Two Steps Beyond
Part 67
After exchanging a few small gifts and having a late lunch, Blaine and Sebastian realized they needed to start getting ready. For the life of them, they didn't understand why premieres tended to be much earlier than one would like. Knowing they couldn't risk running late they both promised to behave once they got into the shower, no matter how tempting it might've been.
Once they were out and dressed Sebastian headed into the bathroom to finish up his hair and was happy to see they still had time to sit down and relax before they needed to leave. When he walked back into their bedroom he was surprised to see that Blaine was no longer there, but a note was left on the bed asking Sebastian to join him in the living room. Upon walking into the living room, Sebastian saw that the piano was open and Blaine was leaning against it. "You look amazing Bas."
"So do you killer." Sebastian replied before leaning down to give him a kiss. "What's going on?" Blaine then pointed to the chair he'd placed next to the piano.
"Take a seat." Sebastian nodded and did as he was told. Once he was settled, Blaine took a seat at the piano. "Since we have time, I'd like to give you your main gift before we go." It wasn't till Sebastian saw the look on Blaine's face that it clicked in his head just what Blaine had done. "Ready?" Sebastian nodded.
I've been alone
Surrounded by darkness
I've seen how heartless
The world can be
I've seen you crying
You felt like it's hopeless
I'll always do my best
To make you see
Baby, you're not alone
'Cause you're here with me
And nothing's ever gonna bring us down
'Cause nothing can keep me from lovin' you
And you know it's true
It don't matter what'll come to be
Our love is all we need to make it through...
Now I know it ain't easy
But it ain't hard trying
Everytime I see you smiling
And I feel you so close to me...
And you tell me:
Baby, you're not alone
'Cause you're here with me
And nothing's ever gonna bring us down
'Cause nothing can keep me from lovin' you
And you know it's true
It don't matter what'll come to be
Our love is all we need to make it through...
I still have trouble
I trip and stumble
Trying to make sense of things sometimes...
I look for reasons
But I don't need 'em
All I need is to look in your eyes
And I realize...
Baby, I'm not alone
'Cause you're here with me
And nothing's ever gonna take us down
'Cause nothing can keep me from lovin' you
And you know it's true
It don't matter what'll come to be
Our love is all we need to make it through...
Oh, 'cause you're here with me
And nothing's ever gonna bring us down
Cause nothing, nothing, nothing
Can keep me from lovin' you
And you know it's true
It don't matter what'll come to be
You know our love is all we need
Our love is all we need
To make it through...
When Blaine finally finished, he took a closer look at Sebastian who he hadn't taken his eyes off of him the entire time. For one of the first times since they'd gotten together he didn't know what to make of the expression on Sebastian's face. "Bas, what did you think?" Blaine felt his chest tighten when Sebastian had yet to answer, but he soon felt a slight sense of relief as Sebastian got up out of the chair and came walking towards him. After sitting down on the bench next to him, Sebastian placed his hands on either side of Blaine's face and kissed him.
This kiss was nothing like any of the others they'd ever experienced, which was saying a lot since kissing one another was something they loved to do. They'd spent numerous afternoons on the couch doing just that and nothing more. As Blaine wrapped his arms around him, he swore he felt his cheek getting wet. It wasn't till the kiss finally broke did Blaine see that Sebastian was crying. "Blaine, qui était incroyable. Qu'ai-je fait pour mériter ça?"
"Simplement en étant vous-Bas. Je t'aime tellement!" Blaine then brushed the tears off of Sebastian's cheeks. If he ever told someone how sentimental Sebastian truly was, none of their friends would believe him. Even with as much as Sebastian had opened up around their friends, there were still parts of him that only Blaine got to see. And if he was being honest, Blaine was glad that was the case.
"It wasn't fair doing that before we need to leave B." Sebastian said while pulling him close. "You're denying me the opportunity to thank you properly."
"I'm sorry Bas."
"Don't be. This might be silly, but…" Sebastian didn't get a chance to finish before Blaine handed him a wrapped box that was sitting next to him. Upon opening it Sebastian smiled even brighter if that was possible. In the envelope were two copies of the song Blaine had played. One was the complete arrangement; the other was solely the lyrics written beautifully. "Thank you. But fair warning, I might go overboard telling everyone how amazing you are."
"I'm pretty sure I'll survive." But before anything else could be said the house phone rang. "Sebastian, will you do me the honor of being my date this evening?"
