Two Steps Beyond
Part 70
Right after Cassie walked into the office she caught Cooper's attention. So, after telling his parents he needed to go, he walked over to Cassie. "What's going on?"
"With the studios approval, you need to make a statement. I already sent them what I have written up. It's everything we've talked about. I just put it together in a statement. They're behind you completely Cooper."
"Am I going to have to answer questions?"
"I'll be sure to keep things brief. The main reason you have to do this is because she's saying you went off on her unprovoked."
"Bullshit!" Cooper's reaction caught Lexi, Blaine, and Sebastian's attention.
"I know Coop, and there are multiple witnesses refuting her claims. There are too many people that know what happened for her to be able to successfully paint you in the wrong. Both the producer of the film and the director have already made statements. Are you ready to do this?"
"Not really, but I know I don't have much of a choice."
"This is the only time you're going to be expected to talk about this, okay. After this, any inquiries will go through me. And the studio said any interviews you do from this point out they will be told this topic is not to be discussed."
"Alright, let's do this then."
Once they walked out of the room, Blaine convinced his parents that the three of them needed to go because from what they could tell Cooper was going to be making a statement. After promising his parents they would call them back later on, the three of them headed off. When they walked out of the room they were met by Hunter and Nick. "What's going on boys?" Lexi asked.
"You can go, Blaine and Seb are supposed to stay here." Hunter replied.
"We should be with him." Blaine said as Lexi headed down the stairs.
"Sorry Blaine, Cass left specific instructions that you guys are to remain inside."
"Did she say why?" Sebastian asked.
"She doesn't want this to turn into a circus. The less people outside the better control of the situation she'll have." Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other before looking back at Hunter and Nick.
"Fine, we'll stay inside." Blaine replied.
"Blaine, it's probably for the best." Nick told them. "Cooper looks nervous as hell. He really doesn't want to have to do this."
"Do you blame him?" Hunter and Nick both shook their heads; the frustration in Blaine's voice was evident. "Will we be able to watch at least?"
"Jeff's got the feed all set up in the family room." Hunter told them. When they finally walked back into the room, Brittany quickly got up off the couch and gave them both a hug. With everything that was going on, seeing her was just what they needed. Once they were all settled on the couch Blaine leaned his head on Sebastian's shoulder as they waited.
"Not quite what we had planned, huh Bas."
"Think of it as a temporary postponement." He then turned his head and kissed Blaine's forehead. "Know, I'm still making dinner tonight. I'm not going to let this change those plans."
Soon the cameras focused changed from the reporters to Cassie walking out of the house with Cooper and Lexi. "I thought Santana was out there." Brittany said.
"I think she went out before them." Nick said, to which Brittany just nodded.
After a brief statement from Cassie letting everyone know that after Cooper spoke he would only take a few questions, Cooper stepped forward. Blaine wasn't quite sure how he did it, but Cooper barely looked down at the statement in front of him. Basically, what he told everyone was that he was standing up for his brother and would do it again in a heartbeat. He didn't do it to prove a point or make a statement; he did it because it was what he believes and wouldn't allow anyone to speak to his brother like that.
Once the reporters started with their questions Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other while their friends all looked at them. Most of the questions were pretty cut and dry though one did ask if Cooper was afraid if there were going to be ramifications from what he did. He basically brushed that question off. The only one Cooper shut down was when one reporter started asking questions about Blaine. Since the proverbial line was crossed Cassie stepped in and ended things.
After they were all inside, they headed upstairs. Santana quickly collapsed onto the couch and against Nick. "Are you going to be okay?" Cassie asked with a slight laugh.
"Yea. That was crazy. Some of the questions they wanted answers to were ridiculous. Blaine and Seb's relationship is none of their business."
"I know, you got a crash course last night. Are you sure this is still something you want to do?"
"Absolutely. I'm just happy to have been on this end of things."
"I couldn't agree more. I'm pretty sure her publicist has called in a crisis management team. She dug herself a pretty impressive hole." Cassie said before sitting down next to Cooper and Lexi. "How are you two doing?" She asked, her gaze on Blaine and Sebastian.
"We're okay." Blaine replied. "Why did they ask Coop about me? Us?"
