Two Steps Beyond

Part 69

When Sebastian came walking off the field at the end of practice he was surprised to see Hunter standing there. "Hey man, what's up?" Sebastian said while grabbing his water bottle out of his bag.

"Have you checked your phone recently?" Hunter asked while Sebastian chugged his bottle of water.

"I haven't looked at it at all today, why?" He asked as he took a seat, but once he saw Hunter's shoulders slouch he pulled his phone out of his bag. The look on his face relayed his confusion to Hunter. "With all these messages, why don't you just tell me what's going on?"

"A reporter overheard what happened last night and…" Hunter didn't even get to finish before Sebastian was shoving stuff in his bag. "My car is in the lot, I'll drive." During the walk to the parking lot Hunter gave Sebastian as many details as he could. "There is a towel in back you can put over your seat."

"What you don't want my sweaty ass sitting on the leather?"

"Not really. Have you been able to reach Blaine?"

"No, I can only imagine what's going through his head right now."

"If it makes you feel any better Nick and Jeff are with him."

"They are?"

"Yes. When they couldn't get ahold of him they decided to head over. They hoped he was just still sleeping but…"

"They were afraid he freaked out."

"Basically. It's sort of the same reason why I came to see you. They didn't know how you'd react and they wanted someone with you when you found out."

"This is not how I expected my afternoon to go."

"How was it supposed to go?" Hunter asked as they got closer to their building.

"You don't want to know."

"You were planning on going home and having sex with Blaine."

"Yea, we were going to pick up where we left off early this morning actually."

"It's a good thing you both have crazy sex drives."

"Don't I know it."

After getting a parking pass, Hunter parked in the garage while Sebastian was already on his way to their apartment. Upon entering he could hear voices in the living room. "Blaine." Sebastian's voice cut through the conversation and Blaine headed straight for him. Even with as sweaty as Sebastian was Blaine wrapped his arms around him and pulled him close. "You okay?"

"Better now that you're home." Blaine replied before lifting his head so they could kiss. "Where's Hunter?"

"Parking the car, he should be up soon. Hey guys!" Sebastian said as he and Blaine walked towards the couch. "Thanks for keeping B company."

"Bas."

"Yes B."

"You need to take a shower."

"You're right, I normally take one after practice but I left straight from the field. I'll be right back." Sebastian then leaned down and placed a kiss on top of Blaine's head before heading off.

"Since Bas is home, you guys are free to leave."

"Sorry, not getting rid of us that easily." Nick replied while Jeff hadn't stopped surfing the web. He was determined to find everything out there about what happened.

By the time Sebastian had returned from his shower, Hunter was in the living room with everyone else. "B, have you spoken with Cooper yet?"

"Briefly, he can't believe what is being made out of this. He said Cassie hasn't been to bed yet."

"When did this all blowup?" He asked as he sat down next to Blaine.

"Some time after the premiere party ended. From what Coop said, Cassie was about ready to go to bed when she got the heads up from a website that was going to break the story. They wanted to know if Cooper had any comment." While Blaine spoke Sebastian wrapped an arm around Blaine who leaned against him.

"Oh shit!"

"What is it Jeff?" Hunter asked.

"The actress who Cooper got into it with last night is a huge fucking hypocrite."

"How so?" Blaine asked.

"She supposedly supports gay rights groups. Her fight with Cooper is causing a media shit storm of epic proportions. While she's being roasted, Cooper is being applauded. One article pointed out that he didn't do this for publicity; he did it because it was the right thing to do. He did it because he loves his brother. For all he knew only the people in that room heard him." When Blaine turned into Sebastian the guys all looked at him.

"What is it Blaine?" Nick asked.

"Coop might be an actor, but this sort of attention is not his thing."

"Unfortunately, he's not going to be able to avoid this Blaine. But I'm pretty certain if you gave Cooper the choice of dealing with all this or not standing up for you and Seb, you know what his answer would be." Hunter told him. "And if anyone can guide him through this it's Cass. She didn't get where she is by being a slacker. People who underestimate her are often left in her dust."

"How did she get where she is?" Jeff asked.

"She started interning for the agency when she was still in high school. And she worked for them throughout college. By the time she graduated she knew everything possible. Even some of the older publicists were coming to her. Being younger has its advantages, she understands social media and the power it has."

While they all talked about everything that had happened Blaine excused himself when his phone went off with a call from Cooper. "Hey." Blaine said rather softly.

"You okay little brother?" There was a definite hint of concern in Cooper's voice.

"Yea, I'm just a little tired. How are you?"

"I'm trying to process everything that's going on. I don't think I've seen Cassie yet today when she hasn't had a phone attached to her ear. And I don't think Santana's moved from in front of the laptop Cassie set her up in front of."

"What did you do, set up a coffee IV for them?"

"Close, they're ODing on espresso."

"I'll let Nick know she'll be wound up when she gets home."

"Is it safe to presume you're not alone?"

"It is. Nick and Jeff are still here and Hunter brought Bas home from practice. Why, sounds like you were going to ask me something?"

"Well, I was hoping you and Bas could come over. The guys are all welcome to come as well. You, Bas, and I have a few things to talk about and I rather do it in person than on the phone."

