Two Steps Beyond
Part 63
When Sebastian left for practice Tuesday morning Blaine headed straight for the piano. His nerves were clearly starting to get the better of him. In two days' time he'd finally be playing for Sebastian. Even though he'd finished the song over a week prior, he kept tweaking it. It had finally gotten to the point he was more than happy with it. Now it was just the point of playing it perfectly. Blaine knew he needed to ingrain it into his memory otherwise his nerves just might get the better of him. As he practiced not only playing, but singing the doorbell rang. He glanced across at the clock and wondered who it might be since Jeff and Nick were getting their suits fitted that morning.
When he finally made it to the door he was surprised to find Cooper standing there with the stroller. "Morning little brother!" He said enthusiastically. "May we come in?"
"Of course." Blaine replied while stepping aside so Cooper could come in. "What are you doing here?"
"Can't I just come by and visit?"
"Of course you can. I just thought you'd be doing interviews and stuff since the premiere is Thursday."
"Nope, I'm done for now but I have a few interviews afterwards. What were you playing when I arrived?" Cooper asked while Blaine went to go grab the basket of things he and Sebastian had for the twins.
"A song I wrote for Bas."
"It sounded really good from what I could hear through the door."
"I…I hadn't planned on playing it for anyone prior to playing it for Bas but…would you mind?"
"I'd be honored to hear it." Cooper said while getting his kids out of the stroller. While Cooper got settled Blaine walked back over to the piano.
"When I'm done, I want your honest opinion Coop."
"You'll get it."
Once Blaine started to play Cooper just sat and listened, he was still in awe anytime he heard Blaine play the piano. It was something that seemed to come so naturally for him. But when he started to sing, Cooper was drawn in after only a few words. The more into the song Blaine got, there was no denying the emotion that showed in his eyes. It was obvious to Cooper that in that moment there was only one thing on Blaine's mind, Sebastian. After Blaine was done his eyes went straight to Cooper, who looked honestly blown away.
"So, what did you think?" The hesitation in Blaine's voice surprised Cooper. The fact that Blaine might be doubting himself after what he just did, threw him.
"My honest opinion."
"Yes, because I'd like to know if it needs more work."
"It was incredible Blaine. You touched upon so many feelings, I can't really describe it. Bas is going to be blown away."
"You don't think it's campy?"
"Absolutely not! Fair warning, once Bas freaks about this and tells basically everyone how amazing you are, you're going to have to play it again. Actually, you'll probably have to play it quite a few times unless you get Bas to record it."
"I know. Jeff, Nick, and Hunter all know I've been working on something and want to hear it. But I told them it wouldn't be till after Bas hears it. Hell, I wasn't going to let anyone hear it before Bas but I really needed to hear someone else's opinion."
"Well, I'm honor that you let it be me and the kids. But Blaine, don't doubt yourself, you're insanely talented. And considering the kids already love listening to you sing, they'd tell you the same thing if they could talk, but just look at those smiles, they loved it. Also, if you and Bas change your mind about Thursday I totally understand."
"We'll be there Coop."
"Alright, but know I'll understand if things change."
"I appreciate that. But in a way, Bas and I have you to thank for us being well, us. And as much as I'd love the day to just be us. There is something right about sharing it with you. You gave us the gentle nudge we needed and we both thank you."
"What can I say, I couldn't take the two of you making eyes at each other anymore and not doing anything about it. Plus, I knew how you both felt about the other. And that first kiss you two shared, totally cemented what I knew."
"It was something, wasn't it?" Blaine said, a faint blush coming to his cheeks while walking over towards Cooper and the kids. "I think I surprised Bas."
"You think, he was shocked. But it was a good kind of shock. I think all your friends were happy with what happened."
"They were. Once we got back to Dalton, they all started to fill us in on what they'd been seeing and thinking."
"I need to say this and it's the last time I'm going to mention him, but when I came to see you at school and first met Kurt I was happy for you because you were happy. But once we started to talk more, I could tell things weren't quite right. It was kind of weird considering what you were telling me."
"Our relationship wasn't exactly balanced."
"That's an understatement Blaine. You were smiling around Kurt, but you honestly glow around Bas. And I'm not just talking post sex glow. You light up when you see him and you probably don't even realize it. And I can tell you, it's definitely mutual because Bas does the same thing."
"Like you do when you see Lexi?"
