their phones had been going off. Once they were both completely spent, Blaine reached across Sebastian for his phone. "Can't wait to find out what was so important?"

"Well, if you distract me I'm sure I can wait." Any other moment Sebastian would've been all over that comment but at this time, he was exhausted.

"Check quickly and then you're all mine again, plus I owe you a massage still."

"And what if I want you to be mine?" Blaine asked.

"That works too." Sebastian then grabbed one of the extra pillows on their bed and placed it behind his head while Blaine checked his phone. "Anything important?" He asked while Blaine listened to his voicemail.

"Cooper would like to know if we want to come to dinner tonight and said we can get back to him when we're finished."

"Smartass."

"And Tasha called and said our fitting is in two days."

"Alright." After Sebastian answered Blaine started to laugh. "What's so funny?" Blaine then handed his phone to Sebastian whose eyes opened wide before starting to laugh. "Is that who I think it is?"

"If you're thinking it sounds like Britt and Jeff, yea. But I need to check the call log to make sure. I think it's safe to say Nick probably isn't home."

"If he is home, he's hearing one hell of a show."

While Blaine called Cooper back to tell him they'd come to dinner, Sebastian checked his phone to make sure their messages were similar. Not surprisingly they had the same messages, though he didn't have the same last message. When Blaine came back into the room Sebastian just stared at him. "What?"

"You're beautiful, you know that."

"I'll take your word on it." Blaine replied while crawling back into bed. "But the way you look at me makes me believe it."

"Good, because it's true." Sebastian then placed a kiss on top of Blaine's head. "When do they want us over?"

"Cooper said we're welcome to come over whenever, but dinner is at six."

"Did you tell him my response to his message?"

"I did, he laughed. But he bets he was right considering neither of us answered."

"What did you tell him?"

"I just laughed. Last thing I was going to do is give him the satisfaction of being right, though I'm sure my reaction told him just that."

"I'm sure he preferred that answer to the truth. As much as he jokes with us, I don't think he wanted to know exactly what we were doing."

By the time they arrived at Lexi and Cooper's it was only a couple of hours later. They were barely in the door when Cooper walked up to them. "I was beginning to think you weren't….nevermind."

"Smartass."

"I've missed you too Bas." Cooper said as he gave him a hug. "I warned Lexi that you two might be hungrier than normal."

"Cooper!"

"Relax Blaine, I'm just kidding." Cooper said while draping his arm around Blaine's shoulders. "I'd never do that to you."

"Bullshit."

"Okay, maybe I would. But I didn't this time." Cooper said as they all headed for the kitchen. "Now, am I going to have to worry about your new found fame going to your heads?"

"What are you talking about Cooper?" Sebastian asked.

"He's referring to the fact that the recent editorial is a huge success. Tasha is absolutely beaming about it." Lexi replied before giving each of them a kiss. "But I'm sure she'll fill you in during your fitting."

"How is it a success, it's an editorial?" Blaine asked while taking a seat next to Sebastian.

"It means people that matter noticed and loved it. And in Tasha's world that means everything. That doesn't even go to all the women that are in love with all of you. She was right, the shots were incredible. I personally feel very lucky to be related to you all." While she spoke Sebastian just looked at his sister. "What is it Bas?"

"You cut your hair."

"I did, what do you think?"

"I like it. It's not too different from how you usually wear it, but it's enough to be noticed. What do you think B?"

"He probably didn't notice Bas."

"I did, I just didn't want to say anything in case I was wrong. I like it. Did you do it just for the hell of it or was there a reason?"

"With everything going on in the next couple of weeks I did it on purpose. Wanted to change things up just a bit, but not to the point where I wasn't comfortable doing it." Blaine and Sebastian then looked at Cooper.

"Don't worry guys, I noticed." Cooper replied while pulling Lexi into a hug. "I'm actually good about noticing those little things." The boys then looked at Lexi who nodded.

"Speaking of the next couple of weeks, have you gotten your dress for the gala?" Sebastian asked.

"I have. Cooper actually picked it up for me this morning, so I'm ready to go."

"Speaking of the gala, I can't even thank you for everything you did for Brittany and Santana." Blaine told her.

"No need to, it was my pleasure. Plus, it was a lot of fun."

"That's what we were told. The girls had a blast with you guys." Sebastian said.

"Nice to know the feeling was mutual. Considering we were born into all this and it was overwhelming for me, I can only imagine how they're feeling."

"Overwhelmed." Blaine replied. "But you guys helped put them at ease a bit."

"I'm glad our quirkiness helped."

"Probably more than you know." Sebastian told her. "Now, not that we don't love you both, but where are the munchkins?"

"Taking a nap, but they should be getting up soon." Cooper replied. "So until then you're stuck with us."

"I guess we can survive." Blaine replied with a laugh. "Why don't you tell us all about what happened while you were gone?" Lexi soon began to laugh and the boys noticed a smirk on Cooper's face. "What?"

"Put it this way, my week was anything but boring."

"Do tell." Sebastian said.

"For starters, they've split all of us up for the rest of the promotion."

"And why is that?"

"Seems miss bitch pissed everyone off during those modest two and a half days I was gone. She wouldn't shut up about the fact that I was gone and she didn't see why I needed to rush off."

"Please tell me you're kidding." Blaine replied, but when Cooper didn't flinch Blaine knew he wasn't. "Well, that bitch can take a leap as far as I'm concerned."

"That's basically what I told her. On Monday morning I was informed of all this and basically went off on her while the rest of my cast mates watched."

"You didn't get in trouble, did you?"

"Thankfully not, since everyone that was traveling with us knew she deserved it. I'd say it's pretty safe to say she didn't make any friends while working on this film."

"Are you going to let us know who she is?" Sebastian asked.

"I'm going to see if you two can figure it out at the premiere."

"What makes you think we'll be able to?"

"Just wait for the bitch to arrive, and trust me, you'll know."