"We can do that. We'll see you in a little bit, okay?"

"Perfect. And Blaine…"

"Yea Coop."

"I love you."

"I love you too." After getting off the phone Blaine walked back over to the guys and looked directly at Sebastian. "Coop would like us to come over to the house." Sebastian nodded and pushed himself off the couch. "The rest of you are welcome as well. I told him you're all here. And Nick, beware, Santana is running on espresso right now."

"Got it."

While Blaine went to go get dressed, Jeff asked Sebastian if it was alright if they took Blaine's laptop with them since he was working on something. Sebastian had no problem and told Jeff where he could find the case in the office. When Blaine reappeared, Hunter offered to drive everyone over. Blaine hesitated for a moment, but soon agreed and the five of them were on their way.

"Jeff, did you let Britt know where you're going?" Sebastian asked once they were in the garage.

"I did. By the way, one of you two needs to get in touch with the guys because they're all concerned since neither of you have answered their texts."

"I'll make sure one of us does once we get to Cooper's." Blaine replied.

Once Hunter made the turn onto Cooper and Lexi's street he slowed considerably. "Hunter, what's going on?" Sebastian asked from his spot in back. "Why are you slowing down?"

"There are people outside Cooper and Lexi's, and the gate is closed." Blaine and Sebastian both sighed when Hunter answered. Blaine took out his phone and sent a text to Cooper telling him what they saw.

"Head for the gate Hunter, Coop said someone will be there to open it." When Hunter reached the gate it took a moment for people to get out of the way as Santana opened the gate. Once Hunter's car cleared the gate, Santana closed it behind them. After he parked, only Jeff got out on the passenger's side while everyone else exited on the driver's side.

"You hanging in there?" Nick asked as he wrapped his arms around Santana who looked exhausted.

"I'm tired, but I'll be alright. How are you two?" She asked, directing her question at Blaine and Sebastian.

"We're good." Blaine replied as he slid his hand in to Sebastian's.

"Let's finish this inside, who knows what types of microphones those guys have."

No sooner were they in the house did Cooper pull Blaine into a hug while Lexi did the same thing with Sebastian. "Relax guys, we're okay. What's with the people outside?" Blaine said as Cooper finally let go.

"They want Coop to make a statement about what happened." Lexi replied. "But since he's in the middle of promoting a movie Cassie is trying to coordinate things with tons of people. And some of the people she needed to speak with in LA didn't get into their offices very early."

"I'm sure the studio isn't happy with what's happening." Blaine said.

"You're right, they're not." Cooper told him. "But they're not upset with me for standing up for you. They're upset with how quickly this all got out of control. While that reporter thought it was nice what I did, it could throw the whole movie into a tailspin." When Cooper saw Blaine glance down at the ground he wrapped his arm around him. "Relax Blaine; this is all going to be taken care of."

"Why did you want us to come over?" Sebastian asked.

"That would be because I wanted you two here." Cassie asked when she walked into the foyer. "Guys could you leave us for a bit?" Nick, Jeff, and Hunter all nodded and headed upstairs to where Santana was working. "Has anyone tried to get in touch with either of you today?" They both shook their heads. "Good. Now, if anyone does try and talk to you, call me. I don't want either of you talking to anyone."

"Cassie, why do I get the feeling this isn't going to be over anytime soon?" Blaine said as Sebastian took ahold of his hand.

"I don't know when it's going to be over Blaine. I wish I could tell you and Seb this would be over today but that's not realistic. But it should hopefully calm down in a few days."

"Why would anyone want to talk to us?" Sebastian asked.

"Mainly for quotes. Most likely they'll want to know how you feel about what happened."

"The lady was a bitch and Coop stood up for us." Blaine said.

"I know Blaine, and I wish it could be that simple, but it's not. Once they get a basic answer from you they'll try and get other information from you. So please, if anyone tries to get in contact with either of you, call me."

Before Cassie could say anything else her cell went off again. Once she walked away, Blaine and Sebastian looked at Lexi and Cooper. "I'm sorry all this is happening Coop."

"Blaine I already told you, none of this is your fault okay. I'd much rather be dealing with this than have allowed that woman to speak to you guys that way. Trust me Blaine; we're on the good end of things. She's getting roasted on every media outlet."

"Then why does Cassie seem nervous?"

"She's exhausted." Lexi replied. "And has had way too much coffee. I'm pretty sure she's going to crash once she's done. Why don't you two go upstairs with everyone else and we'll come and get you if we need you, okay?"

"Sis, by chance is there food to eat in the kitchen? I just got back from practice and I'm starving."

"Of course there is, go help yourselves." Once Blaine and Sebastian headed for the kitchen, Lexi made her way upstairs to let everyone know they were more than welcome to help themselves to anything in the kitchen. When she came back down she saw Cooper sitting on the bench in the foyer. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"There's nothing to talk about." Lexi sat down next to him as he spoke and took his hand in hers.

"Coop, I know something is bothering you, so talk to me."

"I hate how doing the right thing has become such a big deal. There is no reason Cassie should be running on no sleep. That witch should be dealing with this crap, not me…well us."