"Yes. I'm not ashamed to admit I'm truly happy every time I see her. It warms my heart in a way I didn't know was possible."
"I know the feeling."
"I know you do."
"How?"
"The song you just sung. You and Bas have been through a lot together and I'm including everything that happened prior to you two becoming a couple. The fact that you got passed all that, speaks volumes."
"Yea, we've talked about that. It's kind of crazy."
"It is, but it shows there was always something there. Something that made the two of you want to work things out."
"I'm really glad we did.
When Sebastian came home from practice he was surprised to see Cooper and the kids. After sitting down next to Blaine on the floor Sebastian leaned over to give him a kiss. "Hey Coop!"
"Hey! How was practice?"
"Productive, it should be an interesting season. What do we owe the honor of yours and the munchkins' presence?"
"Just came by to visit. I wanted to spend some time with Blaine and you once you got home. I've been running around so much since you guys got to New York we've rarely spent time together."
"Since you have the kids, where's Lexi?"
"At a meeting for the gala. She's got quite a busy schedule ahead of her the next week or so."
"How has she handled doing all this?" Blaine asked.
"Well, since I was gone for a bit most of the meetings were held at the house since she couldn't really run off. But since the gala is about a week away she needed to go out and happily I was home to watch the kids."
"We would've watched them if necessary." Sebastian said.
"I know that and appreciate it. You two have been a big help with everything. Any plans for today?" Sebastian looked at Blaine and then at Cooper.
"Nothing till tonight."
"Okay, because if you two have plans I can leave."
"No, you guys are more than welcome to stick around." As Sebastian spoke he noticed the piano was open and looked at Blaine who smiled. "Please tell me I'll know soon."
"Very soon." Blaine replied before giving him a kiss and leaning back against him. Cooper watched as Blaine and Sebastian were just being themselves, not caring that someone was around. The ease they had around each other was refreshing to see.
"Care to tell me where you're going tonight?"
"The lacrosse team is having a bonding night." Blaine replied.
"And you're going?" Cooper asked, raising an eyebrow.
"He is." Sebastian replied. "Significant others are invited as well."
"Nice. Now…"
"Relax Coop, the guys already know." Sebastian stopped Cooper before he could even finish, knowing exactly what he was thinking. Blaine looked at his brother and smiled.
"Everything is cool Coop. Plus quite a few of his teammates are guys he's played lacrosse with the past couple of summers."
"Sorry, you guys must think I'm paranoid or something."
"No, you ask because you care about us." Blaine told him. "I think if you stopped asking, I'd be worried."
"Alright, but know if anything happens or you guys need me."
"We'll call. I promise."
The afternoon was spent goofing around and spending time with the kids. After everything that had happened it was nice for them to all just spend time together for no reason other than wanting to. By the time Cooper and the kids left it was almost time for Blaine and Sebastian to start getting ready. Once inside their bedroom Sebastian just sprawled across their bed. As Blaine came walking out of their closet he just looked at Sebastian. "Join me B."
"We should start getting ready."
"We've got time." The fact that Sebastian seemed so relaxed, Blaine glanced over at the clock and realized they did have some time. So he slowly crawled onto the bed and against Sebastian. Almost instantly Sebastian wrapped his arm around Blaine and pulled him close. "This feels nice."
"Agreed. Are you sparring with Hunter tomorrow?"
"I am, why?"
"Just asking, that's all. Dave's going to have to watch out when you two spar again."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because you and Hunter are intense when you spar. I never saw you and Dave like that."
"I think that's because we did it at school, but who knows. Speaking of Dave, do you know when he's coming out?"
"If I remember correctly he's coming out Thursday as is Beat. And Trent is leaving tomorrow since they have a little further to go."
"It'll be nice having everyone close again."
"That it will. Are you all set for all the chaos to begin after the premiere?"
"As ready as I can be considering I don't know what to expect. And before I forget, Tasha is coming over Sunday."
"Why?"
"To help us put our wardrobe together for Fashion Week."
"Does she doubt we'll look presentable?"
"No, but you know how she gets. She wants to make sure we look perfect."
Once they finally started getting ready Sebastian couldn't take his eyes off of Blaine. There was something about the way he looked that a part of him just wanted to throw Blaine on the bed and stay in that evening. The look didn't seem to go unnoticed by Blaine who seemed to get a bit more flirtatious than normal. "That's not fair B." Sebastian purred while walking up behind him and pulling him close.