"That's because your relationship with Seb was the catalyst for this whole thing. It's like I said to you two earlier, people are going to be looking for a quote from you two. And guys…"
"I actually asked Nick to pass word onto their friends not to talk about Blaine and Seb if anyone asks." Santana told her.
"Impressive."
"Thank you."
"Nick, I think it's time you get your girl home. She's worked her butt off." Cooper said while wrapping an arm around Lexi. "It's time for her to get some sleep." Nick looked down at Santana who happened to be yawning.
"That might be a good idea."
"It is, actually all of you should probably get going. But wait till everyone clears out." Cassie told them. "I don't want any of you getting cornered."
"Makes sense." Jeff replied. "Guys what are you going to do?" He asked looking at Blaine and Sebastian.
"Go home and hibernate." Sebastian replied.
"That's an excellent idea Bas."
"How are you two going to get home?" Cooper asked.
"I'll drive them." Hunter replied. "I did drive them over."
"We can walk." Blaine replied.
"Not going to happen little brother." There was something about the look in Cooper's eyes that Blaine didn't even bother to argue. "For my sanity let Hunter take you guys home."
"Alright." While waiting for everyone to leave from out front Blaine and Sebastian started to respond to the texts they'd received from the guys. "Coop, before I forget Mom and Dad want us to call them back."
"How'd I guess? Let me know when you want to do it after you guys get home. There's no need for you guys to stick around here to do it. Plus this way all four of us aren't trying to squeeze into one camera."
It was almost an hour later before any of them left. Once Hunter was on his way with Blaine and Sebastian the rest of them got into Cassie's car. After some thought she felt better driving them home than having them take the subway. When Hunter pulled up in front and Blaine and Sebastian's building they were all pretty relieved to see it was quiet outside. "Now, so my sister doesn't panic and is able to get some sleep, keep to your word, okay."
"Don't worry Hunter; we don't plan on going anywhere." Blaine told him. "Thanks again for the ride."
"You're welcome. I'll see you guys Sunday unless anything comes up between now and then."
"We'll see you then man, thanks." Sebastian said before they said their goodbyes and got out of the car. Once they walked into the building, they headed for the elevators after a brief conversation with Walter. "How you doing killer?"
"Besides being tired?" Blaine looked up at Sebastian who nodded. "I'm okay. I just want to go upstairs and curl up on the couch the rest of the day."
"That is something we can do. When do you want to get back in touch with your parents?" Sebastian asked as they got on the elevator.
"The sooner the better that way I don't have to think about it. I can't believe they were going to come out here."
"B, they love you and Cooper. They feel they should be here."
"I know, but it wouldn't accomplish anything. It's like Cooper said, we're on the good side of things."
After finishing the call with Blaine's parents, Blaine and Sebastian curled up on the couch just as Blaine wanted. With Sebastian's arm wrapped around him it didn't take long for Blaine to fall asleep. While Blaine slept Sebastian managed to return a few calls to teammates who wanted to make sure both of them were alright. Once he was done Sebastian couldn't fight his need for sleep any longer and soon fell asleep as well.
A few hours past and soon they were both awoken by the sound of the doorbell. They both hesitated for a moment but knew they should probably see who it was. With everything that had been going on Blaine managed to concentrate enough to look through the peephole on the door. After all the reminders from Cassie both he and Sebastian were going to be a bit more cautious for the foreseeable future. "Hey guys." Blaine said upon opening the door. No sooner was there space Rachel wrapped her arms around him.
Upon seeing how tired Blaine looked Brody looked at Rachel who had finally let go of Blaine. "I told you we should've called, Blaine here was clearly sleeping.
"We both were actually." Blaine replied. "But it's okay, it was probably best that we got up so we could sleep tonight. Follow me." By the time they reached the living room Sebastian was sitting up on the couch, though he was still attempting to wake up.
"Hey guys, what brings you by?" Sebastian asked as they all sat down.
"Rachel was worried about you guys after seeing Cooper's press conference." Brody replied.
"That was the first you heard about it?" Blaine asked.
"Yes." Rachel replied. "But once I saw the press conference I did a bit of research. Are you guys okay after what happened?"