"It would be my honor Blaine." Blaine then leaned over and gave Sebastian one last kiss before taking his hand before they headed for their waiting car.
When their car pulled up near the theater Blaine just looked at Sebastian. "This is crazy Bas."
"No kidding." He replied before giving Blaine's hand a squeeze. He was about to lean in for a kiss when Blaine's phone went off. "You better get that."
"Will I still get that kiss?" Sebastian nodded. So Blaine took his phone out of his pocket and saw it was a text from Cassie letting them know they were about to be dropped off and she'd be right there waiting for them. Blaine sent a quick reply thanking her before asking where Cooper was, to which she responded he was actually in the car right behind them. Blaine had barely relayed the information to Sebastian when they felt the car slow once more. Thinking quickly Sebastian leaned over and kissed Blaine just before the door opened.
Upon exiting the car they were thankful to see Cassie standing nearby, as the atmosphere was crazy. Neither of them expected it to be like it was. At first they thought she was going to be escorting them inside but she walked up to them and took a hand from each of them. "You two look confused." Blaine looked up at Sebastian and he could tell she was right because he had a good feeling he looked just as shocked.
"We are."
"Relax, though be prepared."
"Why?" Sebastian asked, but Cassie didn't get a chance to answer as Cooper stepped out of the next car. Once he was settled on the sidewalk he extended his hand to Lexi who got out behind him.
"They look incredible." Blaine said softly and all Sebastian could do was nod in agreement. They both now knew what Tasha had been talking about as Cooper was wearing a midnight blue suit, with a soft gray shirt and midnight blue tie, while Lexi was wearing a dark gray cocktail dress. After posing for quite a few pictures Cooper and Lexi walked up to Blaine and Sebastian.
"Ready to do this guys."
"What are you talking about Coop?"
"You two are walking the carpet with us. All of us decided to bring our families with us down the carpet."
"Are you serious?"
"Absolutely, it's the least I can do since I'm sort of interrupting your anniversary. Just know it means the world to me that you're here." The look exchanged between the two brothers didn't go unnoticed by either Lexi or Sebastian, it was clear something had changed between Blaine and Cooper, and whatever it was it seemed to have brought them even closer.
"Sorry guys, but we need to get a move on it before you know who arrives." Cassie said once she came up behind them.
"Let's do this."
Blaine and Sebastian walked just enough behind Lexi and Cooper so that Cooper could have his moment. After everything they'd been through, Blaine was thrilled that Cooper seemed to have finally achieved what he'd worked so very hard for. While Cooper was giving an interview, Lexi glanced over at Sebastian and Blaine and smiled.
As Cooper gave the interview Blaine and Sebastian watched as Cooper seemed to charm the report. At that moment Blaine couldn't have been prouder. Cooper was finally living his dream. They were just reaching the end of the carpet when all of their eyes flew to the right upon hearing Cooper's name being called out by rather familiar voices. Mind you, he had stopped and taken pictures along the way, but this time around he wasn't doing it out of obligation, he was doing it because he wanted too.
"And just what are you three doing here?" Cooper asked Rachel while signing for the girls around them.
"We had to come and support you." Santana replied.
"Plus we wanted to wish Blaine and Sebby a happy anniversary in person." Brittany added.
"Since that's the case, how about one picture with me and a second one with the three of us?"
"That's great!"
"Lexi?"
"I'll take it." Lexi then took the camera from Rachel, and took a picture of Cooper and the three girls, before Blaine and Sebastian moved in for a second one. After Lexi handed the camera back, Rachel thanked her. "Where are the guys?"
"They didn't want to wait in all the chaos." Rachel replied. "But they wish you luck."
"Coop, we need to get you four inside." Cassie said as she walked up behind them.
"Sorry about that." Cooper replied.
"Quite alright, now move." Before they headed inside, the girls all gave Blaine and Sebastian each a hug and a kiss after wishing them a happy anniversary. And once the four of them headed inside, the girls thanked Cassie for being able to get them so close. "You are very welcome." She said with a wink before heading inside herself.
Once they were seated Blaine was surprised to feel Cooper take ahold of his hand. "Relax Coop, the early reviews are positive." Blaine said softly.
"Still…"
"Coop, if I didn't have faith in you I wouldn't be here. Especially now that we walked the carpet with you, there is no denying you're my brother."
"Thanks a lot." Though the replied might've sounded a bit obnoxious, it broke a bit of the tension and a small smile crept to Cooper's face. "I meant it back there, I'm really glad you and Bas are here."