"What's not fair?" When he asked Blaine moved his hips ever so slightly.
"That, you know the affect you have on me. So doing that before we go out, not fair."
"If it makes you feel better, you can do whatever you want to me once we get home." Blaine swore he heard Sebastian growl at his words. And the next thing he felt were Sebastian's lips on his neck. Instinctually Blaine leaned his head to the side giving Sebastian complete access. It wasn't till Blaine felt himself falling into an all too welcomed haze did he pull away. "Bas."
"Yea, I know." Sebastian replied, a ting of frustration in his voice knowing they needed to stop. "We should get going." As he spoke Blaine turned in his arms and gazed up at him.
"Imagine what the anticipation is going to do." There was a seductive tone to Blaine's voice which was only accented when he palmed Sebastian through his jeans. With Blaine's hand still on the evident bulge in his jeans, Sebastian slowly pressed his lips to Blaine's. If there was any doubt as to what either was feeling in that moment it was expressed through the kiss. When they finally broke away they were both breathing a bit heavier. "We should probably go."
"Just give me a minute, okay."
"I can do that." Blaine then gave Sebastian a soft peck on the lips before sitting down on the bed so Sebastian could go fuss with his hair while he got himself under control. It didn't take too long and soon Sebastian was standing in front of Blaine.
"Ready killer?"
"Lead the way."
When they arrived Sebastian could feel Blaine tense up beside him. "If you get uncomfortable, we'll go, alright?" Blaine nodded. Even with as friendly and welcoming as Blaine was, meeting big groups of people always seemed to cause him to tense up slightly. He was relieved that Sebastian didn't think it was silly or odd; he would just make sure to stay close till Blaine got comfortable. They'd barely made it into the room and he felt himself already begin to relax because be recognized quite a few people.
"Seb! Blaine! I'm so happy you made it!" The bubbly voice was definitely a welcoming one as Jenna made her way through the crowd. After giving them each a big hug she just smiled. "Are ready to meet everyone Blaine?"
"I think so."
"Well, then let's get the introductions started." She then took ahold of Blaine's hand as they made their way through the crowd. Sebastian smiled to himself when Jenna brought them to the guys Blaine knew first. It was pretty clear Nate had paid attention when they spoke that morning during practice.
"So, you're the infamous Blaine." Blaine turned slightly and saw an older man standing next to Sebastian.
"Coach Stevens, I'll like you to meet my boyfriend, Blaine Anderson." After they shook hands Blaine looked up at Sebastian who was smiling.
"Do I want to even ask how you know about me?" Blaine asked as Sebastian gave his hand a squeeze.
"Well, Seb here talks about you quite a bit. It's nice to finally put a face to a name. I'm going to get going, don't want to cramp your evening too much. It was nice meeting you Blaine."
"Nice meeting you as well." Once he walked away Blaine looked up at Sebastian again. "What do you say about me?"
"You mean besides how incredible you are." Blaine turned to the voice as Nate was now standing next to Jenna. A faint blush came to Blaine's cheeks. He was positive he'd never get used to hearing Sebastian talk about him the way he does. "But fear not, he's a complete gentleman."
"I hope so."
"I love you too much to not be one." Sebastian replied before leaning down to give him a kiss.
"I swear you two get cuter and cuter." Jenna told them. "Now, how are you two adjusting to living in New York?"
"It's actually gone pretty easily. I think all the time I spent out here last summer has helped."
"Plus we got here early enough to start getting settled." While the four of them talked quite a few of the guys came over and introduced themselves. Everything Sebastian had said was true, his teammates were pretty cool. The guys didn't treat Blaine any differently; he was as Sebastian told him, just one of the guys. When he excused himself for a minute to use the bathroom, he slowly made his way through the crowd. For a Tuesday evening, he never expected the place to be this crowd.
On his way back to Sebastian he stopped in his tracks when he felt someone grab ahold of his arm. "Hey." Any apprehension Blaine had felt earlier crept back up, probably even stronger. "Wanna dance?"
"No thanks, I'm actually with someone."
"I saw, but I'm sure that pretty boy of yours won't mind sharing." Blaine could feel his chest tightening as the man was definitely bigger than him. He looked around hoping to catch Sebastian's attention but when he saw him his back was towards him.
"Please, just let me go."
"Come on, it's just a dance."
"I'm not interested, I have a boyfriend."
