Two Steps Beyond

Part 65

"I honestly have no idea how I'm going to ever thank you properly Nate." Sebastian said once practice was over.

"Trust me, after what happened last night it's the least I can do. How is Blaine?"

"He was a bit sore last night and the bruises were already pretty predominate, but I don't know how he feels right now since he was asleep when I left. I really didn't expect the rest of the guys to show up."

"Like we told you last night Seb, we look out for our own." John said while throwing an arm around Sebastian's shoulders. "I'm glad we got there when we did, who knows what he wanted to do to Blaine." Once he spoke, John felt Sebastian cringe beneath him. "I'm sorry man; I never should've said it."

"It's alright; Blaine and I talked about that last night as well. I just don't want to think about it."

"Understandable, I wouldn't want to think of anyone doing something like that to my girlfriend either. Guy or girl it's wrong to grab someone like that just because you're bigger than them. And try and force them to do something they don't want to do"

"And that guy was basically bigger than all of us." Nate chimed in.

"I appreciate that guys. After the past couple years in Ohio I was getting pretty accustomed to people treating us like crap, that is anyone outside of our friends."

"Well, people that react like that are closed minded. Love is love regardless of who is involved."

"I wish more people would adopt that philosophy. I'd love to know how who I love affects someone else."

"You're not the only one Seb." John replied. "Now, I hope you have something special in store for tomorrow since we're covering your butt."

"I do. I want tomorrow to be perfect for Blaine. The fact that Cooper's premiere is tomorrow I'm determined to make sure we don't get slighted in the process."

"Isn't that sweet of you." Nate said to him, which earned him a playful shove from Sebastian. "Are you going to tell us what you have planned?"

"No."

"Come on Seb."

"I haven't told anyone but my sister what I have planned so not happening."

"Fine, will you at least tell us about the movie. Both Jenna and Lauren want to go see it so we'd like to hear about it before hand." John said.

"That I can do, but so you know. Cooper does go shirtless in a few scenes so be prepared for them to drool." Sebastian then grabbed his bag off the bench. "Now if you don't mind, I need to go shower and run a few errands for tomorrow."

"Aren't you meeting Blaine at the gym?" Nate asked.

"Not today, I informed him I had some errands to run. Though, it's not like he's going to miss me. When he and Hunter spar they're in their own little world."

"Blaine boxes?" John asked.

"He does. And I'm pretty sure if the circumstances were different last night, he would've punched that asshole. Blaine might look small, but he packs a punch. I've seen him do it before."

"But that guy was huge Seb."

"I know and…he's actually punched someone that size hard enough to knock them off balance before."

"Damn, remind me not to piss Blaine off." Nate said.

By the time Sebastian came walking into Lexi and Cooper's both of their eyes flew open. "Good lord Bas, what the hell did you buy?" Lexi asked while taking a few bags from him.

"Everything I need for tomorrow. I was only going to drop a few things off here but thankfully before I headed home I got a text from Hunter saying he and Blaine were done. I couldn't risk Blaine coming home and I hadn't put everything away yet."

"When do you want us, well technically one of us to bring this stuff over tomorrow?" Cooper asked.

"Sadly, I'll need it super early, like five since Blaine sometimes wakes up when I'm getting ready for practice."

"You're lucky we love both of you." Cooper told him, knowing he was going to end up being the one to bring everything over.

"I know I am."

"I tried to get him to change his mind about coming tomorrow."

"I know you did, but like I told you he wasn't going to. He wants to be there to support you. Heck at one point he said we'd just celebrate the next day."

"I hope you put your foot down about that Bas." Lexi told him while having her hand swatted away by Sebastian as she attempted to look in one of the bags.

"I did, hence the reason I'm doing all this. I know how important our anniversary is to him. Heck, it's important to me too. And the fact that we're sharing it with you on one of your biggest days is a bit…weird."

"Trust me Bas, I know." Cooper replied. "When Lexi pointed it out I almost didn't invite the two of you, but she told me that the decision needed to be up to you two and not me, especially considering everything Blaine and I have been through."

"That was an excellent idea sis. Last thing Blaine would've needed is to think Cooper didn't want him there for his big moment."

"Fine, I was an idiot for even considering it. I don't need to be reminded of it, alright!" Lexi and Sebastian just looked at each other, never meaning to upset Cooper the way they had.

"I'm sorry Coop." Lexi said. "I never mean it like that."

"I know you didn't, it's just given recent events I've been reminded of what an ass I was."