"Excuse me guys, but I'm trying to get ready to watch a movie so can you please keep it down." Blaine and Cooper just looked at Sebastian and smile.
"I think your boyfriend is a bit grumpy."
"That's because we had to leave."
"Oh, I so didn't need to know that."
"This is one time I'm not going to correct you." Sebastian said leaning over Blaine. "Your premiere denied me the chance to thoroughly thank my love here for writing and performing an amazing song."
"Amazing huh?" Cooper asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
"Yes."
"Guys, can we not do this here?" Blaine said, feeling a blush coming to his cheeks.
"Do what?" Lexi asked as she couldn't stay out of the conversation any longer.
"Bas is upset because my premiere interrupted him properly thanking Blaine for the song he wrote him."
"I want to hear it."
"Later." Blaine replied. "I will play it for you later, I promise."
"And since we've interrupted the moment, I won't be offended if you two don't want to stay for the after party. Personally, I'd prefer it if you went home and celebrated."
"Do you mean that?"
"Yes, I mean that." Cooper then leaned over and kissed Blaine on the cheek. "Once the movie is over I want you and Bas to go home, no arguments."
"Yes sir." Blaine replied before leaning over to kiss Sebastian.
Prior to the movie beginning, the director and producer went on stage and said a few words to the audience. While they spoke, Blaine felt Cooper's grip on his hand tighten slightly. Normally he would've said something, but if Cooper was going to be squeezing someone's hand he'd prefer it was his over Lexi's. It wasn't till the movie began did Cooper let go. As it started Blaine couldn't help the smile that crept to his face the first time Cooper appeared on screen. Even with what they'd just done, this was truly proof he had made it.
Now rom-coms weren't necessarily Blaine or Sebastian's thing, but they were honestly enjoying the movie. Yes, it had its cutesy moments, but they weren't so over the top that either of them cringed. At one point Sebastian leaned over and whisper to Blaine how much the girls were going to enjoy it. Blaine nodded in agreement and gave Sebastian's hand a light squeeze. Once in a while Blaine would glance over at Cooper who had quite the smile on his face. From what Blaine could tell, the audience was having the expected reactions at the right spots.
By the time it ended Blaine noticed how different Cooper's body language was. All the tension he had prior to the movie starting had drifted away. And with one glance at Lexi, both Blaine and Sebastian could see how proud she was of Cooper. He'd definitely come far from the credit rating commercials. Blaine and Sebastian were about to stand when Cooper placed a hand on Blaine's leg. "What?"
"There is a Q & A with the cast." Cooper replied before getting up from his seat to follow his cast mates on stage. Once Cooper was gone Lexi moved into Cooper's seat so she was next to Blaine.
"What did you boys think?" She asked quietly while the cast got settled.
"I actually enjoyed it and this isn't normally my type of movie." Sebastian replied. "What about you B?"
"I liked it. Coop was actually really good. Though, I was waiting for a moment that he'd point at the screen." That comment, caused Lexi to giggle since she knew what Blaine was talking about all too well. Once the cast was settled Blaine and Sebastian noticed that one of the women was sitting on the other side of the director while the rest of the cast was together.
"Let me guess, that's the bitch." Sebastian said while subtly pointing at her.
"That is correct." Lexi replied.
"She looks like she's got a serious stick up her ass." Blaine said.
"Coop and the rest of them think she acts that way because she's sexually deprived." Blaine and Sebastian both had to stifle their laughter since at that moment the Q & A began. They sat back and listen as the cast answered some pretty basic questions. Most of them pertained to the state of mind of their characters in certain scenes and how they saw their characters. As it was coming to an end Cassie knelt down next to Sebastian who had an aisle seat.
"Quick question, are you all going to the party or are the lovebirds going home?"
"The lovebirds are going home." Blaine replied.
"I figured as much so I already have a car coming around to get you once this is over. Just follow me once I get Cooper and Lexi in their car.
"Thank you Cassie."
"No problem Blaine."
Once Cooper rejoined them he took Lexi into his arms and gave her a big kiss. "Now, what did you two think?" Cooper asked with his arm wrapped securely around Lexi.
"We enjoyed it." Blaine replied. "You were really good Coop and I'm not just saying that because you're my brother."
"Thank you Blaine, I appreciate that."
As the theater emptied out it was mainly people involved in the production left. "Cooper, are you going to introduce us to these two handsome young men?" One of his co-stars asked. When Cooper turned he saw that two of the female leads as well as the other male lead standing next to them.
