Two Steps Beyond
Part 74
Once Cooper arrived home, Lexi briefly caught him up on the day's events as of that moment, but told him Sebastian still had more to tell them. When she told him that Blaine and Sebastian were upstairs sleeping she could see him realize it was more serious than she'd said. But with the boys sleeping, they didn't have the complete story. After a bit of discussion, they decided to let them sleep for another hour before waking them, unsure as to when they'd fallen asleep. Since that was the case Lexi went back to work since Brittany had returned and Cooper was going to keep an eye on their kids.
When it came time to wake them, Lexi made sure Brittany was leaving for the day. After walking her to the door and confirming she'd be there the next day Lexi waited for Cooper to appear. "Ready to do this?" She asked as he slid his arm around her.
"Ready as I can be." As they reached the room Lexi leaned against Cooper upon seeing how at ease the boys looked. They were stretched out on the bed and Sebastian was curled up behind Blaine, holding him tight. "We've seen them cuddle before, but this is something else."
"Nice to know I'm not the only one to notice."
Lexi sat down on the edge of the bed and began to rub Sebastian's back. After the previous summer she knew it was easier to wake Sebastian than Blaine. Once Sebastian started to stir it didn't take him long to begin waking Blaine. By the time both of them were awake, they looked next to them where Lexi was sitting and in front of them where Cooper was standing.
"Looking good Coop." Blaine said once his eyes focused on Cooper.
"Thank you."
"Lexi dress you?" Sebastian laughed loudly at Blaine's comment. But he understood where it was coming from. Cooper was wearing a pair of dark gray pants and a black shirt with gray pinstripes.
"Cute, but yes she did actually. I need to look presentable for television"
"There's even a hat that goes with it." Lexi chimed in. "But that was totally his idea, and it finished off the outfit."
"Nice." Sebastian replied as he and Blaine sat up in bed. "Coop, you might want to sit down since this could take a while." Once Cooper was seated in the desk chair Sebastian started to talk. At one point Lexi got up from the bed and walked over to Cooper who wrapped an arm around her. From both of their actions Blaine and Sebastian could tell how frustrated they were but neither were saying a word. To say the past week had been eventful might be an understatement. By the time Sebastian finished, any product that had been in Cooper's hair had been displaced by how often he ran his fingers through it.
"Now, could someone explain to me why this ass isn't in jail?" Cooper asked as calmly as he could but Blaine and Sebastian could both see he was ready to explode.
"From what I found out, his Dad worked out the deal for him. Anger management courses, community service and attending tolerance meetings." Blaine told him. "But from what Bas has told you, that was pretty pointless. This guy has got some serious issues and now Bas seems to be the target of some of those frustrations."
"Doesn't his father run a platform for equal rights?" Lexi asked.
"He does, I think that's one of the reasons he wanted what happened kept quiet. Safe to say their views are polar opposites." Sebastian replied.
"But covering this up makes matters fucking worse." Cooper said. "In a way he's condoning his son's actions but allowing him to not be properly punished. What he committed was a hate crime and should've been punished as such!"
"We know that, and I wouldn't be surprised if his father knew this as well. But he pushed the politician in him aside and acted as a father protecting his son." Blaine said.
"How's your teammate?" Lexi asked.
"Michael's a lot like Blaine, you'd never know something like that happened to him." Sebastian told them.
"What is the University going to be doing?"
"I was told they're going to up patrols near my classes once we start as well as keep a closer eye on lacrosse practice since he showed up there once this year. As well as keep a better look out for him."
"They need to tell his father he showed up." Cooper said.
"I think they're going to, but they said there are some things they couldn't discuss with me at this time."
"That's why you called Dad, isn't it?" Sebastian nodded. "That's one of the smartest things you've done Bas. One way or another Dad's going to find out what the hell is going on. He's got the legal knowledge to get answers from them without them breaking any stipulations that might be in place."
"How'd your Dad take everything when you told him Bas?" Cooper asked as he pulled Lexi down onto his lap. Holding her close was the only thing keeping his temper in check.
"He's not happy. Personally I wouldn't want to be the person that's going to have to answer to him. The only thing that calmed him slightly was that I was alright."
"Don't take this the wrong way Bas, but I'm glad Hunter and the other guys were there." Lexi told him.
"Me too." Sebastian replied. "But it's not like I was alone besides them, the room was still pretty full."
"Guys, it's clear this guy doesn't care if others were around, since he did what he did when Bas was obviously with people he knew." Cooper said. "Right now, I wish there was more we could do."
"You're not the only one Coop." Blaine said. "The idea of basically sitting and waiting for something to happen isn't very reassuring. It's as if they think nothing else is going to happen. But from what Bas said from the look in this guy's eyes, this is far from over."
When Brittany got home that day Nick and Jeff were hanging out on the couch. "How was your day?" Jeff asked as she sat down next to him.
"Class was pretty intense and work was fun. Blaine and Sebby came by the house today."