"Cooper." Lexi said as she rested her head on his shoulder. "As crazy as this is, I'm sure Cassie doesn't mind. You did the right thing, standing up for the boys. We all know it. The bigger story is what she said, not how you reacted." Cooper turned slightly to look at her. "Okay, how you reacted is quite a story as well. But you're being applauded for what you did."

"I get that, but I just want this all to end. This is the last thing Blaine and Bas needs before going back to school. You realize they start school in a week. This isn't going to pass. I'm afraid of what's going to happen once they start classes."

"Coop, we can talk to them. But they both know if they need us they only need to call. And well, they've got a great support system in their friends. Jeff's going to be at NYU with Blaine, while Hunter will be at Columbia with Bas. So it's not like either of them will be completely alone."

"We'll be alright Coop." Blaine said as he and Sebastian came walking out of the kitchen.

"How much did you hear?" Cooper asked.

"Coop, we heard you say you're worried about what's going to happen to us once classes start because of this."

"It's true. I know you're both comfortable with whom you are, but now, especially for you Blaine people are going to know you're gay before you even tell them. The act of telling people isn't up to you anymore."

"I know, but I'll manage Coop."

"Bas, it's not that I'm not worried about you too."

"I know Coop, but my name isn't in any of the articles as of yet. At least that's what Jeff's told us. But all it's going to take is someone in school seeing the photos from the premiere to figure it out. And I'm okay with that."

"Coop, I meant what I said to you. Bas and I have both heard worse, we'll survive."

"I hate that the decision has been taken from you, from both of you."

"Blaine, Seb, could you come up here for a sec?" Jeff asked while leaning over the railing.

"We'll be there in a minute." Blaine replied.

"Go ahead." Cooper told them. "We can talk when you guys are done. Sounds like whatever Jeff wants to talk to you about is important." Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other before heading up the stairs.

"I hope I wasn't interrupting." Jeff said once they sat down.

"It's alright, what's going on?" Blaine asked.

"Well, don't be upset with me, okay."

"Jeff what did you do?" Sebastian asked.

"I might've taking looking out for you two a bit too far, but it's easy to change."

"Jeff."

"Okay, all of the non-official Warbler pages are now password protected."

"Why?" Blaine asked.

"So no one can get more information about you two than necessary. I know if someone really wants the info, they'll get it. But now they'll actually have to work for it."

"When did you start this?" Sebastian asked.

"When Santana left early this morning. Brittany and I were still up when she left. And since it wasn't confidential information she shared it with me."

"I hope you don't mind Blaine." Santana said without looking up for the laptop.

"Not at all, it's public knowledge. And Jeff, thank you. I'd like some of mine and Bas's life to remain a bit private."

"B's right, thanks man."

"Did you send the rest of the guys the information so they could still access it?" Blaine asked.

"He did." Nick replied. "We sent out an email with that information along with letting the guys know to keep their mouths shut if anyone comes asking about you two."

"That last bit was my idea."

"Thank you Santana." Blaine said before leaning over to give her a kiss on her cheek. "Bas and I appreciate you looking out for us. Don't we Bas?"

"We do. Sorry you guys got pulled into this."

"We didn't get pulled into this, we willingly jumped in." Nick told them. "We care about you guys and we'll do anything we can to help."

"We'd do the same for you guys." Blaine said.

"We know that."

"Blaine! Bas! Head to the office please." Cooper called out as he walked up the stairs.

"What now Coop?"

"Mom and Dad want to talk to us, all four of us." Cooper said once he reached the top. "So move."

"We'll be back." Blaine said with a smile as he and Sebastian got up and followed Cooper and Lexi to the office. Now that they were gone Santana looked at Nick and Jeff.

"How bad was he when he found out?"

"He was shocked and blamed himself. Typical Blaine. He was more worried about Cooper than any affect this might have on him and Seb."

"Hunter, what about Seb?"

"He was shocked as well. Once I told him, the only concern he had was getting home to Blaine. This might sound bad, but I would've loved to hear Cooper tell that woman off."

"You're not the only one." Jeff said. "From what I've read, he completely laid into her. And his co-stars were right there supporting him. The rest of them chewed her out as well."

The four of them were talking when they spotted blonde hair coming up the stairs. "Hey." Jeff said while getting up off the couch and walking over to Britt. After giving her a kiss they walked over to the couch. "I didn't expect you to come over here."

"It's okay, right."

"Of course."

"What are all those people doing out front? When I tried to get in they were asking all sorts of questions about Cooper and Blaine."

"You didn't say anything, did you?" Santana asked.

"No, they scared me." Brittany then looked around the room. "Where are Blaine and Sebby?"

"They're in the office with Cooper and Lexi. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson wanted to talk with all of them." Jeff told her. "They should be out soon."

When Cassie came walking up the stairs completely put together she caught everyone's attention. "Are they still talking with Mr. and Mrs. Anderson?"

"They are." Santana replied and saw Cassie take a deep breath. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Pull yourself together while I go and get Cooper. I want you to come with us."

"What's going on?"

"It's time for Cooper to make a statement."