"Sorry. This right here is my brother Blaine." Cooper said while wrapping his other arm around Blaine. "And this is his boyfriend Sebastian." As the boys shook hands with Cooper's co-stars one of the ladies paused.
"I swear I've seen you both before." She paused for a moment and glanced at Cooper before glancing back at the boys. "You two model, don't you?" Blaine and Sebastian nodded. "Your last shoot was stunning."
"Thank you." Blaine replied.
"Now, is this a career choice for both of you?" One of the others asked.
"Actually, it's not. It's just something we're doing while we go to school." Sebastian replied.
"And where are you going?"
"Blaine is going to NYU while Bas is going to Columbia." Cooper replied.
"Wow, not only good looking but smart as well."
"Beware all, miss priss is approaching." The male co-star said quietly upon spotting her out of the corner of his eye.
"And just what do we have here?" They all just rolled their eyes when she spoke as she approached them. "Who do you have with you Cooper?"
"This is my wife, Lexi. And this is my brother, Blaine and his boyfriend Sebastian."
"Pity."
"Excuse me?" Cooper replied.
"That two such good looking boys choose to live that way and you and your wife support this sort of behavior." Lexi grabbed ahold of Cooper's hand trying to stop him from lunging forward. Thankfully his male co-star stepped between them.
"I think you better go."
"Don't tell me the rest of you support this sort of behavior, it's disgusting!"
"You're narrow minded attitude is disgusting." Lexi retorted. "Does it really affect you who they love?"
"It's wrong."
"In your mind." One of the ladies replied. "The rest of us don't share your opinion. Personally, I think these boys are adorable together."
"Is there something wrong here?" Cassie asked appearing from behind Blaine.
"I think it's best of you get Blaine and Bas out of here Cassie. I'd rather them not hear what I'm about to say." Cooper replied.
"How touching, does he always need big brother's protection?"
"That's enough!" Cooper yelled loud enough that it echoed through the theater. "You and your homophobia need to shut the hell up! Nothing you say or any ignorant ass-holes say is going to change how I feel. I love my brother and nothing is ever going to change that. I don't care who he dates or who he falls in love with as long as he's happy. Love doesn't have boundaries; love is love regardless of who is involved. You love a person, not the gender. And my brother is in love with Sebastian and Sebastian is in love with him. So why don't you stick that in your pipe and smoke it!"
By the time Cooper finished his rant quite the crowd had amassed around them. When he finished they all just clapped as the woman stood their dumbstruck. "I've never been spoken to in such a manner. I'm sure you're parents would've been so proud."
"They would've. They support Blaine and Bas as well. My brother being gay doesn't change who he is, unlike your ignorant attitude."
"And just what is that supposed to mean?"
"It makes you an even uglier human being if that was possible."
The entire time this was going on, Sebastian and Blaine just held each other closer. There was something about the scene in front of them that was a bit reassuring no matter how odd that might be. It seemed that this woman was the only homophobe in the group. Since it seemed anytime Cooper went to take a breath one of the others championed the cause. It was safe to say the rest of them were as disgusted by her attitude as Cooper and Lexi were. And each time she spoke her words became more derogatory.
By the time the woman's agent managed to pull her away Cooper pulled Blaine and Sebastian into a hug. "Are you two alright?"
"Yea." Blaine and Sebastian both replied rather softly.
"She had no right to say those thing to or about either of you." He then gave them each a kiss. "I love you guys and I'm not going to allow anyone to speak to you that way if I'm around."
"I appreciate that Coop. If you don't mind, Bas and I want to go home."
"Go." Cooper then kissed the top of Blaine's head again. "I love you Blaine."
"I love you too Coop."
"Bas."
"I know Coop, me too." As they headed off hand in hand, with Cassie guiding the way Lexi pulled Cooper into a hug.
"I'm so proud of you right now Coop."
"Not to say anything to worry you Cooper, but you know she could ruin you before you even get started." One of his co-stars told him.
"I don't care. No one is going to speak to my brother that way. And if it's a choice between a career or protecting my family I think I made it clear where my priorities are."
"Cooper." Cooper turned when he heard his name and saw the producer standing next to him.
"I…I'm sorry about that it's just…" His words were cut off when the producer put his hand on Cooper's arm.
"Don't apologize, you did the right thing. I had no idea she felt that way. And don't worry about her ruining your career before it starts. If this bit of news gets out she's going to be worrying about finding work, not you."
Song: Not Alone, Darren Criss