"You might've been an ass, but you're not right now." Sebastian told him. "You and Blaine have gotten passed those moments. And like I've told him, you need to move past it. I'm not saying to forget it happened, but don't dwell on it. Trust me, I'm an expert at dwelling on stuff and it just makes you miserable. You and B just need to love one another and make sure you don't let stupid shit get between you."

"Low and behold, my brother giving advice." Sebastian then stuck his tongue out a Lexi in response. "Cute."

"I know I am. But I better head home; don't want Blaine to wonder what's keeping me. Thanks again for everything you two."

"You are welcome. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

"How sweet, he's going to let you sleep sis."

"You better go Bas before he changes his mind. Love you."

"Love you too!"

Once Sebastian was out the door Lexi looked at Cooper. "There isn't anything he wouldn't do for Blaine, you know that right."

"I do. And just wait till you hear what Blaine has in store for him tomorrow."

"Are you saying you got to hear it?"

"I did, and it's amazing. Blaine is seriously talented."

When Sebastian came walking into the apartment he walked into the living room and found Blaine on the couch playing video games. It wasn't till Sebastian kissed the top of Blaine's head did he even know he was home. "I'll be right back." Sebastian said before heading into the kitchen to put away some of the things he bought. After putting everything away he headed back to the living room. "How was sparring?"

"Good. How was practice?"

"Good. All the guys asked about you, they wanted to make sure you were okay."

"That was nice of them." Sebastian glanced over at Blaine who was so into his game that he barely even glanced at Sebastian afraid of breaking his concentration. "Get all your errands ran?"

"I did. Have you been home long?"

"Maybe a half hour." Sebastian then got up off the other couch and sat down next to Blaine. "Don't distract me; I've yet to get passed this level." Blaine said, not taking his eyes off the screen. Knowing the last thing he wanted was to upset Blaine, Sebastian sat there quietly and watched. The longer Blaine played the more into it Sebastian got. "Yes!" Blaine proclaimed once he reached the end. He then tossed his control to the side before moving onto Sebastian's lap. He moved so quickly he actually surprised Sebastian. But before he had a chance to say anything Blaine was kissing him. As he wrapped his arms around him, he felt Blaine move even closer. When Blaine finally pulled away, he looked down at Sebastian who eyes were completely blown with want. "I missed you."

"I missed you too. I was afraid I was the only one the way you reacted when I got home."

"Sorry about that, but I was on a roll. But now that I finished that level I'm all yours."

"That's good to know. Have you heard from Thing one and Thing two today?"

"I have. They actually invited us to dinner this evening."

"Dinner out or their place?"

"Their place."

"I thought their specialties didn't go much passed breakfast."

"Santana actually helped them prepare dinner last night. I told them we'd come."

"Absolutely, though it's going to put a slight damper on what I had planned." Sebastian said as Blaine rested his head on Sebastian's shoulder.

"What did you have planned Bas?"

"Not telling, because we'll still have time. How does your arm feel?"

"It's sore, but nothing I can't deal with. Hunter freaked when he saw it." Sebastian then moved one of his hands so he could move the sleeve on Blaine's shirt.

"I can see why, that looks bad B."

"I know, at least tomorrow when we see Lexi and Cooper I'll have long sleeves on. That reminds me, nice work last night."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Even from where he had his head, Blaine could see the smirk on Sebastian's face. "You're not upset, are you? I know it's pretty dark."

"No, it's easy to hide as long as I'm not wearing a t-shirt. So, be prepared for Hunter to say something about it, because there was no hiding it at the gym."

"That's alright, I give as good as I get and Hunter knows that. When are we supposed to head over for dinner?"

"Jeff said around six, but like we always tell them, we're welcome whenever."

"As fun as that might be, I need a nap. Care to join me?"

"That depends, are we talking an actual nap?"

"Yes, an actually nap"

"That actually sounds really nice." Blaine replied before getting off of Sebastian's lap so that he could save his game. "Do you want to just nap on the couch or in bed?"

"In bed, it's too bright out here." So while Blaine straightened up the living room, Sebastian headed for their bedroom. After taking off his shoes he grabbed his phone out of his pocket to send a quick text. He always enjoys spending time with Nick, Jeff, and the girls but today their timing couldn't have been better to invite them over.

Going to dinner at Nick & Jeff's at six. Feel free to drop the stuff off while we're out. Put it in the room off the kitchen – Bas

Now that he'd sent the text, Sebastian started to get undressed. "I thought we were taking a nap." Blaine said from his spot leaning against the doorframe.