"Did they now?" Nick said. "Any specific reason?"
"I'm not sure since they arrived right before I left to mail some things, but I think something was wrong."
"How so?" Jeff asked.
"Blaine looked sick and Sebby looked worried." Those words caught both of their attention. Jeff thought back to his morning, since he'd spent it with Blaine and couldn't remember anything being off.
"Didn't Seb have orientation today?" Nick asked as he looked across at Jeff.
"He did. But what would Seb's orientation have to do with Blaine looking sick. He was fine when I was with him this morning. Though, it's not unusual to come down with a bug within a few hours. I hope that's not the case since he's looking forward to the gala tomorrow."
True, but Blaine being sick isn't necessarily a reason for Seb to be worried. And if Blaine has a cold, why would they go and visit Lexi at the risk of the kids or her catching something. Nick said. "We could always call Hunter since he would've been at orientation with Seb."
"And he and Blaine were supposed to spar today."
But before either of them could make a call Santana came walking through the door. "And here I thought I might beat you home today Britt." She said as she set her bag down before sitting down next to Nick.
"I only got home a little while ago."
"What were you talking about when I walked in?"
"Blaine and Sebby."
"What about them if you don't mind me asking?"
"Britt told us they showed up to Lexi and Cooper's today and that Blaine looked sick and Seb looked worried."
"Well, you know we can rule out pregnancy." Santana said with a laugh which caused the guys to smile. "Why do you guys look worried?" She said as she leaned against Nick.
"Because I was with Blaine this morning and he seemed fine." Jeff replied. "And knowing them the way we do, it would take more than a cold to worry Seb."
"So we were about to call Hunter and ask him if anything happened."
"I'd wait." Santana said to them. "If it's something they think you should know about they'll tell you. And if I've learned anything about Hunter, he's loyal. He's not going to say anything unless it's okay with Blaine and Seb."
"She's got a point." Jeff said. "But there is nothing wrong with calling the guys to see what's up."
"Britt, when did Blaine and Seb get to Lexi and Cooper's?"
"A few hours ago. When I came back from mailing that stuff for Lexi they were heading upstairs to take a nap."
"Together?" Jeff asked.
"I think so."
"Blaine doesn't have a cold. There is no way Seb would risk catching something so close to classes starting." Nick said. "Especially with lacrosse happening."
"You guys know them almost too well." Santana said.
"We know them about as well as you know Britt aside from certain aspects." Jeff said with a smile.
"Point taken."
By the time Blaine and Sebastian returned home that night neither wanted to do much of anything. Considering the way they looked when they arrived at Cooper and Lexi's, they weren't allowed to leave until after they had dinner with them. As much as they had wanted to just go home and relax after filling Cooper and Lexi in on everything, neither of them were going to fight staying for dinner. Honestly, who would fight someone wanting to cook and take care of you?
After changing into something more comfortable Blaine crawled into bed. "I thought you wanted to watch a move in the living room." Sebastian said as he tossed their clothes into the hamper.
"I did, but the bed was calling my name. Didn't you hear it?"
"I must've missed it." Sebastian replied before joining Blaine in bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Better, I'm still sorry about how I reacted."
"And like I said, don't worry about it. Your reaction was understandable, especially considering how the mere thought of it got to me, you've unfortunately experienced it."
"Bas."
"Yea."
"Why isn't your Dad staying with us? I swore I heard you mention his choices as being between staying with Coop and Lexi or a hotel."
"I actually offered, but he doesn't want to be in the way since we'll be starting school and he's not quite sure how long he'll be in town."
"And Cooper and Lexi's house is less chaotic?" Blaine said while looking up at Sebastian who was leaning against the headboard.
"It's more about him not wanting to bother us while we're studying. Don't worry; I'm sure we're going to see quite a bit of him while he's here."
"Alright, I was just checking."
"I was the good son and offered our home first since he's coming out for me. How about you get comfortable and I go and get our movie?" Blaine nodded, so Sebastian got out of bed and headed for the living room. When he returned Blaine was in the middle of the bed resting on most of the pillows. "You didn't leave much room for me B."
"There is plenty of room. And it's time I took care of you again after what happened."
"I'm fine B."
"To quote you from earlier, humor me." Sebastian smiled back at him before putting the movie in. While he did that, Blaine slid his legs under the covers.
"Where would you like me?"
"Your choice." Since Blaine had his legs under the covers, Sebastian took his sweats off and got into bed under the covers. "You know you could've left your sweats on."
"I know, but you know I prefer to wear less when I'm under the covers unless its winter."
"Can't say you're not consistent Bas."
"Exactly." Even if he was hesitant about letting Blaine take care of him that evening, once he rested his head on Blaine's chest the moment couldn't have felt more right. "Did you read the latest gossip update on your phone?"
"Are you talking about the one from Trent or the one from Rachel?"
"Either, they said basically the same thing."