"I'll tell you what we've told Cooper. We've heard worse."
"That doesn't make it right." Brody said. "From what I heard she said some pretty nasty things."
"She did." Sebastian said. "But like B said, we've both heard worse. There are people out there that will never accept us."
"Just because they don't accept it, doesn't give them the right to behave the way they do." Rachel told them.
"Thankfully more people are becoming open minded." Blaine said as he curled up next to Sebastian. It was pretty obvious to Rachel and Brody that they were still trying to wake up. Slowly a smile crept to Rachel's face. "What is it?"
"Since I'm sure both of you are tired of talking about this, how about you tell us about the movie?"
"It was really good." Sebastian said. "I'm sure all you girls are going to be more than happy with what you see. And you'll enjoy it too Brody."
"How were Cooper's acting chops?" Brody asked.
"He was actually really good." Blaine replied. "I'm proud of him; this could be a pretty big moment for him. Shame it's being overshadowed."
"From what I know of Cooper, he doesn't regret what he did. He loves you Blaine, you too Seb." Rachel said to them.
"I know he does, that's why this bothers me."
"I have a good feeling what Cooper did is going to bring more people to the theater than her antics are going to drive away." Brody told them. "It was the talk around the studio this morning. Some people that weren't interested in seeing it are going to see it to show their support of Cooper. If anything, this thrust him into the spotlight."
"That we know." Sebastian replied. "And I don't think he's quite ready for it."
"Bas is right, Coop's not prepared for this."
"He might not be, but better for the reason he is, than a bad one." Rachel told them and they both nodded, knowing she was right.
With as tired as Blaine and Sebastian looked, Brody and Rachel didn't stick around for too long. Once they were gone Sebastian glanced down at Blaine. "Are you hungry B?"
"A little, why?"
"Because I'd still like to cook you dinner. We wouldn't be eating for at least an hour, you game?" Blaine nodded. "Okay, then sit up so I can get started."
"Do you need any help?"
"I appreciate the offer, but I've got this." Sebastian then leaned down and gave him a kiss before heading off to the kitchen. While Sebastian was gone, Blaine decided to turn on the television since he needed a good distraction. And rather risk hearing about what was going on; he went straight to one of the numerous sports channels.
As Sebastian had said, it was about an hour later when he came walking back out into the living room. Upon taking Blaine's hand he led him to the dining room. "It looks beautiful Bas."
"Thank you." Sebastian said as he pulled Blaine's chair out. "Did I pull off super romantic?"
"You did." Blaine replied once Sebastian pushed him in. Once Blaine was settled Sebastian poured them each a glass of wine. "I thought we told Lexi we'd mainly use it for cooking." Blaine said with a smirk.
"After everything that's happened, we deserve this and I doubt she'd argue the point. Plus she knew better considering some of the bottles she picked up. I'll be right back with dinner." Once Sebastian left Blaine took in the table. Sebastian truly had pulled off romantic. The flowers he'd gotten Blaine were on their end of the table with numerous candles lit beneath them. And he had some beautiful classical music playing in the background. "Bon appetite." Sebastian said once he set Blaine's plate down in front of him.
"It looks amazing Bas. Smells amazing as well."
"Thank you. And even though it's a day later, Happy Anniversary B."
"Happy Anniversary Bas."
By the time they'd finished dinner, the early parts of the day seemed like a distant memory. "Did you approve of my choice for dinner?" Sebastian asked before refilling their glasses.
"I did. Who knew you were capable of making Beef Wellington?"
"Lexi did." Sebastian said with a laugh. "She taught me."
"I'll have to thank her. That was incredible, I'm stuffed."
"Too stuffed for dessert?"
"That will have to wait."
"I'm glad you feel that way, I'm stuffed also." Sebastian then reached across the corner of the table and took Blaine's hand. "How are you doing?"
"Better. Are you going to allow me to help you clean up?"
"Why would I let you do that?"
"Well, the sooner things get cleaned up, the sooner we're back on the couch cuddling."
"With that reasoning, who am I to object. But before you do, take our glasses to the living room while I start clearing the table."
"Deal."