"Well, your boyfriend is preoccupied right now so I doubt he'll notice. No harm in a little dance." The man then used the backside of his other hand to graze Blaine's cheek.
"I don't want to dance with you." Blaine tried to pull his arm out of the man's grasp but couldn't. He was almost positive there were going to be bruises the next morning. "Now let me go!"
"Come on, I'm sure you've always wondered what it would be like to be with someone older…more experienced." Blaine could feel his heart racing through his chest. He didn't know if he was going to pass out or be sick first. He hoped it was be sick because lord only knows what could happen if he passed out. From where he was standing, he was pretty sure dancing wasn't the only thing on this man's mind.
"What the hell do you think you're doing? Get your damn hands off of my boyfriend!" Blaine had never felt so relieved to hear Sebastian's voice. The only thing that would probably make him feel better in that moment would be to actually see him. But even without seeing him, he could hear the anger and concern in his voice.
"He approached me sweetie."
"Bullshit! Now let go of him!" Somehow Blaine managed to turn enough to look over his shoulder to see Sebastian. And considering the size of the man that had a hold of him, he was happy to see that Sebastian wasn't alone. Quite a few of his teammates were with him. "Are you deaf, I said let go of him?"
"And what are you going to do about it pretty boy if I don't want to let go?"
"Oh, you're going to let go of him if you know what's good for you." Nate stated.
"Like you guys could stop me. I think because you're being so persistent he must be pretty special. Maybe I need to find out just how special he really is." If the man wasn't holding onto Blaine tightly already his grip actually got tighter, causing Blaine to whimper softly.
"Can't you see you're hurting him, let go!" Sebastian tried to get around to the other side so he could see Blaine but the man forcefully pushed him away.
"Bas." The way Blaine's voice cracked cut straight through to Sebastian. He knew Blaine was hurting more than he was letting on. Sebastian was about to do something when the rest of his teammates appeared.
"Is there a problem here Seb?" Jason, one of the seniors asked.
"Yes, this jackass won't let go of Blaine."
"Is that right? I think it would be wise if you let go of him."
"I told him the same thing." Nate replied. "Yet he didn't listen."
"Are you really prepared to take all of us on tough guy?" The man looked around and realized he was seriously outnumbered. At first it was just Sebastian, Nate, and a couple of other guys, but now there were almost twenty of them.
"Fine!" The man then shoved Blaine at Sebastian. "No one, no matter how cute he is, he isn't worth this much hassle." As the man walked away, Sebastian wrapped his arms tightly around Blaine who was shaking slightly.
"Are you alright Blaine?" Nate asked.
"Besides my arm being sore, I'm…okay. Thank you. All of you."
"B's right, thank you so much guys!" Sebastian then leaned down and kissed the top of Blaine's head.
"Don't worry about it Seb, we've got you, both of you. If any of us are around you, know you can count on us." Jason told them. "We look after our own."
"Jason's right, so don't ever be afraid to ask for help." Nate told them. "But after all the excitement we should probably head back over to our tables. That is, if you two want to. We'd completely understand if you want to leave."
"What do you want to do B?"
"We…we can stay." When the guys returned, the girlfriends that were there all looked concerned. And once they laid eyes on Blaine and Sebastian they started to ask questions. The guys calmly asked the girls to calm down and to not worry; everything had been taken care of. After they were seated, Blaine sat as close as possible to Sebastian who had an arm protectively wrapped around him.
Jenna knew more was going on than what Nate had told her considering how quiet Blaine had become. Once Nate moved from his spot next to Blaine, Jenna slid a bit closer. She was just about to speak when her eyes grew wide. "What the hell?" Sebastian leaned forward to look at Jenna but soon saw why she reacted the way she did. "Blaine, what happened?"
"Some asshole didn't want to take no for an answer." Blaine said while glancing down at his arm. Even from his angle he could already see a few bruises forming.
"Nothing else happened, did it?" Her voice was now very soft, as she took ahold of Blaine's hand. Blaine shook his head. "As much as I love having you two here, why don't you head home?"
"I'll be okay, honest."
"They're fine sweetie. They'll leave when they're ready." Nate said while sliding back into the booth. "And considering the way Seb is shooting daggers at basically anyone that looks this way no one is going to bother us the rest of the night." Blaine glanced up at Sebastian, a soft smile on his face upon seeing what Nate described. If he ever had a doubt about how protective Sebastian could be, it was now long gone.