"We are, but I prefer to cuddle with you under the blankets and wearing clothes makes it a bit uncomfortable. Give me credit though; I've still wearing my boxers."

"You are. Would you prefer me in the same state of dress?"

"I'd prefer you in nothing, but you know that." Sebastian replied before getting into bed and lifting the covers for Blaine. It didn't take Blaine long to undress so he was soon curled up next to Sebastian.

"Did you set an alarm Bas?"

"I did, we're covered."

After the alarm went off Blaine slowly opened his eyes. "What time is it Bas?"

"Five. I figured since we didn't need to shower it was more than enough time."

"I can't believe we slept the entire time."

"We obviously needed it killer. And it's not like either of us sat idly by today. I had quite the practice and I know you're usually exhausted after sparring with Hunter."

"True. Now let's get dressed and head to dinner."

"Jeff, I swear to god if you burn that Santana is going to kill us!" Nick yelled upon seeing smoke coming from the kitchen.

"Relax spaz, it's not dinner! At least it's not the main course." Once Nick was finally in the kitchen he saw just what it was.

"Please tell me that's not all of it."

"No, there's still another package in the fridge so we're good."

"Except for the fact you can tell something burnt."

"We can open the windows."

"Jeff, what smells funny?" Brittany asked walking into the kitchen clad only in the towel from her shower.

"He burnt the garlic bread." Nick replied. "We were just going to open some windows before trying again."

"Good idea." Brittany then walked over and gave Jeff a kiss. "Good luck this time Cuddle Bear."

"Thanks." Jeff replied before giving her a kiss in return. "You better get dressed though; Blaine and Seb should be here soon."

"Okay!" As she walked out of the kitchen Nick threw a towel at Jeff.

"You go open the windows while I take care of the next batch." Jeff just shrugged his shoulders before heading for the living room to open the windows there since Nick had already opened the one in the kitchen. He was heading back to the kitchen when there was a knock on the door.

"Hey guys!" Sebastian and Blaine looked at each other since they could smell that something definitely burned.

"Hey, is everything cool or are we now going out?" Sebastian asked.

"It's fine; I burnt a loaf of garlic bread. Nick's watching this next one. Fear not, dinner didn't burn."

"Santana home?" Blaine asked.

"I am now." Blaine and Sebastian turned to see her standing behind them. After giving each of them a kiss her eyes focused on Jeff. "What happened?"

"Nothing major, Nick's in the kitchen. And before you asked, no he didn't burn it, I did." Santana just shook her head before setting her bag down and heading for the kitchen.

"What's for dinner?"

"Lasagna." He replied while they all went to take a seat on the couch. "We're only waiting for two more."

"Thad?" Sebastian asked.

"Yep, and be prepared, he's bringing someone."

"Really?"

"Yes, I told him he was brave to introduce her to all of us like this."

"No kidding." Blaine replied. "And here he said we could fix him up."

"Seems Rachel beat you to the punch."

"Hopefully Rachel warned her that by dating one of us you're stuck with the rest of us."

"I'm pretty sure she did from what Thad said." As Jeff answered Brittany came walking into the room and sat down next to Jeff. While the guys talked Brittany could stop looking at Blaine.

"What happened to your arm Blaine?"

"It's nothing Britt, don't worry about it." Blaine replied while tugging on his sleeve, not realizing it had ridden up when he sat down.

"That answer's not going to fly Blaine, what happened?" Jeff asked. Blaine looked up at Sebastian and sighed.

"Some guy grabbed me last night while we were out with the lacrosse team and wouldn't let go." Jeff's gaze then went over to Sebastian.

"We weren't together when it happened; Blaine had gone to use the bathroom. It happened on his way back."

"What happened?" Nick asked from the hallway, with his arm around Santana's waist.

"Can I just wait to explain till Thad gets here since I'm sure he's going to ask as well?" While he spoke Blaine moved even closer to Sebastian who wrapped an arm around him.

"Of course you can." Santana replied. "Hell, if you don't want to say anything we'll understand right guys?" They all nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, but since you saw it you might as well know how it happened." Sebastian then leaned over and kissed the top of Blaine's head. From the looks of things Jeff and Nick knew that whatever had happened, wasn't something to be talked about again once Blaine told them what had occurred. Since they were ready to eat they were thankful that Thad and his date soon arrived.

"Gretchen, this is everyone." Thad said with a laugh.

"I figured as much. Hi."