Since Sebastian had allowed Blaine to help him clean up, it really didn't take long at all and they were soon relaxing on the couch. After everything that had gone on that day, it was amazing how refreshing relaxing on the couch together actually was. While lying there, listening to the music play in the background each of their phones went off quite a few times. "They've got to know if something changes we'll let them know."
"They do, they're just worried. Bas, have you thought about what Coop was talking to Lexi about."
"You mean about the fact that you've basically been outed to everyone, as have I."
"Yes, how do you feel about it?" Blaine asked as he turned enough to look at Sebastian while he answered.
"I'm not thrilled, but there is nothing we can do about it. I actually agree with Coop, I worried about you."
"Why, considering we're in the same situation?"
"Even though I'm sure my name is going to get out since there are pictures of the two of us from the premiere out and about. Which by the way, we look fantastic in. I've got a few more people to help watch my back. You're only going to have Jeff and you two don't have all your classes together, only the basic ones. I still don't know how the two of you managed that."
"I don't know either, but I'm not complaining about it. You're wishing I decided to go to Columbia instead, aren't you?"
"At this moment, yes since there would be lots more people looking out for you. But I know why you chose NYU, it was your first choice and where you wanted to go."
"Honestly, right now I wish I was going to Columbia too. But don't tell Coop, he's already freaking out."
"I won't. I'm just glad you're being honest with me how you feel. I had a feeling you weren't feeling as confident as you let on to Cooper and Lexi."
"I'm not and I'm glad you're not either. It's reassuring to know I'm not overreacting."
"Considering what's happened to you B, you'd have all the right in the world to overreact. And to be honest, I don't think Cooper or Lexi believed either of us."
"I got that feeling as well. I don't doubt the four of us are going to have a sit down before classes start."
"Agreed." Sebastian had just reached over for his wine glass when his phone went off. "Can you see who that is B?"
"It's your Dad." Sebastian's shoulders slouched as Blaine handed him the phone. "Are you going to talk to him?"
"I don't have much of a choice, though I'm sure our conversation will be similar to the one we had with your parents." After taking another sip, Sebastian answered. "Hey Dad."
"Hi Seb. How are you?" Mr. Smythe asked.
"As good as can be expected. And I know why you're calling so let's cut the pleasantries and get right to it. Before you say anything, I'm not trying to be rude Dad, it's just…it's been a long day and Blaine and I are getting a bit tired of talking about it."
"That's understandable Seb, that's one of the reasons I waited to call. So honestly, how are you and Blaine doing?"
"We're okay. Neither of us expected such a big deal to come out of Cooper standing up for us."
"I'm sure he didn't either. From what Lexi said, Cooper really put her in her place."
"He did, she was shocked that anyone had the audacity to talk to her that way."
"Did you or Blaine say anything to her?"
"We didn't have the chances really since everyone around us was going after her. Blaine and I basically stood back and watched."
"Is there anything I can do for you guys?"
"Not really, but thank you for asking."
"Your Mother is worried about you."
"Tell her I'm fine. How is she?"
"She's doing better. She's not as angry anymore and she's actually been able to have quite a few actual conversations with Lexi."
"Impressive, now are you telling me that because she wants to talk to me?"
"Of course she wants to talk to you, but that's not why I told you. I told you so you'd know she's making progress. She actually went over and visited with Mrs. Anderson a few days ago."
"Really, and how did that go?"
"They didn't kill each other." Sebastian couldn't stifle his laughter which caused Blaine to look up at him. Sebastian mouthed that he'd tell him once he got off the phone. "Personally I think she should've spoken with her a long time ago. She seemed to have a new insight to things once she came home."
"That's good to hear. Is there anything else?"
"I'm coming into town in two weeks."
"Dad."
"I'm not coming to check up on you, it's for a business meeting. I was hoping that we could all have dinner while I'm there."
"Have you talked to Lexi about this?"
"I have and she said her and Cooper would work around whatever would be convenient for you and Blaine since you'll be in school."
"I can check our schedules later on and get back to you. Just send me the dates."
"That I can do. Well, you and Blaine have a nice night."
"We will."
"And Seb."
"Yes."
"If you need anything don't hesitate to ask, alright?"
"Alright."
"Love you Seb."
"Love you too, Dad. Bye."