"You've got a point though Trent didn't point out the fact the writer thought we were hot."
"Very true. That woman is being destroyed while Coop's being heralded." Sebastian said as he wrapped an arm around Blaine's waist.
"It couldn't happen to a nicer person."
The next morning when Sebastian got up for practice he was surprised to see that Blaine was already awake. "Couldn't sleep?" Sebastian asked after leaning up to give him a kiss.
"Not really. I was up a good portion of the night. It looked like you slept well."
"I did. Must've had something to do with where I slept. I wasn't the reason you couldn't sleep, was I?" Sebastian asked as he sat up.
"Yes and no, but it had nothing to do with where you slept considering we've slept like that numerous times."
"You're worried about what might happen today, aren't you?"
"And if I am?"
"I appreciate it, but I wish it didn't happen. You're gonna need to try and get some sleep today B, we've got a long day, well night ahead of us."
"I know. And I'll try. But don't be surprised if it doesn't happen till you get home."
"Would it make you feel any better if I called you once I got to practice and you know I'm with the guys?"
"It might."
"Then that's what I'll do. And remember, they're supposed to be keeping a better eye on things now."
"That doesn't make me feel any better Bas considering he's gotten on campus twice. Hell, I probably won't feel better till after your Dad goes in and meets with them. For some reason I have a feeling he's not going to accept half-assed answers when it comes to you and your safety."
"You are right about that." Sebastian leaned over and gave him a kiss. "I don't necessarily want to end our conversation, but I need to start getting ready. Would you like some coffee since you're up?"
"I'll go get us some coffee while you get ready."
"You don't have to B."
"I know, I want too." Blaine then set his book down and got out of bed and headed for the kitchen. He was still waiting for the pot to finish when he felt Sebastian step up behind him. Instinctively he leaned back against him.
"If I didn't know better I'd think you could fall asleep right here and now." Sebastian said to him as he leaned his head over Blaine's shoulder.
"I wish I could, though you need to go soon." As Blaine spoke the coffee pot beeped that it was done. Sebastian let go of Blaine so that he could grab their cups out of the cabinet. He saw Blaine grab one of their larger cups along with Sebastian's travel mug.
"You have that much coffee you're not going to sleep."
"I won't be sleeping till I hear from you so I might as well enjoy it." Once both cups were poured Blaine leaned against the counter. "I guess you need to go."
"I do, but I'll talk to you soon. I love you."
"I love you too. Have a good practice."
"Will do and try and get some sleep."
"I will." Blaine the leaned up to give Sebastian a kiss goodbye. After he watched Sebastian head out, Blaine made his way back to their bedroom. He knew Sebastian was right, that he needed to get some sleep but he knew that wasn't going to happen till he at least knew Sebastian was safe at practice with the rest of the guys. He was lying in bed reading his book when his phone rang. Upon looking at it he smiled when he saw Sebastian's picture looking back at him. "That was quick."
"It was almost thirty minutes. But I'm here, safe and sound. So get some sleep, okay."
"Okay, I'll put my book away and get some sleep. And Bas."
"Yea B."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Later B!"
"Later Bas!"
Sebastian had just finished changing when quite a few of the guys came walking over to him. "You okay?" John asked.
"I'm good. They said their going to keep an eye out for him."
"If it makes you feel better Seb he won't come near practice today. The last time he came by he was lucky." Michael told him.
"How so? And why are you so confident he won't show?"
"He won't show because I'm here and I've got a restraining order against his ass. When he showed up at practice that last time I wasn't here. I was out of town for my sister's wedding and I'm pretty sure he knew about it."
"Wish I would've known that sooner, it might've helped put Blaine at ease."
"He's worried about you, isn't he?" Nate asked even though he was pretty certain he knew the answer.
"He is." When Sebastian answered his gaze went to the ground.
"Guys, could you give me a minute with Seb?" Michael asked to which the guys all agreed.
"Remember, you've only got about ten minutes and if you guys are late we're all running laps." John reminded them.
"Got it, this won't take long." Once the guys walked away Michael sat across from Sebastian. "Care to share why Blaine's so worried?"
"He got the crap beat out of him like you did. He was in the hospital for a couple months recovering from the beating he took."
"Did you tell him what happened to me?"
"I did, I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all. Let me guess, telling him what happened caused Blaine to have flashbacks."
"Flashbacks to as much as he can remember about what happened to him. So he's not only dealing with that, he's worried about what could happen to me."
"I'm not going to tell you not to worry because that wouldn't be right. Trevor is a loose cannon. My family and I are still furious that he's not in jail for what he did to me. Have you told anyone what happened besides security?"
"Well Coach knows because he showed up. And I've spoken with my sister, her husband, as well as my Dad and of course Blaine."
"Good, they need to be aware of what's going on." Michael said as he grabbed his gear next to him. "We better finish this on our way to the field. Last thing we'd want is to be responsible for the guys running laps."