"Excuse Thad's horrible manners." Jeff said, before proceeding to introduce everyone.

"That's alright, I hope you don't mind if I forget names once in a while."

"That's quite alright. Be happy everyone else isn't here yet or it would be really confusing." Nick told her. "Now if you all won't mind, let's eat before dinner gets cold."

Once they were seated Sebastian was thankful that their friends had been taught table manners since the topic of conversation remained rather neutral. Thad told everyone that Gretchen was actually a friend of Rachel's who was a dancer, which perked up Brittany's interest. Since the girls had gotten into quite the conversation the guys excused themselves to start cleaning up. While clearing the table Sebastian refrained from commenting once Gretchen said how sweet it was that the guys were going to clean up.

After they were all in the kitchen all eyes were on Blaine. "How'd I guess this was why you offered to clean up?"

"It's not the only reason." Nick replied.

"You're trying to make up for almost ruining dinner." Sebastian said.

"Funny, but you're kind of right." Jeff told him. "But since the girls aren't here, why don't you tell us what happened? I have a feeling Britt would freak if she hears the whole story of what happened from you. Call it a gut feeling, but I have a feeling more happened than you said out there."

"When we were out last night some guy grabbed me and wouldn't let go. He asked me to dance and didn't take my rejection very well. Kept trying to convince me to give him a chance."

"Did you tell him you had a boyfriend?" Thad asked.

"I did and I think that upset him even more. Said pretty boy wouldn't mind."

"How did you finally get him to let go of you?" Jeff asked.

"Bas and a few of the guys found me."

"Sadly my presence made matters worse. He grabbed a hold of Blaine even tighter. It wasn't till the rest of my teammates showed up did he finally let go."

"Good thing you were all together." Nick said.

"No kidding."

"Regardless of why he let go, I'm glad he did. Heck I was relieved once Bas appeared. Even though he had a hold of me I knew Bas wouldn't let anything else happen."

"Damn right I wouldn't have let anything else happen!"

"Is everything alright in there?" Santana called out since Sebastian had raised his voice.

"Everything's fine!" Nick called out.

"Sorry about that."

"Relax Seb. But we should probably actually start cleaning up before they start thinking we deserted them."

With five of them in the kitchen it didn't take long for them to get things cleaned up and put away. While they were doing so Sebastian's phone vibrated in his pocket.

You're good to go, everything is at the house. -Coop

When a smile crept to Sebastian's face after checking his phone Blaine stepped closer. "Care to tell me what that was about?"

"You'll find out soon enough B."

"Do you guys want dessert now or later?" Jeff asked.

"We get dessert?" Thad asked.

"Yes, what kind of hosts would we be if we didn't offer a complete dining experience?"

"What are we having?" Sebastian asked.

"Tiramisu."

"Excellent." Blaine replied. "That's one of my favorites. Did you make it or buy it?"

"We bought it." Nick replied. "I went to Little Italy today to pick it up. Brody recommended a really good bakery."

"Speaking of Brody, why aren't he and Rachel here?" Thad asked. "I'm assuming they were invited."

"They were." Jeff replied. "Rachel's Dads are in town. They wanted to check out her new living arrangements. Since they're only in town for a couple days they had to decline. But she did say we need to find a night we're all free so she and Brody can have us over for dinner." Before they could get too caught up anymore in their conversation they heard someone clear their throat.

"Having fun?" Santana asked.

"We were actually just coming back…with dessert." Jeff said as he pulled it out of the fridge.

"Nice cover but I have a feeling more was going on. I also know that Blaine probably told you all what happened."

"He did." Nick replied. "I'll tell you about it later." He said before pulling her into a hug and giving her a kiss. "Are we forgiven?"

"Yes, but only because Thad's date is pretty cool. But if you make us wait any longer, no."

"Lead the way then." Sebastian replied. "Last thing we'd want is for the boys to get in trouble."

Once they rejoined the girls the conversation picked back up again to something the guys were more interested in. Surprisingly they spent the rest of the evening at the table just eating and talking. It wasn't until Brittany started leaning on Jeff's shoulder did any of them even look at a clock. "I hate to do this but we really need to go Thad. I've got class in the morning."

"That's quite alright; I don't think any of us realized it was as late as it was." Thad said while getting up from the table. "Considering the time, Seb and I are going to be in for a long morning tomorrow."

"Thad is right; it's time for B and I to get going as well. Thank you guys for a great night and dinner was wonderful. If we don't talk before Sunday, we'll see you all then."